Introducing High Fives March 2020 Mountain Central Empowerment Grant recipients
High Fives is very proud to introduce the new Athletes that we will be supporting through their recovery and onto whatever goals and adventures that they can dream of.
Recovery and progression of one’s mind and body is a never-ending pursuit. These Athletes realize that setting goals and improving themselves is incredibly important. After one goal or adventure is complete you know that goal is possible and find ways to become better with the experience and skill created.
High Fives believes that these 14 new Athletes embody our values and will represent High Fives in amazing ways, and we cannot wait to see what they accomplish.
High Fives will be providing the March grant cycle recipients with a total of $55,090 to provide healing network support, equipment funding, and living expenses to ensure that these 14 new and 13 existing #HighFivesAthletes can be the best versions of themselves.
March 2020 Empowerment Grant Recipients
Todd Stoneberg | SCI T6-7
Englewood, CO
Todd was injured while skiing at Breckenridge on December 21st, 2019. The fall resulted in a T6 vertebral body fracture, T6-7 fracture-dislocation, thoracic cord compression, thoracic deformity of the spinal column, 8 broken ribs, and collapsed lungs. He spent 3 weeks at St. Anthony Hospital (Lakewood, CO) in their ICU, and then time at Craig Hospital for rehabilitation
My current goals are to Get a car and the training to use the adaptive hand controls, Return to the workforce, Ski, Mountain Bike, and hopefully start walking again”
LOUIS AREVALO | T4
Salt Lake City, UT
Louis was injured while skiing in the backcountry in Mapleton Burn, is near Provo, UT while shooting a story for Backcountry Magazine. His ski came out from under him, sending him tomahawking down the mountain. An extensive backcountry rescue ensued. This accident resulted in a complete T4 spinal cord injury.
“Just keep moving”
“Physical therapy will help me get back to working and playing”
JON AARDAL| C6-7
Buena Vista, CO
In December 2019, while snowboarding at Monarch Mountain near Salida, CO, Jon caught an edge, sending him somersaulting in the air and eventually landed on his back suffering an incomplete C7 injury.
“You got this”
“This grant will allow me to continue my gait therapy at the PEAK center and gain the benefit of using specialty machines such as the Locomat and RT600 (Elliptical), which will help me with my goal to walk again.”
Jeffery Stinson | SCI T6
Colorado Springs, CO
The day after his birthday, Jeffrey was snowboarding with friends in Breckenridge, CO. While going fast and riding the tree line, Jeffrey did a 180. Upon landing, he caught an edge and flew directly into a tree, knocking him unconscious and resulting in a T6 spinal cord injury.
“Spread love, not hate”
“This grant will positively influence my recovery by allowing me to stay active outdoors and not let my chair limit me in anyway.”
BRANDON MALMAN | BK Amputee
Salt Lake City, UT
In the Tabacco Root mountains, just west of Bozeman, MT, Brandon was ski touring with three of his friends, when an avalanche broke loose. Brandon sustained a craniofacial injury, tore 3 major ligaments in his right leg, and had his left leg amputated below the knee.
“I don’t dwell on the past. Onward and upward!”
“This grant will positively influence my recovery by helping me to acquire a high-performance prosthetic ankle I could not otherwise afford. I’m hoping this equipment will allow me to enjoy the sports and activities I live for, at the same level I used to prior to my injury. The more I can enjoy my life doing my favorite activities, the easier my recovery will be.”
SETH PENNY | SCI C6/7
Magnet Cove, AR
While on a boat with friends over ten years ago, Seth jumped into what he thought was deep water. Unfortunately, that water was actually quite shallow. This accident resulted in a C6/7 spinal cord injury and quadriplegia.
This grant gets me one step closer to kicking some dependence to the curb and for that, I am very grateful.
“This grant will help to remove a big barrier in my attempts to move forward with my life and create a brighter future.”
“i’ll Work my tail off in this study and regain as much independence as possible. “
These new Athletes will be welcomed to the High Fives Ohana by previous Athletes and March Grant recipients
Tyler Mckenzie | SCI
Salt Lake City, UT,
“NO ONE WOULD HAVE CROSSED THE OCEAN IF [THEY] COULD HAVE COULD HAVE GOTTEN OFF THE SHIP IN THE STORM.” CHARLES KETTERING
Megan Wemmer | SCI
Longmont, CO
“THE WOMEN WHOM I LOVE AND ADMIRE FOR THEIR STRENGTH AND GRACE DID NOT GET THAT WAY BECAUSE SHIT WORKED OUT. THEY GOT THAT WAY BECAUSE SHIT WENT WRONG, AND THEY HANDLED IT. THEY HANDLED IT A THOUSAND DIFFERENT WAYS ON A THOUSAND DIFFERENT DAYS, BUT THEY HANDLED IT. THOSE WOMEN ARE MY SUPERHEROES.” –ELIZABETH GILBERT
Allyson Mallory | SCI
Englewood, CO
“YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE; BUT IF YOU DO IT RIGHT, ONCE IS ENOUGH.” – MAYA ANGELOU
