Help Nick Gain Freedom With A Mako Handcycle

Hello Everyone!

My name is Hannah Calvert and I want to thank you for taking the time to read about a project very near and dear to my heart. This fundraiser is designed to help an amazing man gain freedom and enjoy the outdoors alongside his wife and daughter.

My brother, Nick Bramon, was in a motorcycle accident on May 11, 2000, when he was 15 years old. This accident resulted in broken ribs, a punctured lung and instant paralysis from his T9 vertebrae down. Ever since Nick was a little boy, he has been an outdoor enthusiast. From motocross, camping, hunting, fishing, rock climbing, boating, snowboarding, you name it, he loved it. As you can imagine, after his accident, his life dramatically changed. Every activity took so much more effort, determination, adaptation and will. But you better believe he had all of those things. He continued to hunt, fish, ride ATV’s, sit-ski (both snow and water), earn his certification in scuba diving and play wheelchair racquetball. Life certainly did not keep him down.

Fast forward 21 years and here we are. Nick still continues to love all of these things, however, as life changes, so do the challenges and limitations of his injury. Two years ago, Nick and his wife Allie welcomed their precious baby girl, Naomi. Being an active daddy who is able to instill a love of the outdoors in his daughter, while creating memories as a family, is of utmost importance to him. Finding an activity that allows them to be together and enjoy spontaneously, without lots of planning, preparation or equipment rental, is something that would contribute immensely to all three of their lives.

Prior to Naomi being born, Nick and Allie loved exploring the mountains together on their ATV. As every parent knows, once we have little ones, most everything changes. ATV riding is an activity that is just no longer manageable for them as a family while in this stage of life. Until recently, there has not been a piece of equipment designed for paraplegics that truly allows for versatile adventuring. However, there is now an incredible handcycle that could seriously change the way Nick and his family are able to explore and make memories together.

The Mako Offroad Recumbent Handcycle is essentially an electric bike for someone in a wheelchair. It has amazing suspension and maneuverability, allowing for endless off road access. Although this would be amazing for Nick to experience, it would also allow him the simple joys of daily bike rides with his daughter. We live in a city with miles of bike paths, both paved and unpaved, but with this handcycle, all would be accessible for their family to enjoy.

In addition, this e-handcycle would provide a means for Nick to go places that most of us don’t think twice about how we are going to get there. Simple activities like exploring camping and outdoor areas, running through sand to swim in a lake, walking across a grassy park to reach a play structure, or crossing a gravel riverbank to throw rocks in the river would now be possible for Nick.

This fundraiser has a target goal of $10,000. Something that many people don't know is how expensive all adaptive equipment is for paraplegics. Not only is it costly, folks in need of this equipment don't have the convenience of visiting their local bike shops to test inventory and compare designs. Nick felt that in order to be comfortable purchasing a bike of this cost, it was absolutely essential for him to be able to test out the exact model.

Considering that this is a relatively new product, it was amazing to find a man in our city who has the Mako Handcycle and was kind enough to allow Nick to try it out. Prior to his test ride, Nick was unsure that the new design would live up to its hype, since all other models he had previously ridden simply did not offer the accessibility and maneuverability that he was in search of. I was able to be there when Nick took the bike for a test ride and I can tell you firsthand, he returned home with one gigantic smile on his face! His exact words were "That is one sweeeeeeet bike!" Later he told both Allie and me, "I've got to be honest… I really didn't want to get off that bike!"

Although my goal is to raise $10,000 for this project, the total cost of the Mako Recumbent Offroad Handcycle is actually an astonishing $20,000. In September, Nick applied for a grant specifically designed for individuals with spinal cord injuries, looking to invest in equipment that would allow them to advance their love of the outdoors. Nick was awarded $5,000 to put toward this handcycle, leaving a remaining $15,000 out of pocket. Ordering a Mako Handcycle is certainly nothing like placing an Amazon Prime order with the option of next day delivery! These handcycles are currently running nine months to a year out, from the time your order is placed. The good news is, it would arrive just in time for Naomi to turn three and start riding bikes with daddy!

To say Nick is my hero would be a complete understatement. He is the most hard working, determined and positive person that I know. As his little sister, there is nothing in the world I would love more than to see him have a Mako Handcycle and witness the adventures and freedom that this bike could offer.

Thank you once again for taking the time to read about this project and consider donating. I will be posting updates once the bike has been ordered and received. If you would like, I encourage you to check out the website at reactiveadaptations.com for this handcycle, as it provides more specifications.

Gratefully,

Hannah Calvert