HIGH FIVES ATHLETE RECEIVES EMPOWERMENT GRANT | Jillian Foster

Injured Davis, Calif. skier receives grant funding from Tahoe-based High Fives Foundation

Jillian Foster receives an Empowerment Grant to aid in recovery from life-altering injury

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#HighFivesAthlete Jillian Foster

The High Fives Foundation is awarding 16-year-old Jillian Foster a board-approved Empowerment Grant of $3,175, providing vital recovery services in the form of acupuncture, massage, gym membership, and home modifications.

Foster experienced a full break of the T11/12 thoracic spine, and a fully severed spinal cord. These injuries occurred while she was skiing at Boreal Ski Resort with her ski team, when she hit a tree at full speed.

Foster’s recovery goal is to be fully independent in all the care that she needs. She wants to attempt all the activities that she did before her injury. Foster is hoping to get back on the snow as soon as possible. “The mountain I visited most often before my injury was Sugar Bowl Resort, but the current mountain I am working to overcome mentally is learning to overcome the weight of not being able to use my legs,” said Foster.

Foster is a young High School student who suffered a complete injury. She is entering life in a wheelchair, and the High Fives Foundation will help Jillian in any way possible. “Jillian is a model High Fives Athlete,” said Roy Tuscany, High Fives Foundation Executive Director. “She’s positive, she’s highly motivated, and we’re proud to support him in all of her 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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