Where do you live?

Wisconsin

In a few sentences, tell us about the course you've chosen or designed for this year's Freestyle Challenge event:

Kayaking with friends/family around the perimeter of Lower Genesee Lake, in Summit, WI. The lake is 1,657ft around.

Describe your connection to U2FP, why you chose to run in support of U2FP, and your personal connection to the spinal cord injury and paralysis community:

Gold star advocate for U2FP, in Wisconsin, to help guide legislation to be passed to fund research for better SCI treatments/cures. I chose to participate because U2FP is a community organization I am proud exists and to have been welcomed into like an old friend. This connection to the SCI community began when I survived a C1 injury (quadriplegic) over 15 years ago as a result of a car accident from another driver running a red light. I have stuck around and supported my SCI community ever since.

Change doesn't occur without awareness being made and community support. Every single human on this planet is susceptible to an SCI, because physics doesn't care who you are.

This year I am raising money through a freestyle challenge for U2FP so they can continue to pursue legislative support for SCI research. They have made serious change in funding research in multiple states, and by supporting U2FP that change will be brought to my state and more. I've raised money in the past that supported long-term care for SCIs, but now I want to support the path to a cure! Please help if you can or share.

By supporting this cause you could in the end be giving yourself, or someone close to you, a better chance at survival & recovery if physics has or ever decides to uproot yours/their life!

What is your fundraising goal?

$1,528.01

How far are you planning to go?

1 mile

What is your goal time for that distance?

5-6 weeks

What do you crave after training?

Noodles

Do you listen to anything when you train?

Sounds of nature & conversation!

What makes you nervous or excited about U2FP's Freestyle Challenge?

Attempting to complete this goal regardless of the limitations of my upper body.

Fun Facts - tell us something unique or interesting about you?

I enjoy peer mentoring & advocating for people with SCIs in hopes of helping achieve a better future. Also, highly into photography and using my photos to pass along good vibes.