Mary Vaccaro of Miami Beach, Florida was recently awarded a $5,000 scholarship to put toward a new RT FES (Functional Electrical Stimulation) bike. FES bikes enable muscles to be exercised even if an individual has lost partial or complete voluntary control of them. “I have been interested in the FES bike since I was first introduced to it during my …
W2W grantee gains strength from cycling
A year ago, Will2Walk grantee Jody Robertson did not have a lot of the physical strength necessary to transfer herself to and from her wheelchair. After receiving a handcycle from Will2Walk in February 2013, Jody has taken advantage of the beautiful Arizona weather by cycling 2-3 times per week. “I’ve really built up my strength, and now I am able …
Returning to work: W2W grantee offers advice
Returning to work after a spinal cord injury can be a long and daunting process. When she was two years post-injury, prior W2W grantee Jen Chaillie returned to work as a therapist specializing in treating children who have been victims of abuse. In February of 2013, Jen began the process of returning to work by applying for vocational rehab services …
W2W grantee talks wheelchair rugby, #1 Team USA
One year ago, thirty-one-year-old Ernie Chun was preparing for the USA Wheelchair Rugby National Team tryouts. After securing his spot, he began rigorous practices using his new rugby wheelchair funded in part by a Will2Walk Life Enhancement Grant. “Being a part of Team USA has been an amazing experience,” reflects Ernie. “The team has become like a second family during …
Handcycle awarded to grantee with can-do attitude
The Will2Walk Foundation recently awarded a $3,000 Life Enhancement Grant to Jody Robertson of Queen Creek, Arizona. The grant allowed her to purchase an Invacare Top End Force-2 handcycle to ride for exercise and training. In 2003, Jody was injured by an accidental gunshot that resulted in T11-T12 paraplegia. Today, she works as a customer service representative at Gateway Commercial …
W2W grantee makes USA Wheelchair Rugby National Team
Thirty-year-old Ernie Chun likes to run into people in wheelchairs. When he’s playing professional wheelchair rugby, that is. As Will2Walk’s latest recipient of a Life Enhancement Grant and newest member of the 2013 USA Wheelchair Rugby National Team, Ernie demonstrates how those with quadriplegia can maintain a high level of activity with a lot of dedication and hard work.
New chair enhances life of W2W grantee
Five years ago, Ty Kachanuk was a 24-year-old working father of two young girls who drove a sports car, rode motocross, and played recreational sports. That all changed Christmas Eve, 2007, when he was injured in a motorcycle accident that resulted in T3-T4 paraplegia.
Will2Walk grant recipient maintains active lifestyle
The Will2Walk Foundation recently awarded a $4,000 Life Enhancement Grant to Jen Chaillie of Tempe, Arizona. Her reaction to hearing she had been awarded a grant for a new handcycle? “Blessed and overjoyed!” she recalls.
