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On March 6, 2025, a pole vaulting accident at track practice changed my nephew Aman Deshmukh’s life. He went from being an active 15-yr old teen to a wheelchair-bound quadriplegic.
His future commitment: looking beyond his spinal cord injury to advocate for accessible design and school sports safety.
About Aman
As the pole vaulting captain at Foothill High School in the Bay Area, and a Boy Scouts summer camp instructor, Aman has always led with strength and inspiration. Aman's ability to mobilize more than 5000 people worldwide to support his specialized rehabilitation at Craig Hospital is a case in point.
This teen continues to put “we” before “me” - just six days after his accident and while still on a ventilator, he communicated that he would like to raise awareness about pole vaulting safety as well as spinal cord injury and accessibility.
Now is the time when Aman needs our strength and support.
The Road Ahead
After spending close to five months in a hospital with multiple surgeries and acute in-patient rehab, Aman (who just turned 16) is now ready to begin the long journey of adjusting to a new way of life.
This journey includes:
- Extensive physical and occupational therapy
- Adaptive equipment including a power wheelchair and accessible vehicle
- Home modifications for accessibility
- Ongoing daily nursing and home care
Above all, one goal stands out in Aman’s post-rehab phase:
- Raise awareness at high schools for sports safety and advocate for accessible design.
Why does it matter?
Aman is extremely motivated to pay his experience forward by advancing accessibility and helping to prevent injuries like his for other student athletes.
How You Can Help
Your donation can support Aman launch into his next chapter: getting back into high school and community life, and channeling his life-altering injury to serve others through advocating for accessible design, spinal cord injury awareness, and school sports safety.
These funds will sponsor a power wheelchair accessible vehicle that will enable Aman to tour schools and speak at events.
Let’s rally around Aman with the same strength and spirit he has shown us. We humbly ask for your support in helping Aman attain the mobility he needs to pursue his goals in his post-rehab phase. Every donation — no matter the size — will help immensely.
If you’re unable to give, please share Aman's goal with your family and friends. We are grateful for your kindness and consideration.
With deep gratitude,
Madhura Bagwe and the Deshmukh/Joglekar family