Back to Work!
October 20, 2020 News, Noteworthy, SCI, Triumph Outreach Update, Upcoming EventsKen Rasmus was recently presented with our Employment Achievement Award. October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, in honor of that read his beautiful testimony below.
"Prior to my injury, my wife Elizabeth and I were avid hikers and urban walker. We hiked Diamond Head in Hawaii, Half Dome in Yosemite, Bryce Canyon and Zion in Utah, and the caverns of the Rock of Gibraltar in the South of Spain to name a few. Our unban walks would take us countless miles as we explored cities throughout our travels.
Due to an auto accident in June of 2016, all of that changed in instant and the world became a place of uncertainty. While still in the hospital I was introduced to the Triumph Fondation at a support group meeting at Long Beach Memorial. At the time I could not have imagined how instrumental the Triumph Foundation would become in my successful return to normal work activity.
In the early days of my injury I focused on returning to work, which I was able to accomplish in mid-December of 2016. My return to work came with many challenges. I had to rely on family, coworker, and Uber to get me to and from work each day. After 28 year in the insurance business I was unable to move freely throughout my territories and meet with colleagues, coworker, and clients.
I recall Andrew from the Triumph Foundation talking with my wife in I about a return to work grant that may be available that could possibly help me become more independent. I applied and I was awarded the grant. With Andrews coaching I was able to regain my independence.
The Triumph Foundation grant allowed me to take driving lessons, and have hand controls installed in my truck, and a wench to load and unload my wheelchair. Andrew also provided a donated wheelchair that was lightweight and made getting around so much easier.
Currently I am able to drive independently and attend meetings and business activity that would have been otherwise impossible with out the support of the Triumph Foundation.
Thank you Andrew and the Triumph Foundation. My family and I will be forever grateful."
Superheroes Triumph! Virtual Race Series
Be a Superhero for people like Ken! Join our virtual race before Halloween, October 31st!
Sign up, then run, walk, or roll and show the world the superpower you have inside!
The Challenge – If you have SCI/D or disability and are ambulatory, set a distance goal to walk. Whether you walk the entire way or just a few steps, you're a Superhero when you Rise-to-the-Challenge!
Feel free to contribute!