City: Eureka, Montana

Profession: Advocacy Manager at U2FP

Fundraising Goal: $5000.00

Describe your event, including location, distance, goals, and activity type:

This will be a Freestyle Challenge Event, meaning I am building my own adventure! I will attempt to hand cycle across the Grand Canyon, from the South Rim to the North Rim and then return the next day. The entire trip will be 44 miles. We will lose and gain a total of about 10,000 vertical feet. I will have an able-bodied partner and there are two other teams. We will be making the attempt together.

In a few sentences, describe your connection to U2FP, why you chose to run in support of U2FP, and whether you have a personal connection to spinal cord injury and paralysis:

I joined the spinal cord injury club in 2017 when I was ejected from my vehicle during a rollover. I sustained an L1 burst fracture which culminated in complete paraplegia. Entering the SCI community, I realized very quickly that the institutional norm is to usher you into LIVING WITH this injury and not to pursue a “cure” of the myriad functions that are lost because of the injury. I was stunned and unimpressed at this mindset. Just to be kept alive and comfortable is not enough. Not in this day and age. In the face of research progress on multiple disease fronts, spinal cord injury remains without any significant treatment options.

When I found U2FP, it was a breath of fresh air. The organization carries and amplifies the voice of those that expect more from the lab, the clinic, regulatory agencies, businesses, government and society in general. The small organization is making big waves through education, support for research and advocacy. U2FP believes that the power for change rests in the voice of the people living with this injury.

Is this your first event like this? If not, what else have you done?

This is the third year I've participated in a Freestyle Challenge. In 2021 I completed a “Century Day,” riding 100 miles in one day on my recumbent, foot pedal trike. In 2022, I completed an open water swim of 5.5 miles.

Do you listen to anything when you train? If yes, what?

On my local hill climbs, I’ve been listening to a Sturgill Simpson Album called “The Ballad of Dood and Juanita.”

What are you most excited and/or nervous about?

I am excited for the reunion of good company and for the challenge. I’m a little nervous about passing mules and people on the trail and climbing out of the canyon over multiple log steps and water bars.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family and playing music.