Providing financial support to winter action sports athletes through the recovery process and helping achieve goals to disabled athletes through winter adaptive sports.
A local pro skier who suffered a C-2 vertebrae break in 2010 while filming in the Lake Tahoe backcountry. High Fives supplied the financial means for him to return to a professional level through physical therapy with Scott Williams, PT, OCS.
“Pain is weakness leaving your body”
Physical Therapy at Synergy Therapeutics with Scott Williams.
The first recipient of the CR Johnson memorial fund, Brennan suffered a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) while riding Alpine Meadows, CA in 2010. High Fives / CRJ Memorial has financially supported all healing therapies for Brennan to return to riding Powder.
“High Fives are Healing”
Chiropractic Service by Dr. Bradley (Burlington, VT), Acupuncture, Connection to Johnson Family, Personal Trainer at the Y (Burlington, VT), Hospital and Recovery Information, Gym Membership, Pilates Sessions and a 12-week Structural Integration by Vermont Yoga and Bodyworks.
The co-owner of a professional snowmobile team Alpine Assassins, was hurt in March of 2010 while filming for the upcoming movie, Alpine AssassiNATION. Grant suffered a L-1 burst fracture that left him paralyzed from the waist down. High Fives has funded his recovery to ensure he dances with his wife, walks with his dog Obie, and returns to the mountains.
“It's not about what I've done, it's about what I am going to do”
Physical Therapy with Ladd Williams (Truckee, CA), Acupuncture from Bird Lew (Truckee, CA), Acupuncture from Dr. Zhu (San Jose, CA), Acupuncture with Michael Kerrigan, Matching Donations, Endless Support and SCI Information, Rehabilitation by Dr. Rutherford, Shepard Center Step-Program, Northern Nevada Hyperbaric Sessions, Physical Therapy at The C.O.R.E. Training Facility and Adaptive Medical Equipment including a Pilates Reformer.
Once a Truckee resident, Kyler has relocated to attend school in Roseville, CA and to pursue a dream of making the US Para-Rugby Olympic Team in 2012. Kyler suffered a complete SCI (Spinal Cord Injury) that left him a quadriplegic. High Fives provided Kyler with a brand new rugby wheel chair so he can represent Team USA in one of the most intense sports.
“I am going to represent my country on the USA Para-Rugby Team”
New Equipment and Chair from Melrose Kiwi Concepts.
After a successful career as a ski racer, Steve moved out west to pursue the ultimate dream; ski powder everyday. In 2008, Steve suffered a burst fracture of his T-9 vertebrae while skiing Squaw Valley USA. After an endless pursuit to return skiing, High Fives provided Steve with financial means to make this dream a reality in 2010 with FarWest Disabled Sports.
“The ski racing community had better watch out, I am on
my way to the podium”
Lessons at Disabled Sports USA - Far West (Alpine Meadows), Gym Membership at A Sante Lakeside Fitness (Tahoe City, CA), Tecnica Ski Boots, Surefoot Custom Orthotics, Volkl Skis, Smith Optics Helmet and Goggle, Bar Effect Classes with Michelle Rahlves and a Pool Membership at Truckee Tahoe Athletic Club (Truckee, CA)
A pro skier and ski guide, in 2009, Tamara found herself at the ER with pain in her side. After tests she discovered she had Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. While skiing in between treatments, Tamara has stayed positive and looks forward to using her funding from High Fives to maintain a healthy mental outlook and her amazing smile.
“The mountains are my happy place ~ Thanks High Fives”
A 1-year Yoga Membership for Tamara's recovery.
While attending college in Boulder, CO Carrie was filming a snowboarding video in 1993, and fractured her L-1 vertebrae. It's taken 17 years for her to return to the mountain. Though her injuries prevent her from snowboarding, she is currently working with Disabled Sports USA - Far West at Alpine Meadows to learn to ski and received support from High Fives to make it happen.
“Love the life you live, live the life you love.”
Custom Ski Boots from SureFoot.
John has twice achieved gold medal performances doing what he loves most, skiing. Aside from his Paralympic accomplishments, John has been featured in the award winning film The Chariot Races, shared the spotlight with the engineer of his off road wheelchair, John Castellano, in a Coca Cola Commercial, and even climbed the corporate ladder for a few years. John is currently working on several fundamentally innovative, morally compelling, and philosophically positive projects to keep him busy when not on the slopes enjoy the steeps of Squaw Valley USA.
“Achieve what you want to achieve.”
Landon is a 16 year old from Canada. He broke his back this past summer while riding his mountain bike. In the summer Landon's passion is mountain biking and in the winter, skiing filled that same passion. High Fives enabled Landon to return to the mountain and be with his friends & family. His goal of making the 2014 Paralympics was accelerated by High Fives but now his hard-work, never give-up attitude is going to get him there.
“My legs don't work, so what! My head does. It's still me just sitting.”
Volkl 161cm Bridge Skis, Sit-Ski rig from Freedom Factory, KGB Sit-Ski, Smith Helmet and Goggles, Transportation from Truckee-Tahoe Transportation, Lessons from Far West Disabled Sports USA, Accommodations from Resort at Squaw Creek, Lifts Tickets from Alpine Meadows, Outriggers by Super-Lite, Epic Trip to Mississippi and Outerwear from UnofficialNetworks.com
Coming off the best ski season of his life, which included participation in filming G.N.A.R. The Movie, Phil suffered a burst fracture of his C-5 vertebrae on January 1, 2011 while skiing at Squaw Valley. Initially paralyzed from the neck down, he spent 5 weeks in the Renown Rehabilitation Hospital in Reno, NV. After returning home to Truckee, he continued a rigorous rehab schedule with the best the area has to offer. Fueled by the continued love and support of family and friends, and MANY High Fives, Phil hopes to make his triumphant return to the mountains sometime very soon.
“I have absolutely no regrets about my accident. This whole experience has only made me stronger!”
Informative Devices, Physical Therapy with Scott Williams of Synergy Healing, Massage with Karen Stubbs, Bio-Feedback with Lori Marcus of Pathlight Healing, Acupuncture with Bird Lew, Epic Trip to Mississippi, Rent and Utilities
He started teaching skiing and coaching racing in 1986, teaching and racing are his true passions. On March 5, 2005, Todd was racing motocross, and in one turn his whole life changed. Instantly, he became a C 5/6 quadriplegic. If it wasn't for the help of the High Fives, Bill Bowness, and the rest of the gang at Disabled Sports, it wouldn't have been possible from him to return to the mountain this spring. The best powder turns of his whole life were the five he made April 7, 2011 on the face of Subway, being bucketed by Bob while skiing next to his wife April. Todd says “I am happy to be a quad, it allowed me to meet my wife!”
“I’ve forgot more about living on the edge than you'll ever know. Thanks High Fives!”
Lessons at Farwest Disabled Sports, Farwest Membership, Super-Lite Outriggers, Super-Lite Gloves, Equipment Rentals.
While working to remove hazard trees from across a ski trail in Alaska, Ira was crushed by a leaning tree that fell across his shoulders on November 18, 2010. Ira was paralyzed from the waist down and spent 3 months recovering at Craig Hospital in Denver. Now working hard on his recovery and healing, Ira is determined to show others what can be accomplished and hopefully help others to get back out there after a traumatic injury. Ira is a fanatical outdoorsman, and plans to continue to spend as much time as possible skiing the mountains and trails and biking to as many destinations as possible. Check out www.roosterskier.com to follow Ira!
“Being in a wheelchair is not the end, this is just a new beginning.”
Lasher Sports All-Terrain Handcycle and Winter Wheel Set
While back-country snowboarding in Japan, Seth was caught in avalanche that sent him for a violent ride. The resulting crash dislocated his shoulder, broke his pelvis in two places, tore the meniscus in his left knee, and ruptured an internal artery. After an initial surgery in Japan and then a flight back to Tahoe, it was later found that the internal pelvic fixation hardware was broken. Seth has had three major surgeries and is now on the road to recovery. Seth is one of snowsports top photographers and writers, he currently works for TGR (www.tetongravity.com) and the local media in the Tahoe region, check out www.sethlightcap.com
“Build strength until I'm back on the summit.”
Physical Therapy with Scott Williams of Synergy Healing, Massage with Karen Stubbs L.M.T., Acupuncture with Bird Lew, Gift Certificate for supplements/vitamins at New Moon, Bio-Feedback with Lori Marcus, and Rent
I love all things outdoors and being able to see personal progression in anything. On January 3rd I suffered a traumatic brain injury; 4 brain surgeries, medically induced coma and paralyzed. 5 weeks later I was released from the hospital and in recovery mode. Now its non stop physical therapy and physical activities whether it be hiking, golfing, fishing, rock climbing etc.
“One Life To Live”
Physical Therapy at Synergy Therapeutics with Scott Williams, Acupuncture with Bird Lew and Bar Effect Classes with Michelle Rahlves.
Jason found his passion in paddling at a young age and traveled around the globe as a profession kayaker. At 16 he won the 2009 Freestyle Kayaking World Championships in Thun, Switzerland. On March 20th, 2011 while out running a 30’ waterfall he landed on a submerged rock and shattered his sacrum, burst fractured L4, L5, and suffered neurological compression and severage. Now he is working hard to hike out of the Zambezi, ski powder, boulder in Bishop, and run the high Sierra multi-day classics once again.
“The power of positivity and love are the greatest healers.”
Physical Therapy at Synergy Therapeutics with Scott Williams, Acupuncture with Bird Lew, Massage with Karen Stubbs and Bar Effect Classes with Michelle Rahlves.
A former pro mogul skier and skier for Rap Films, DJ’s true passion for the last 33 years is ski alpinism, and he has pioneered and soloed many routes throughout the Sierra. In 2010, Darren found himself buried for seven minutes after taking a ride on an early season avalanche on Red Lake Peak. After his recuperation from the initial effects of a Traumatic Brain Injury, facial paralysis, and multiple facial and other fractures.
“Life is a do-it-yourself project.”
Acupuncture at Elevate Wellness Center, Massage Therapy with Karen Stubbs and Network of Information for Healing.
A C 4-5 quadriplegic as the result of the spinal cord injury suffered at a beach where he grew up, and currently battling Syringmyelia, Tony's tenacious surf/skate/ski DNA has pushed him through all sorts of obstacles and has lead him into an endlessly surprising and beautiful life. 4 years ago Tony was bitten hard by the bi-ski bug when he hooked up with the folks over at Disabled Sports Far West at Alpine Meadows and the stoke hasn't subsided. With some assistance from High Fives, he looks to really push things forward this upcoming ski season. You can follow Tony at www.fasterbarnacle.com where he writes about life, skiing, music and whatever else scratches his soul.
“It's all happening right now, embrace it with a committed fearlessness.”
In 2006, she got in a skiing accident and sustained a spinal cord injury. She is Ms. Wheelchair Maine 2011 and recently received the Forty Under 40 award in Maine that recognizes dedication to leadership, professional excellence and community involvement. She is starting the Ms. Wheelchair Maine Leadership and Advocacy Organization to empower people with physical, mental and emotional disabilities through achievements.
“Use every obstacle as an opportunity to educate.”
Adaptive Lessons at New England Disabled Sports at Loon Mountain, Massage at Massage Envy, Acupuncture at Maine Center for Acupuncture, Gym Membership and Trainer at Planet Fitness.
Mark was born with a birth defect known as Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency or P.F.F.D. , where his femur was underdeveloped, resulting in an amputation of his foot and ankle when he was 2. He has worn a prosthetic right leg ever since and currently wears a Plie 2.0 micro-processor knee from Freedom Innovations, which is pretty rad. Last year, his awesome girlfriend Alana Nichols introduced him to adaptive ski racing and he fell in love with the sport...and the girl! Mark is currently racing for the N.S.C.D. in Winter Park, CO and his ultimate goal is to compete in the 2014 Paralympics Winter Games in Sochi, Russia and bring home a Gold for the USA!
“When life hands you lemons, you should make some lemonade... When life hands you a disability, you should go skiing! High Five!”
1-year of Training with N.S.C.D. in Winter Park, Volkl Racetiger DH, SG, GS, and SL skis, and Marker M30 Race Bindings.
Chris was living the good life at 27, then he was struck with numerous tragedies for 2 1/2 years, which left me in a wheelchair for the rest of his life after a motorcycle accident. But here is to life after tragedy, Chris continued to keep his head up and move positively forward. Now today, Chris is trying out for the Paralympic team thanks to High Five!
“Dream big and follow your dreams.”
HOC (Hands on Concept) Sit-Ski, Outriggers, and Bindings and Gore-Tex Boots
Taylor was injured while riding a quad with some friends in May '11. She has massive support from her family and friends, and is willing to try anything. High Fives has not only been amazing friends but also hooked Taylor up with a sit ski to get out on the slopes and rip it up!
“You never know what tomorrow will bring so live today like it's your last one.”
Lessons at Farwest Disabled Sports, Farwest Membership, Adaptive Equipment Rentals.
Jasmin was paralyzed in a car accident in 2000. He did not let his disability stop him and went on to finish college and became a professional athlete. Jasmin's passion is alpine skiing. The only time he feels completely free from his wheelchair is when he is shreding down the slopes. He races all over the world and often gets up on the podium. Jasmin trains year round and wants to win GOLD in his 2nd Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi Russia.
“Now, Or Never.”
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