Lakewood resident Jordan Griffin to receive $3,696 Empowerment Grant to help towards recovery from a life-altering injury. The grant will provide Griffin with funding for an adaptive road bike and accessories
The High Fives Foundation Empowerment Program service disburses board-approved grants to mountain action sports athletes who are recovering from life-altering injuries. In July, the Foundation’s Board of Directors Grant Selection Committee approved a grant for Lakewood-based Empowerment Athlete Jordan Griffin totaling $3,696.
In December 2008, 23-year-old Griffin was injured while snowboarding when he attempted a front flip and under rotated, causing him to land on his head. The impact broke his wrist, fractured vertebrae C5, C7 and burst fractured vertebra C6. The immediate surgery installed pins in his wrist and a metal cage with two rods replacing his C6 vertebrae. Through years of physical therapy, Griffin has gained feeling throughout most of his body including the ability to extend his fingers.
Griffin was recommended to the High Fives Foundation by his close friend and fellow High Fives Athlete, Taylor Fiddyment.
“My recovery goals are to hopefully walk one day, and to be able to snowboard again,” said Griffin. “Until then, I will live my life to the fullest and experience as much as I can.”
This July 2015 Empowerment Grant will provide Griffin with an adaptive road bike and accessories to continue his rehabilitation and strength building
Since the organization’s January 2009 inception, the Empowerment program service has assisted 89 athletes from 20 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 2015, the High Fives Foundation set a budget of disbursing $266,000 via board-approved grants through the Empowerment Fund. Since January, the Foundation has disbursed $203,626 to 29 athletes and two organizations.
In the month of July, the High Fives Foundation disbursed $17,509 in Empowerment Grants to the following High Fives Athletes:
David Hewel from Reno, NV.
Tim Burr from Glenwood Springs, Colo.
Michele Edwards from Roseville, Calif.
Jordan Griffin from Lakewood, WA.
Matt Leonard from San Francisco, Calif.
Frank Lin from Anaheim, Calif.
Shawn Maloney from Oakland, Calif.
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About the High Fives Non-Profit Foundation: 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 89 athletes to date since its inception in 2009, more information visit www.highfivesfoundation.org.
Thank you High Five for giving Jordan the means to Hope again. He is an inspiration to so many! I loved seeing his face when his equipment started to arrive…you made this Mama super happy to see her son shine again!!