My name is José Miguel Lizarralde; originally from Guatemala and currently living and working in beautiful Miami, Florida. 

While attending a professional practice for my college degree in Guatemala, I was in a motorcycle accident and suffered a spinal cord injury (levels T12-L2), among other injuries, and have been confined to a wheelchair since March 2011. 

I used to be active and energetic, constantly challenging my limits to overcome fears and reach goals. Nevertheless, while on this wheelchair journey, I have completed many achievements I was able to do as a non-disabled person, now on wheels, and I couldn’t be prouder of myself. 

The accident allowed me to prove to myself that there are no limits in life; other than those set by us, as well as helping others along the way who have suffered similar situations and have thought of giving up. The reach one can have while keeping a positive attitude is infinite (even if we don’t see it). Also, I am thankful there was no harm to my head/mind, which allowed me to finish my college degree and acquire my master’s to broaden my knowledge and excel in my professional career. 

Today I’m raising funds to purchase an intermediate/competitive handcycle which will allow me to train and compete in events such as 5k runs, half marathons, full marathons, etc. Living in Miami has proven to be an excellent combination for such a sport. 

The idea between buying the handcycle and fundraising land directly into making this not only a goal for myself but also for the people that believe in and support me.

Achievements in my wheelchair life: 

April 2015 - Miami, FL 

• Finisher - Mercedes Benz Corporate Run (5k in regular wheelchair). 
  

April 2017 - Key Largo, FL 

• Handicap Scuba Association (HSA) Level A diver (highest level of disabled diving) also considered to be a rescue diver. 
  

July 2017 - Present 

• Board member of Poseidon Handicap Scuba Adventures (PHSA) Nonprofit dedicated to teaching able and disabled divers “The Healing Powers of The Sea.” 
  

January 2019 - Beech Mountain, NC 

• 38th DSUSA SPARC Beech Mountain Learn to Ski/Snowboard, North Carolina. I attended a clinic for eight days and learned to become 100% independent as a mono skier who uses a wheelchair. This included learning all the dos and don’ts while skiing. 

April 2022 - Trail Glades, FL 

• I attended a skeet and trap shooting course at Trail Glades Shooting Range to learn how to shoot skeet and trap as a non-competitive sport. I have been practicing the sport around 1-2 times a week and have grown to a more competitive level, but I have chosen to continue doing it as a hobby. 
  

February 2023 - Clermont, FL 

• Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) I attended a training course hosted by Invacare/Top-End handcycle producers to try and learn how to use all their hand cycle, I spent most of the time using a Force RX recumbent hand cycle that can be used as a recreation and competitive cycle. 
  

I have requested an estimate on the cost for a fully custom handcycle (see in pictures), which will allow me to pursue this goal. 

Brand - Invacare Top End 

Model - Force RX   

Thank you for your time, and I will appreciate any support.  

José Miguel Lizarralde