Injured Carbondale athlete receives continued support from mountain town non-profit, the High Fives Foundation
Jim Harris has progressed from wheelchair to walking with hiking poles to unassisted mobility since 2014 injury
(Truckee, Calif., September 15, 2016) – The High Fives Foundation is awarding Carbondale resident, Jim Harris an Empowerment Grant for specialized therapies from a spinal cord injury he received on photography assignment in Patagonia in 2014.
Harris was kite-skiing in preparation to traverse across snow covered Patagonian terrain, when a gust of wind tossed him into the air and back down causing fractures in his T7/8 and C2/3 vertebrae. The accident left Jim paralyzed at the T6 level.
His road to recovery has required thousands of hours of rehabilitation at renowned centers like Craig Hospital and the CR Johnson Healing Center. Harris has successfully regained significant motion in his legs. Now he is living in Carbondale, working in the creative department for the Five Point Film Festival. Prior to his injury, Harris established himself in the action sports industry as an accomplished photographer.
“Jim’s determination has what got him where he is now in his recovery,” said Roy Tuscany, Executive Director of the High Fives Foundation. “Jim and other High Fives Athletes have proven to themselves that the time and effort they put in pays off in their recovery.”
“Therapy is expensive,” said Harris. “Without the continued funding and support from the High Fives Foundation, I wouldn’t be skiing, biking, hiking, or enjoying any of the activities I love.”
This Empowerment Grant will provide Harris with sessions of massage with Danielle Wilson, sessions of chiropractic work with Dr. Dave Jenson, one year of physical therapy for people with spinal cord injuries at Bridging Bionics, and session of personal training at The Ripple Effect.
Denver man receives a new hand cylce from mountain town non profit, The High Fives Foundation
“He’s a mentor and example to others who want to participate in adaptive sports,” said Roy Tuscany, Executive Director
(Truckee, Calif., September 15, 2016) – California Non-Profit the High Fives Foundation is awarding Denver resident Chris Luna an Empowerment Grant for an adaptive cross country handcycle.
The High Fives Foundation gives support to mountain action sports athletes who have suffered life-altering injuries.
Chris Luna, 38, suffered a spinal cord injury in 2000 rocking climbing outside of Colorado Springs, Colorado.
“Disabled athletes here have access to every sport or activity they want to participate in,” said Luna “I want to take advantage of the opportunities available here in this city and state.”
The handcycle will allow him to be competitive in adaptive cross country cycling contests in the state. Luna heard about the High Fives Foundation from a fundraising event at Craig Hospital, a partner of the organization.
“Chris has been an adaptive athlete and participating in outdoor activities for 16 years now,” said Roy Tuscany, Executive Director of the High Fives Foundation. “He’s a mentor and example to others who want to participate in these sports, but his current handcycle needed a serious upgrade to be competitive.”
HIGH FIVES ATHLETE RECEIVES EMPOWERMENT GRANT | JIM HARRIS
HIGH FIVES ATHLETE RECEIVES EMPOWERMENT GRANT | TAYLOR FIDDYMENT
HIGH FIVES ATHLETE RECEIVES EMPOWERMENT GRANT | JEFF ANDREWS
HIGH FIVES ATHLETE RECEIVES EMPOWERMENT GRANT | BRANDON PITZER
HIGH FIVES ATHLETE RECEIVES EMPOWERMENT GRANT | CHRIS LUNA
HIGH FIVES ATHLETE RECEIVES EMPOWERMENT GRANT | JOANNA ADAMS
HIGH FIVES ATHLETE RECEIVES EMPOWERMENT GRANT | BOND CAMP
HIGH FIVES ATHLETE RECEIVES EMPOWERMENT GRANT | NICK FAIRALL
