Help Zack get a new hand cycle
Donation protected
Hello there friends, family, acquaintances and maybe even total strangers with good hearts. My name is Zachary Hilty. On August 24, 2010 my life changed forever when I broke my neck in a diving accident, which left me as a cervical level V quadriplegic. This means I have no function of any of the nerves below the fifth bone in the spinal cord. I use a wheelchair to get around and have decent function in my shoulders and biceps but otherwise no use of my hands. It's been on interesting ride in the last almost 6 years that it brought me through some of the darkest times in my life and also to some of the best laughter I've ever had. During my rehabilitation I discovered the sport of hand cycling, a great way to get exercise, socialize maintain a healthy weight, get out into nature and all around just feel better.
The reason I am setting up this fund is because I have outgrown the use of my current cycle, and I'm in the process of building a new rig. Unfortunately like most things that have to do with disability the equipment to participate in this sport is not cheap, and health insurance does not pay for exercise equipment. I'm trying to do what I can to maximize my ability to train with the best equipment possible so they can reach my goal of riding the New York City Marathon with my friends on the Team from Helen Hayes Hospital, where I have many great and supportive friends.
I received a grant from an organization called the Challenged Athletes Foundation, which helps fund training programs, travel and equipment for athletes who have a disability. The amount of the grant is for $2252 towards a Top End Force 3 Quad Elite hand cycle. I am so very grateful to have been approved for the grant but The cost for the build that I am trying to do is $8145. Between the grant and the goal I have set of $2750 I should have no problem making up the rest by myself.
I greatly appreciate any help that you can give in helping me achieve my goal of getting to the New York City Marathon.
Thank you,
Zachary
The reason I am setting up this fund is because I have outgrown the use of my current cycle, and I'm in the process of building a new rig. Unfortunately like most things that have to do with disability the equipment to participate in this sport is not cheap, and health insurance does not pay for exercise equipment. I'm trying to do what I can to maximize my ability to train with the best equipment possible so they can reach my goal of riding the New York City Marathon with my friends on the Team from Helen Hayes Hospital, where I have many great and supportive friends.
I received a grant from an organization called the Challenged Athletes Foundation, which helps fund training programs, travel and equipment for athletes who have a disability. The amount of the grant is for $2252 towards a Top End Force 3 Quad Elite hand cycle. I am so very grateful to have been approved for the grant but The cost for the build that I am trying to do is $8145. Between the grant and the goal I have set of $2750 I should have no problem making up the rest by myself.
I greatly appreciate any help that you can give in helping me achieve my goal of getting to the New York City Marathon.
Thank you,
Zachary
Organiser
Zachary HIlty
Organiser
Davis Corners, NY