Howdy, I am Dean Vaganos. In 2014, I broke my spine and was nearly paralyzed. I underwent surgery to stabilize my spine, wore a brace, and went through physical therapy. Over time, I made a full recovery. I don't take my recovery for granted and wanted to support others in fulfilling their adventures too so I began volunteering with the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD), an adaptative sports program to help people seek adventure through sports like skiing, biking, rafting, and other activities. People with different abilities participate with NSCD, to pick up a new hobby, or to participate in a sport they never thought they would be able to do or could do again.

I volunteered as a sit-ski instructor for years before shifting to the fundraising side. About 9 years ago, my father, Dr. Nick Vaganos, experienced a bicycle accident that initially left him paralyzed. While he has had an amazing recovery, he is no longer able to participate in sports he loved without adaptations. After many years of donating to the NSCD through the same event I am fundraising for today, he came out to Colorado and went skiing again with the NSCD team.

The NSCD makes the impossible, possible for many people. Many people doubted that Nick could ever ski again, but they were all stoked to be proven wrong when he did! I am reaching out now for your help to keep the stoke alive for others who have intellectual, developmental, and physical challenges.

I have heard NSCD participants say the program saved their lives. The joy recreation gives back to the adaptive athlete and their families is life altering. So please donate not only because of the experiences Nick and I endured, but because your donation will help someone find the light, fun, and joy they never knew they could experience or thought they lost.

Thank you for your donation. One.Love- Dean