HIGH FIVES ATHLETE RECEIVES EMPOWERMENT GRANT | BRANDON PITZER

Brandon Pitzer of Portland, Or. receives continued support from Tahoe-based High Fives Foundation after sustaining life-altering injury

The 27-year-old skier receives $1,566 from Empowerment Fund to go towards physical therapy and personal training sessions

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#HighFivesAthlete Brandon Pitzer

While skiing at Timberline in the spring 2013, Pitzer under rotated a double backflip breaking the T11/12, resulting in a spinal cord injury.

Pitzer’s recovery goal is to get back on his feet to 100%, and clip into his skis doing spins and flips like he used too. “Brandon is a model High Fives athlete,” said Roy Tuscany, High Fives Foundation Executive Director. “He’s positive, he’s highly motivated, and we’re proud to support him in all of his goals.”

Through the board-approved Empowerment Grant, Pitzer will receive funding towards vital recovery services in the form of personal training and physical therapy sessions. “By providing access to physical therapy High Fives has greatly helped my back injury,” said Pitzer.

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 104 athletes from 22 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 Quarter 1 of 2016 the High Fives Foundation disbursed $91,509 in board-approved grants to 19 athletes in 9 states.

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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 104 athletes to date since its inception in 2009. For more information visit www.highfivesfoundation.org

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