Reno speed flyer, David Hewel to receive an Empowerment Grant towards recovery from spinal cord injury
Grant will fund personal training sessions to continue his path towards walking again on his own
The High Fives Foundation is awarding the 33-year-old skier a board-approved Empowerment Grant of $1,300 in support of Hewel’s goal to walk again and to continue following his passion for snow sports, air sports and music. Grant funding will go towards important personal training sessions at the CR Johnson Healing Center, as Hewel continues on the road to recovery.
Hewel suffered a T-12 burst fracture in a speed flying crash at Heavenly Resort in June. David was diagnosed as incomplete, and has worked tremendously hard on his recovery following his time in Renown Hospital.
He would like to get back to the things he loves in whichever fashion his recovery will allow him. Hewel continuously works with different therapies and trainings to get stronger and more mobile than he was prior to his injury. “My main goal is to walk without assistance,” said Hewel. “Training with experienced trainers and utilizing the healing professionals at the CR Johnson Healing Center will help me reach that goal.”
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
