Jared S.
Hello my name is Jared Smith I have been a paraplegic since I was in a car accident in 2006. I love the outdoors but find it difficult to access in my wheelchair. The IM ABLE Foundation, the Kelly Brush Foundation, and generous people in this amazing community helped me to purchase an adaptive mountain bike to make it easier.
Living life as a paraplegic has been a challenge, but it has also been a journey filled with unexpected opportunities and accomplishments. I’m Jared Smith, and I’d like to share my story, detailing the hurdles I’ve faced and the incredible impact that participation in adaptive sports and recreation has had on my life. IM ABLE helped me get my own adaptive mountain bike to promote adaptive sports and improve my life significantly.
In August of 2006, my life took an unexpected turn when I was involved in a car accident that left me with a complete T5 spinal cord injury. Before this life-altering event, I was an active individual, spending most of my time playing ice hockey, engaging in BMX biking, and horseback riding. The accident radically changed my life, but it didn’t dampen my spirit.
Despite the challenges of being a paraplegic, I continued to pursue my love for horseback riding, I also started exploring the joys of hiking and camping. Spending time in nature became my refuge and a source of immense happiness.
During 2023, I had been traveling to New England to explore the world of adaptive mountain biking. My journey began with Spaulding Adaptives and their cross-country trails in Cape Cod. Since then, I’ve ventured into more technical trails and lift-access downhill mountain biking with Vermont Adaptive.
Among the adaptive mountain bikes I’ve tried, I have become most comfortable with the Mako made by Reactive Adaptations. Owning one of these bikes has opened up a world of possibilities for me, allowing me to access the beautiful trails closer to home that are currently out of reach with my manual wheelchair. I live in an area with beautiful trails that I currently can’t access with my manual chair. Although I do spend a lot of time hiking and camping all over the US, the Mako has opened the possibility for so many more adventures.
Beyond the sheer thrill of biking, the adaptive sports community has introduced me to a wonderful group of individuals who share my interests and challenges. Even though I have been injured for 18 years, before I started riding these bikes I did not know any disabled people. My newfound friends have enriched my life in ways I never expected, providing support and camaraderie that has been invaluable.
However, acquiring adaptive sports equipment, such as the Mako, was a significant financial undertaking. These specialized bikes come with a hefty price tag ($22,000!!!), making them a challenge for individuals like me. This is where your assistance becomes crucial.
In conclusion, my life as a paraplegic has been a journey marked by resilience and a deep connection to nature. Adaptive sports, particularly mountain biking, have provided me with both a sense of freedom and a community of like-minded individuals who have uplifted my spirits. Acquiring the Mako bike is a dream come true, and it has opened up new worlds for me to explore.
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