Central Athletes | 2024 Grant Cycle 1

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

At High Fives Foundation, our mission is rooted in preventing life-changing injuries and providing resources and hope to those who face them. Through our Empowerment Fund, we strive to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals impacted by spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, or other mobility-limiting injuries incurred during outdoor adventure sports. As we culminate the first grant cycle of the year, we are thrilled to share the impactful outcomes achieved through the collective efforts of our team, supporters, and the resilient athletes we serve.

2024 Grant Cycle 1 Recap

From January 1st to January 31st, we embarked on our first grant cycle of the year, extending support to individuals injured in outdoor adventure sports. The cycle witnessed an outpouring of applications from across the nation, each embodying the spirit of determination and perseverance. After diligent review and consideration, we’re proud to announce that a total of $256,476 was funded, reaching a remarkable 99 athletes.

Of these grants, 55 were awarded to existing athletes within our network, while 44 opened doors for new athletes to access essential resources. The distribution spanned across the country, with 62 grants allocated to the West Coast, 16 to the East Coast, and 21 to the Central region, underscoring our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

Meet the 21 Athletes in the Central region for the 2024 Grant Cycle 1

Quinn Brett

Meet Quinn

Daniel Petermann

Meet Daniel

Candice Dungan

Meet Candice

Brooke Nelson

Meet Brooke

Allyson Mallory

Meet Allyson

Megan Wemmer

Meet Megan

David Tarro

Meet David

John Papai

Meet John

Kevin Smith

Meet Kevin

Dean Ahrens

Meet Dean

Terry “Dave” Cummings

Meet Terry

Nat Vorel

Meet Nat

Fang Her

Meet Fang

Becca Steinbrecher

Meet Becca

Jason Coleman

Meet Jason

Gerry Snieski

Meet Gerry

Joseph Zabel

Meet Joseph

Brian Biggs

Meet Brian

View All Athletes

WE ARE MANY. WE ARE MIGHTY.

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Embedded within these statistics are the inspiring narratives of individuals who refuse to be defined by their injuries but instead choose to embrace life with unwavering determination and resilience.

The funds disbursed through Grant Cycle 1 facilitated the procurement of adaptive sports equipment, with 5 grants dedicated to adaptive surf equipment, 7 to snow sports equipment, and 19 to biking equipment, empowering athletes to pursue their passion for outdoor adventures safely and confidently. Additionally, our support extended beyond equipment, with grants allocated across various categories including:

Adaptive Equipment: 45 grants
Medical Equipment: 21 grants
Healing Network: 23 grants
Living Expenses: 3 grants
Programs: 6 grants
Emergency Expenses: 1 grant

These grants not only address immediate needs but also foster long-term healing, rehabilitation, and community integration, ensuring that our athletes receive comprehensive support on their journey to recovery and beyond. From the West Coast to the East Coast and Central regions, athletes like Daewon Rojas-Mickelson, Caroline Swanson, Travis Daniel, and Kevin Smith share their aspirations, goals, and gratitude for the support received from High Fives Foundation.