Congratulations & High Five to 10 Western Region #HighFivesAthletes who were awarded Empowerment Grants in Quarter 1 of 2016!
In Quarter 1 of 2016 High Fives dispersed $48,980 in grant funding to 10 Western Region Athletes to aid in recovery from life-altering injuries. In Quarter 1 of 2016 the High Fives Foundation disbursed a total of $91,509 in board-approved grants to 19 athletes in 9 states.
The High Fives Foundation supports injured mountain sports athletes through grant funding to be used towards reaching their recovery goals. Since the High Fives Foundation’s January 2009 inception, the Empowerment program service has assisted 104 athletes from 22 states in nine respective funding categories which include: living expenses, insurance, travel, health, healing network, adaptive equipment, winter equipment, programs and “stoke” (positive energy, outlook and attitude).
The Empowerment Fund provides resources and inspiration to those who suffer a life-altering injury. Life-altering injuries are injuries such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputation or other mobility-limiting injuries that occurred in an athlete’s lifetime. The resources and inspiration we provide come in the form of board-approved grant funding paid to service providers in nine funding categories: living expenses, insurance, health, travel, High Fives Healing Network, adaptive equipment, winter equipment, and “stoke” (positive energy, outlook, attitude).
“With the Foundation based in Tahoe, it is so important to act as the safety net for all the athletes in the area,” says Roy Tuscany, Executive Director of High Fives Foundation. “This year we have returned numerous athletes back to snow and helped helped others in their recovery, it is truly a blessing.”
The High Fives Foundation has provided Empowerment Grants to the following athletes as they continue on their road to recovery//
Jason Abraham—Alpine Meadows, CA – $5,835 (Massage, acupuncture, Neurokinetic Pilates, Personal training, Skiing w/ Achieve Tahoe)
Jeff Andrews—Truckee, CA – $15,606 (Neurokinetic Pilates at Body Wellness Hawaii)
Matt Leonard—San Francisco, CA – $505 (Skiing w/ Achieve Tahoe)
Tony Schmiesing—Berkeley, CA – $4,996 (Stoke trip to X-Games to Ski Superpipe)
Luke Eckenberg—Truckee, CA – $6,856 (HOC Monoski)
David Hewel—Reno, NV – $1,300 (Personal Training w/Chris Cloyd)
Kevin Cheung—San Bruno, CA – $6,801 (Unpaid Medical Bills, Bioness E-Stim Unit, 6-month Gym Membership)
Taylor Fiddyment—Truckee, CA – $2,340 (Personal Training w/ Chris Cloyd & Jack Powell)
Jillian Foster—Davis, CA – $3,175 (Gym Membership, Massage, Acupuncture, Home Modifications)
Brandon Pitzer—Portland, OR – $1,566 (Personal Training & Physical Training)
