Help me get to the Disabled Veterans Nationals

  My name is Tina J. Lavallee. I served eleven years, ten months, and twenty-five days in the United States Army before I retired. While on active duty on June 5, 1999, I suffered a traumatic brain injury and multiple level back injuries which left me wheel-chair bound. I deal with painful sporadic and rigid muscles on a daily basis. I have anxiety, PTSD, and seizures. Fortunately, my seizures are under control with medication I take every three hours.

After my injury, I became very depressed with the feeling of uselessness and being a burden. My VA doctor recommended me for sports rehabilitation. I went with great hesitation, yet it turned out to be the best thing for me. I was shown adaptive equipment I could use. I now ski with a mono-ski, also known as a sit ski. It is the most liberating experience to be flying down the mountain on your own accord with the wind in your face. No different than anyone else on the mountain. It is freeing. I am aware of confidence and self-worth again.

  I have been mono-skiing for 5 years now. Travel expenses are coastly to attend training and other disabled veterans events across the country. I have been invited to Ski Spectacular in Breckenridge, CO, as well as Steamboat Stars, CO, and the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Aspen, CO. Unfortunately, I am not able to afford to travel to these events. I humbly ask for donations of any size to help me get there.

Thank you in advanced.