Hi! My name is Kiera Mowery and I suffered a T8 spinal cord injury after a car crash in May of 2020 that left me paralyzed from the ribs down. Losing my ability to walk, among many other aspects of my life, put me through the darkest years of my life by far. Before my injury, I wasn’t much of a mountain biker. Now, adaptive biking is one of the greatest joys in my life. About a year after the accident, I started participating in adaptive sports, which was a slow start since I was in severe pain every day. Looking back, I can honestly say that adaptive recreation and the disability community saved me. They showed me that my life could still be full, meaningful, and adventurous. While my body looks different now, when I’m biking I am able to utilize the parts of my body that DO function. Biking gave me freedoms I thought paralysis had taken away forever.

Currently, I am limited to biking for a couple of months out of the year through adaptive sports programs. It would mean everything to have a bike of my own which would give me more independence, consistent exercise, and the chance to be outside doing what I love far more often. Unfortunately, adaptive sports equipment is significantly more expensive than able-bodied equipment. I am raising money for a Bowhead RX adaptive mountain bike, which is priced at $20,244.00. I have raised $10,000 through grants but still have a ways to go.

If my accident had never happened, I don’t think I would have discovered this passion or this incredible community. In a strange way, that has made me grateful for the chance to rewrite my story. You don’t get to choose the life you’re given, but biking has helped me rebuild my relationship with my body and my mind. It has changed my life, and if you’re able to donate, share, or simply read my story, thank you. This bike represents far more than recreation—it shows that life after trauma can still be beautiful.

Thank you!