Injured Squaw photographer receives funding from High Fives Foundation for wheelchair upgrades

Wheel chair “free wheel” will allow Jason Abraham to access Tahoe trails and tough terrain

Celebrated Squaw Valley photographer, Jason Abraham, 36, was skiing and photographing in April, 2015 with a group of local skiers in the notorious zone of Squaw Valley called the Palisades when his life took a turn.

After entering a chute, Abraham picked up speed, caught an edge and was flung on his back. The impact resulted in a burst fractured C6 vertebrae causing temporary paralysis from the shoulders down.

The Tahoe community was devastated for his injury and has poured support into his recovery.

Tahoe non-profit, The High Fives Foundation has provided Abraham continuous support, and in June approved another grant for two specialized modifications to his wheelchair plus massage therapy at the CR Johnson Healing Center.

The wheelchair modifications, an attachable “free-wheel” and a custom seat cushion, will allow Abraham to access more terrain, including trails with inclined grade.

“This is just another amazing step,” said Abraham. “I can go off road now, and go to my sons soccer games; things like that.”

“Jason is motivated for all the right reasons,” said Roy Tuscany, Executive Director at the High Fives Foundation “He works so hard towards strength and independence and mobility so he can be the best dad, husband and all around great human.”

In the month of June alone, the High Fives Foundation granted $18,900 to 6 High Fives Athletes.

HIGH FIVES ATHLETE RECEIVES EMPOWERMENT GRANT | TREVOR KENNISON

HIGH FIVES ATHLETE RECEIVES EMPOWERMENT GRANT | SCOTT WILL

HIGH FIVES ATHLETE RECEIVES EMPOWERMENT GRANT | DANIEL MURRAY

HIGH FIVES ATHLETE RECEIVES EMPOWERMENT GRANT | MEGAN WEMMER

HIGH FIVES ATHLETE RECEIVES EMPOWERMENT GRANT | DAVID HEWEL

HIGH FIVES ATHLETE RECEIVES EMPOWERMENT GRANT | JASON ABRAHAM