Jennifer Gadoua

Help Paula Ride Again – Adaptive Mountain Bike (aMTB) & Accessibility Fund Five years ago, Paula’s life changed forever when she suffered a traumatic brain injury. Before her injury, Paula was an avid mountain bike racer who lived for the trails, adventure, and freedom that came with riding. Since then, she has undergone years of extensive rehabilitation, supported every step of the way by her devoted mom, Betty, who continues to advocate for Paula's needs within a broken healthcare system. Paula lives with significant challenges, including speech impairment and physical limitations. Yet, her passion for riding has never left her. She has tried a recumbent trike, but without e assist, Betty has to push uphill and chase Paula down. Her mind still knows how to ride a bike — and when she tried a Bowhead Reach adaptive mountain bike, it became evident this is her ticket to freedom in the outdoors. This highly specialized equipment opens the door for Paula to reconnect with the sport and community that has always defined her. Unfortunately, adaptive bikes like the Bowhead Reach come with a steep price tag of $25,000 or more — far beyond what most families can manage alone, especially with the high cost of ongoing care, mobility aids, and Betty leaving her job to care for Paula. We are rallying around Paula and Betty to help fund this life-changing piece of equipment and get Paula back to doing what she loves most: riding, adaptive style. Every donation, big or small, brings us one step closer to putting Paula back on the trails. Where the funds go: The purchase of a Bowhead Reach adaptive mountain bike for Paula, maintenance fund for parts and repair, any necessary modifications such as seating, harnesses, supports. May also be used for any mobility aids or supports that will assist Paula in accessing the outdoors. Funds raised in excess of Paula’s aMTB needs will be used for much needed accessibility modifications to her home. Let’s come together to give Paula back the joy, freedom, and independence of riding. Thank you for supporting Paula and Betty — your generosity means the world. Photo credit to Heather Goldsworthy @imageobscura