Wheels to Better Fitness

My name is Jacquelyn Diaz. I am raising funds for a Nuke Adaptive Hand cycle Mountain Bike. I was born with Spina Bifida.  Spina Bifida is a birth defect that can leave a person with varying levels of disability. My level of disability is paraplegia and hydrocephalus. I have used a wheelchair for mobility since the age of 3.
     During my teenage years I developed arthritis in my spine and sitting in my wheelchair all day makes my back more painful. My spinal pain lessens with exercise and activity, however I am limited to what I can accomplish in my manual wheelchair. A Nuke adaptive hand cycle is designed for people like me that cannot use their lower extremities. I rode a Nuke Hand cycle Mountain Bike while on a family vacation to Crested Butte Colorado. It was the most awesome experience not only because I was able to get great  exercise, but I was able to mountain bike with my mom (just so you know at age 61 my mom kills it on a mountain bike). Quite often when the family is on vacation I feel left out. I cannot participate in most of  the physical activities (hiking mountain trails, white water rafting, road cycling and mountain biking) that my family does together. My mom will look for alternative activities for me but it is not the same as being with the whole group. By owning my own Nuke hand cycle I will be able to participate with my family in activity at their same level and to be truthful I'm a better mountain biker than most of them. I really enjoy trying new sports. When I get an idea, I go for it. I am very active in sports with Special Olympics and have competed successfully in softball throw, wheelchair racing, bowling and bocce ball. I've also done one season of swimming, which was cool, but challenging. I like some good challenges.
     The Nuke is lower to the ground, which would give me a better center of gravity. It will be more comfortable than a wheelchair allowing me to exercise longer. The bike would also be made to fit my specifications. I live in an area  that has many adaptive mountain bike trails. I would be able to ride and exercise regularly. My body tells me that I am disabled, but my mind does not. I try not to let my disability limit my life. I very much appreciate any donations given that will help me reach my goal.
  
                                                                                                    Sincerely,

                                                                                                       Jacquelyn Diaz