High Fives Non-Profit Foundation - Truckee, California

John M.

My name is John, and I am 22 years old. In February 2022, I sustained a complete T4 spinal cord injury, which completely changed my life. Since then, I have been focused on becoming an elite para athlete, and the support from the High Fives Foundation through their Empowerment Grant has been instrumental in making that goal possible.

Applying for the grant was a smooth and simple process, and High Fives made it clear that they genuinely care about helping adaptive athletes succeed. They took the time to understand my story and provided the resources I need to continue training and competing at a high level.

I am incredibly thankful for this opportunity and for everything the High Fives Foundation does to empower athletes like me. Their support makes a lasting impact, and I’m excited to take the next steps in my journey with their help

Amber R.

The High Fives Foundation Empowerment Grant is an incredible resource for individuals with spinal cord injuries and other life-altering conditions. I was honored to receive a grant that directly supports my adaptive sports and rehabilitation journey, and the impact has been life-changing.

High Fives goes beyond just financial assistance—they truly invest in the well-being and progress of every grant recipient. Their support has allowed me to participate in programs like Ability360 and Shirley Ryan Sports and Fitness, both of which are crucial to my continued growth as an adaptive athlete.

What sets High Fives apart is their commitment to building a community. From their uplifting messaging to their dedication to helping athletes push boundaries, they create opportunities that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. This grant has helped me regain independence, build confidence, and continue doing what I love.

If you’re considering applying for the High Fives Empowerment Grant, do it! Their team is amazing, their mission is inspiring, and the opportunities they provide are life-changing. I can’t recommend them enough!

Jordan A.

My Ohana! What an incredible foundation. I've been with High Fives as an athlete for 5 years, the amount of positive change this foundation has brought into my life is indescribable. Tangible things that High Fives has awarded to me: Countless hours of physical therapy, athlete camps to expand the reach of possibilities, a wheelchair that has unlocked a new level of life for me, and most recently a brand new sit ski that I'll be using every chance that I get. Being on the slopes is my strongest passion, and High Fives made that possible. Stoke!

Shawn B.

The High Fives Foundation has changed my life! After my spinal cord injury, they provided me with a grant to purchase a sit-ski, allowing me to get back on the mountain and experience the freedom of skiing again. The application process was smooth, and their team is incredibly dedicated to helping people stay active post injury. Thank you for your generosity and commitment towards adaptive athletes!

Andre B.

I’m grateful and honored to be a High Fives grant recipient! The world needs more entities like High Fives. As you can imagine, adaptive equipment is very pricey, and High Fives allows us to keep dreaming and keep achieving!

Pat F.

I am a fairly recent T3 paraplegic and like all spinal cord injuries, I was devastated. It was unthinkable to me that I would never be able to participate in any of my beloved sports again. I learned of a company that makes adaptive bikes for people with spinal cord injuries. I looked into buying a bike and tried out the various models over the summer of 2024. I made my choice and then started saving money to pay for it. Along the way I was told about the High Fives Foundation and and I sent in an application for a grant. The process was seemless and the staff were very helpful in making sure that all the paperwork was done correctly.

I discovered that it is more than just funding foundation. The application process challenges you to set goals for your self and also to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses. You are encouraged to harness your strengths and focus on the positive, and to let yesterday go and live in the present. I also set a motto for myself which is "Be the Best That You Can Be."

High Fives asked you to explain how the grant might aid your rehab goals. I my case I wanted to bike. It would allow me to get outdoors and exercise. I wanted to feel the sunshine and the wind on my face. I wanted to smell the smell of the mountains again. To do those things I needed to keep my strength up and even improve it. I needed to check in with my own emotional health and I recognized that exercising in the outdoors is my happy place and that owning a bike would improve my emotional outlook as well.

I was honoured by being awarded a grant to help me buy the bike, but even without the financial grant, I learned a lot about myself during the application process. I will be forever grateful to the High Fives Foundation for the journey leading up to the successful grant and of course the financial aide.

Lorinda B.

I can't say enough positive things about the High Fives Foundation! As a paraplegic, they provided me with a grant to purchase safety equipment for my Bowhead bike. Thanks to their support, I now have the peace of mind and confidence to safely tackle more challenging trails. Their dedication to empowering athletes with disabilities is truly inspiring. High Fives doesn't just provide grants—they change lives and open up new possibilities. I am incredibly grateful for their generosity and commitment to helping people like me stay active and adventurous!

Weston L.

The High Fives Foundation has truly been a game-changer in my life. Their commitment to helping individuals like me regain independence and quality of life is unmatched. Thanks to their generous grant for a prosthetic foot, I now have the opportunity to get back to the activities I love. This prosthetic has given me the freedom I thought I had lost. The team at High Fives goes above and beyond to ensure that every recipient receives the support and resources needed to live life to the fullest. I’m incredibly grateful for their incredible work and the impact they’ve had on my journey. They are truly making a difference in the lives of so many people!