Recently injured Squaw Valley snowboarder aided by High Fives Foundation towards spinal cord injury recovery
Empowerment Grant awarded for specialized treatments in the CR Johnson Healing Center
(Truckee, California. June 15, 2016) — 38-year-old Matt Clark was snowboarding at Squaw Valley in January when a rock drop came up short in the infamous zone known as the Fingers.
The mistake caused Clark to land directly on his back on the rocks, propelling to the bottom of the cliff, 40 feet from where he started. He was unable to move his lower extremities upon impact and was immediately airlifted to Renown Medical Center where he underwent surgery for his damaged spinal cord.
With a grant from the High Fives Foundation, Clark will train in Truckee, California at the CR Johnson Healing Center with sessions of Neuro Kinetic Pilates with head traininer Jack Powell and physical therapy with Greg Booth.
“High Fives is a way for me to accelerate my healing process by working with those specialized in dealing with traumatic spinal cord injuries,” said Clark. “I am grateful for the opportunity to heal in a positive environment that will help me quickly regain my strength and overall fitness so that I can return to an active lifestyle.”
“Matt, like so many others in the Tahoe Basin, lives for outdoor activity and recreation,” said Roy Tuscany, Executive Director of the High Fives Foundation. “He plans to work hard in his therapies; The CR Johnson Healing Center will be a good environment for him.”
In the month of May alone, the High Fives Foundation granted $37,186 to 11 High Fives Athletes.
