Jericho, Vt. resident receives support from the Tahoe-based High Fives Foundation following life-altering injury
The High Fives Foundation is awarding Jericho, Vt. resident Keenan Weischedel a board-approved Empowerment Grant totaling $600 to aid in his recovery.
On November 22, 2016, Weischedel was ski touring with some friends at Mad River Glen in Fayston, Vt. Excited to ski the fresh early-season snow, Weischedel and friends were racing down the hill when he hit a jump and was propelled forward causing him to double eject from both bindings, landing directly on his head. Following the impact, Weischedel couldn’t lift his head, and he laid still while his friends stabilized his head and neck while they cleared snow from his face. He laid there for the next two hours until paramedics were able to reach him.
Following his emergency extraction, Weischedel was taken to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Hanover, N.H. After a successful surgery, doctors told Weischedel that he had suffered an incomplete spinal cord injury at the C7 level.
Weischedel has many recovery goals. Right now he is focused on regaining strength, and working on his fine motor skills. The January Empowerment Grant from the High Fives Foundation will be used toward personal training and a pool membership at The Essex Resort and Spa.
“I’ve spoken to Keenan multiple times about his current needs and how High Fives can play a part in his recovery,” said Steve Wallace, Program Services Manager at the High Fives Foundation. “Keenan is an incredibly driven individual, and we are honored to continue to support in any way that we can.”
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 146 athletes from 27 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).
In January 2017 the High Fives Foundation disbursed $33,002.50 in board-approved grants to 10 athletes in 5 states.
10 #HIGHFIVESATHLETES RECEIVED EMPOWERMENT GRANT FUNDING IN THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2017!
HIGH FIVES ATHLETES RECEIVE EMPOWERMENT GRANTS | COLORADO RESIDENTS
HIGH FIVES ATHLETES RECEIVE EMPOWERMENT GRANTS | NEW ENGLAND
HIGH FIVES ATHLETES RECEIVE EMPOWERMENT GRANTS | TAHOE AREA
HIGH FIVES ATHLETE RECEIVES EMPOWERMENT GRANT | KEENAN WEISCHEDEL
HIGH FIVES ATHLETE RECEIVES EMPOWERMENT GRANT | KEVIN CHEUNG
About the High Fives Foundation: The High Fives Foundation is a Tahoe-based, national 501.c.3 non-profit organization. The High Fives Foundation supports the dreams of mountain action sports athletes by raising injury prevention awareness while providing resources and inspiration to those who suffer life-altering injuries. Formed as a way to “pay-it-forward” by the founder from his own recovery to help injured athletes, the Foundation has helped 146 athletes to date since its inception in 2009. For more information visit www.highfivesfoundation.org
