HIGH FIVES ATHLETE RECEIVES EMPOWERMENT GRANT | JASON ABRAHAM

Grant funding from Tahoe-based High Fives Foundation allows injured skier the chance to ski

Empowerment Grant will provide Jason Abraham with health treatments and ski lessons after life-altering injury

#HighFivesAthlete Abro
#HighFivesAthlete Abro

The High Fives Foundation is awarding 36-year-old Jason Abraham an Empowerment Grant of $5,835 to aid in his recovery from a life-altering injury he sustained while skiing in Lake Tahoe, Calif. last winter. The Empowerment Grant will allow Abraham to receive vital treatments such as acupuncture, massage, and personal training sessions along with adaptive ski lessons at Achieve Tahoe.

Abraham was skiing at Squaw Valley on one of the only powder days of the year, 2015. He decided he’d take a free ski run on Main Chute on the Palisades. Toward the bottom of Main Chute Jason 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.

“My recovery goals are to become as independent as possible,” said Abraham. “My hope is that High Fives can continue to assist me with my physical recovery and help me get back to skiing and mountain biking in the mountains.”

“Jason 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.”

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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