Jen Chaillie
In 2011, Jen dove into a pool without depth markers and drowned. She was underwater for about 3 minutes before being pulled out and given CPR. This accident also resulted in a cervical spinal cord injury. Jen says, “despite losing my ability to walk, I still have an amazing life. There is nothing I can’t do; I just have to do it differently.”
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.”
High Fives has provided:
Vesco Metal Craft *partial funding* toward Rugby Chair $2,000
“I never let my injury slow me down. The same month I was discharged from rehab I was kayaking and hand cycling with a program in Phoenix. I am always looking to continue to improve my strength and try new things. I have been parasailing, repelling, rockclimbing, skiing, waterskiing, and I got certified in scuba diving, I work out 5-6 days a week by lifting weights, swimming, hand cycling etc and then I wanted to try rugby so I started practicing with the team and I fell in love with the sport. This grant will allow me to purchase my own rugby chair and be able to train and compete next season with the team and I'll be the first girl on their team. It will allow me to be a part of a team which is like a second family and be a part of something great. It will allow me to gain new strengths and skills and be even stronger than I am. I never want to stop growing.“
– #HighFivesAthlete, Jen Chaillie
High Fives Athletes
