JOHNSTOWN, PA. ATHLETE TO RECEIVE SUPPORT FROM LAKE TAHOE-BASED NON-PROFIT, THE HIGH FIVES FOUNDATION
The High Fives Foundation is awarding 21-year-old Nicholas Romano an Empowerment Grant of $5,211 to aid in his recovery from a life-altering injury sustained in a 2016 ski accident.
Just before Christmas 2016, Romano was skiing at Seven Springs Resort in Champion, Pa. with some friends. The crew was heading up the lift for their third run, when Romano suddenly collapsed and fell from over 25 feet. The fall resulted in a complete thoracic spinal cord injury, causing paralysis from the chest down.
Romano still has a long road to recovery, but he maintains a positive attitude and an inspiring work ethic. Romano is currently searching for ways to enjoy the outdoors.
The April Empowerment Grant from the High Fives Foundation will provide funding for an all terrain wheelchair. The electric chair will allow Romano get experience nature in an independent fashion.
“This chair will allow me to be independent again,” said Romano. “The independence to allow me to get back to many of the activities I love.”
The High Fives Foundation supports injured mountain action sports athletes through grant funding to be used towards reaching their recovery goals. Since the Foundation’s January 2009 inception, the Empowerment program service has assisted 156 athletes from 31 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).
