Wanda's Ride
Donation protected
A personal trainer and avid cyclist, Wanda Roche’s life took a sudden turn on June 28, 2013.
After having ridden to the top of Cottonwood Pass, a 12,100 foot pass in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, on Day 5 of the Bicycle Tour of Colorado, Wanda was at the top of the world. After celebrating with photos, she and her friends began the exhilarating descent. After just 3 minutes of riding, another cyclist lost control and crashed into Wanda, catapulting her off the side of the road into a ravine below. It soon became apparent to rescuers that Wanda had suffered a serious back injury, resulting in paralysis from mid chest down, along with a fractured right arm. Wanda was airlifted to St. Anthony's Hospital in Lakewood, CO where doctors performed surgery on her back and arm. Following that, Wanda spent 2 months in Craig Hospital undergoing intensive daily therapy and returned home in September, 2013.
Over the past 7 years, Wanda has persevered to regain her ability to lead an independent life. Through the support of donations received from family, friends and the Northern Colorado cycling community, Wanda has been able to adapt her home to be wheelchair accessible, including installation of a lift that allows her to independently enter and leave her home using her motorized wheelchair. She has been able to purchase and learn to drive a hand controlled van. And finally, in order to allow her the opportunity to once again enjoy the freedom of traveling to visit her family, she has purchased and adapted a camping trailer.
Despite her serious injuries, Wanda remains courageous and positive! She is extremely grateful for the support that has made these things all possible.
This year, Wanda can really use our help to replace the lift ramp that allows her to enter and exit her handicapped van.
After having ridden to the top of Cottonwood Pass, a 12,100 foot pass in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, on Day 5 of the Bicycle Tour of Colorado, Wanda was at the top of the world. After celebrating with photos, she and her friends began the exhilarating descent. After just 3 minutes of riding, another cyclist lost control and crashed into Wanda, catapulting her off the side of the road into a ravine below. It soon became apparent to rescuers that Wanda had suffered a serious back injury, resulting in paralysis from mid chest down, along with a fractured right arm. Wanda was airlifted to St. Anthony's Hospital in Lakewood, CO where doctors performed surgery on her back and arm. Following that, Wanda spent 2 months in Craig Hospital undergoing intensive daily therapy and returned home in September, 2013.
Over the past 7 years, Wanda has persevered to regain her ability to lead an independent life. Through the support of donations received from family, friends and the Northern Colorado cycling community, Wanda has been able to adapt her home to be wheelchair accessible, including installation of a lift that allows her to independently enter and leave her home using her motorized wheelchair. She has been able to purchase and learn to drive a hand controlled van. And finally, in order to allow her the opportunity to once again enjoy the freedom of traveling to visit her family, she has purchased and adapted a camping trailer.
Despite her serious injuries, Wanda remains courageous and positive! She is extremely grateful for the support that has made these things all possible.
This year, Wanda can really use our help to replace the lift ramp that allows her to enter and exit her handicapped van.
Organizer and beneficiary
Amy Ehrenberger
Organizer
Fort Collins, CO
Wanda Roche
Beneficiary
