Introducing High Fives September 2020 Empowerment Grant recipients
High Fives is very proud to introduce everyone to these new Athletes that we will be supporting through their recovery and onto whatever goals and adventures that they can dream off.
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 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 are able to accomplish.
September 2020 Empowerment Grant Recipients
Andrew Mangan | T4
Buffalo, NY
Andrew belly-flopped into snow that he thought was nice, soft powder. Unfortunately, in reality, that thin layer of powder concealed hardpack snow just beneath the surface. This caused a cervical spinal injury.
“Just keep moving”
SIT KITEBOARD $900 & CUSTOM ALUMINUM FRAME $1,600
Brent Rightler | C6-7
Summerville, SC
In March of 2019, Brent was involved in a serious car accident in which he sustained a T7 spinal cord injury. This accident also caused the dislocation of both hips, collapsed lungs, a broken sternum, and several broken ribs.
“Change the way you look at things and the things around you change”
ALL TERRAIN WHEELCHAIR $600
Chad Tatum | BK Amputation
Kingston, GA
Chad was riding his motorcycle with a friend when a vehicle ran a stop sign and T-boned him. His friend immediately called for help and stabilized him. At the hospital, they tried for 2 weeks to save his leg. When the doctors told him he would probably never be able to walk or run again without pain medicine, he made the decision to amputate. It is a decision he does not regret to this day.
“No matter how much it hurts, how dark it gets, or how hard you fall…you are never out of the fight.”
PROSTHETIC MODIFICIATIONS $2,500
Davonte Harris | T5
Murfreesboro, TN
In June of this year, Devonte was involved in a serious motorcycle accident. This resulted in a T5 spinal cord injury.
No matter how bad things may seem never give up because there’s something brighter on the other side
FREEDOM CHAIR $2,000
Keith Shirk | C5
Lancaster, PA
Keith was enjoying a vacation with his friends in Maryland and thought he would run into the water and go for a swim. He tried to time the waves right and dive through one, but instead crashed into a sandbar right on the top of his head. Luckly, he had a friend right next to him that was able to roll him over and keep him from drowning. Unfortunately, Keith shattered his C5 vertebrae, sustaining a spinal cord injury.
“No PAIN, NO GAIN! But one day at a time…”
BOWHEAD REACH CORP MTB $2,000
James Murtha | C4
Saginaw, MI
While mountain biking in Snowmass Village, CO, James was in an accident that resulted in a C4 incomplete spinal cord injury.
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience but in times of challenges and controversy” – Martin Luther King Jr.
SUNNY HEALTH & FITNESS EXERCISE BIKE $115, CONCEPT 2 SKI ERG $950, & LUXOR ADJUSTABLE TABLE $275
Karolina Lingyte | Leg Amputation
Northport, AL
Karlolina was involved in a bus crash which caused the loss of her leg
“There are just 3 choices available to you: either give up, give in, or give all that you have got.”
HOW IROLL SPORTS BASKETBALL WHEELCHAIR $2,000
Malik Hinton | C4
Scotland Neck, NC
Malik was a passenger in a car accident. The driver passed another car in a curve, lost control, and hit some trees which cause Malik to break his neck and injur his spinal cord.
“One day at a time”
MYOCYCLE $2,000
Michael Olsen | T12
Waterville, NY
At just 23 years old in 2007, was working constructing on what seemed to be a normal day. While framing an exterior wall when he stepped on a stud that sent him front flipping down the stairwell. He fell 8 feet and landed on his back, suffering a complete spinal cord injury.
“Where there’s a will, there’s a way”
CW CONSTRUCTION HOME MODIFICATIONS $2,500
Robert Costa | C4
Sunnyvale, CA
Robert had spent his life on dirtbikes and at a motocross track. One weekend in 2019, he was riding with the family, having a casual day. That causal day turned tragic when he rolled upon freshly groomed bumps, knocking him off his bike and onto his back.
“Be the example”
CARBONBIKE USA HANDCYCLE $2,000
Sam Scribner | C5
New Smyrna Beach, FL
In 2016, Sam fell out of a hammock. What could have been a simple fall, sadly resulted in a C5 spinal cord injury.
“Don’t settle”
SPINERGY WHEELS AND PARTS $1,200
Savoy Brown | Bi-lateral amputee
Marshall, MN
At just nine years old Savoy was playing near the train tracks with some friends. They wanted to jump the train tracks like in the movies. Tragically, he was caught under the train and lost both of his legs.
“If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose.” – TD Jakes
ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT SPINERGY WHEELS AND PARTS $950
McKenna Woodhead |C7
Lake Wylie, SC
At a young fourteen years old, Mckenna was in a jet ski accident that resulted in a C6/7 spinal cord injury. Thankfully, her best friend was able to get Mckenna turned over in the water so she wouldn’t drown and was able to then call for help.
“ No Rain – No Flowers”
CROSS COUNTRY HANDCYCLE $2,000
These new East Coast Athletes will be welcomed to the High Fives Ohana by previous Athlete and September Grant recipient
Aspen Seating Custom MTB Seat $2,000
2020 Grant Recipients
