Allie's 24/11 Hiking Challenge

On Friday December 13, 2002 I was living my childhood dream of playing Division 1 college hockey when my life changed forever. While playing in a game I was crossed checked from behind and sent flying head first into the boards. Immediately upon impact with the boards I was knocked out and after a few long seconds I regained full consciousness. As I “shook” the haziness away I noticed something was off, I couldn’t feel my arms or legs. It was a surreal experience that words simply can’t explain. After a few more long seconds I felt awkward sensations and tingling throughout my body. I could again feel my arms and legs. When the ice chips had settled it was determined that I had fractured and dislocated my C5, C6 and C7 cervical vertebrae in my neck. Emergency surgery quickly followed to fuse the broken vertebrae. I would never play hockey again a sport that I had become so passionate about. Competition was my thing, my drug, my addiction.

I didn’t know back in 2002 how lucky I was to have made a full recovery from my spinal cord injury. My youth jaded my perspective and my selfishness made me feel sorry for myself. How would I fill the void left from not being able to play hockey vs. you are lucky to be able to walk, run. It wasn’t until I met Travis Roy and became involved in the Travis Roy Foundation that my perspective was realigned and my path was set. Spending time with Travis at his annual wiffle ball tourney helped me realize how lucky I was and am. Doing different crazy physical challenges every summer to raise money for the Travis Roy Foundation helped to fill the competition void. My work with the Travis Roy Foundation has led me to the wonderful people at SCIboston.

This summer in an effort to raise money for SCIboston's Travis Roy Legacy Grant Program I will attempt to climb 24 of New Hampshire's highest peaks in 11 days. Like in years past we do this in honor of the work that Travis Roy and his family have done for the spinal cord injury community. Travis wore the #24 on his hockey jersey at BU and he suffered a spinal cord injury only 11 seconds into his first shift. Please consider donating to this important cause and spread the word about SCIboston.

Kate - Grant recipient of a Smart Lifter LC Range

"Dear SCIboston, Thank you so much for the lift grant. I have had it installed for a week and a half and it has changed my life already and I have gone places I have not gone in years because it was too much trouble to take my wheelchair out of my car to go there."

Travis Roy Legacy Grant Program

Our Grant Program assists individuals with paraplegia or quadriplegia/tetraplegia due to a Spinal Cord Injury or Disorder (SCI/D) who demonstrate a financial need. These grants can help assist with obtaining either Durable Medical Equipment or Vehicle Modifications up to $5,000. These grants are awarded based on financial need and are reviewed by the SCIboston’s Board of Directors.