Introducing: High Fives Cycle 2 2022 Empowerment Grant recipients
High Fives is very proud to introduce everyone to these new Athletes that we will be supporting through their recovery and onto whatever goals and adventures they can dream of.
Recovery and progression of one’s mind and body is a never-ending pursuit. These Athletes realize that setting goals and improving themselves is incredibly important. After one goal or adventure is complete, they know that that goal is possible and find ways to become better with the experience and skill created.
High Fives believes that these 21 new Athletes embody our values and will represent High Fives in amazing ways, and we cannot wait to see what they are able to accomplish.
Cycle 1 2022 Empowerment Grant Recipients
Andrew Peters | SCI T12
Thunder Bay, Ontario, CAN
Way she goes, Sometimes she goes, sometimes she doesn’t
$5,000 – Adaptive Equipment
Brian Falus | SCI T7
|Ile Cadieux, Qc, CAN
Brian was being towed behind a car on a frozen lake. He Went off a jump he had built, and under-rotated while in the air. This fall ended up breaking his back
Enjoy the small things!
$3,000- Healing Network
Daniel Zehr | SCI C5
Kitchener, ON, CAN
In May 2021, Daniel took a trip to Grand Bend beach with some friends. Later that same day, one of his friends asked him to dive with him off of a nearby pier. After seeing his friend dive safely into the lake, he followed and struck something head first underwater, paralyzing him from the neck down.
The darkest hour of the night comes just before the dawn.
$3,000-Healing Network
Nathan Smids | Amputee Below Knee
Chatham, ON, CAN
Nathan went off a jump while snowboarding in Canada about 17 years ago. When launching off the jump, he lost his balance and fell from about 15 feet in the air, and had a bad crash landing that broke his right tibia. Doctors had to put metal in his bone to hold it together. Long story short, he got an infection in his bone. After about nine months of trying to save his leg, he had to have it amputated.
No matter how cold the water is, don’t be afraid to jump in.
$1,500-Adaptive Equipment
These new East Coast Athletes will be welcomed to the High Fives Ohana by previous Athletes and Cycle 2 2022 Grant recipients
Drew Stephens | SCI
Rapid Springs, SD
HIGH FIVES HAS SHOWN ME THAT BUILDING COMMUNITY CAN OPEN DOORS AND CHANGE LIVES. LOVE THIS OHANA
$5,000 – Adaptive Equipment
Ronan Patel | TBI
Atlanta, GA
DON’T EVER GIVE UP OR STOP DOING WHAT YOU LOVE.
$3,000 – Healing Network
Keith Shirk | SCI
Lancaster, PA
NO PAIN, NO GAIN! BUT ONE DAY AT A TIME…
$3,500 – Adaptive Equipment
Andrew Gallant | SCI
Queensville, ON
DEFY THE ODDS AND HAVE THE COURAGE TO MOVE FORWARD
$2,000 – Medical Equipment
2022 Cycle 2 Grant Recipients
