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Full circle – Grants & Equipment: the 2nd critical piece of Triumph’s “circle of care”

Andrew Skinner April 16, 2020 News, Triumph Outreach Update, Videos

What do you need to move forward?

We are highlighting our new "circle of care" graphic describing Triumph’s programs.

It starts with our Newly Injured Support Program helping people at the beginning of their journey with hope, education, and encouragement. If you missed it, check it out here.

Next is how we help people move forward by supplying critical adaptive equipment.

Below, I'll introduce you to Katelyn, Isaac and Amanda. Through our Grants & Equipment Program, they now have what they need to re-engage the community and to keep moving forward. Our goal is to help them complete the circle of care, and then in turn, have them help the next person in their journey.

What do you need to move forward? During this time of self-isolation, you might just need some good news to brighten your day.

I hope these stories bring you joy and make you proud to be a member of our Triumph Family!

If you need something more, don't hesitate to reach out.

Grants & Equipment

The enormous financial strain of purchasing necessary equipment, supplies and services is one of the toughest parts of life after spinal cord injury. Your support helps us provide Grants to people in need. You also help us refurbish and repurpose used goods to give away to those in need through our Equipment Exchange.

Here are four people whose lives are better thanks to you!

Katelyn: Adapted Van Winner

One of the most amazing gifts we occasionally receive are adaptive vehicles. We run essay contests to identify potential candidates who could benefit greatly by receiving a gifted van. We are excited to announce our recent van donation recipient, Katelyn!

On Thanksgiving Day of 1996, when she was 3-years-old, Katelyn was riding in the car with her mom and sister. They were involved in a horrific accident. Katelyn was the lone survivor, but suffered a C-6/7 spinal cord injury.

Despite her struggles, she grew up determined to become successful. She moved out on her own and is now in her final year of college at Cal State Northridge earning her Masters degree in Social Work.

Upon completion of adapted drivers training (provided through a Triumph Grant), she earned her license. She then applied to our essay contest hoping to receive a van to help her keep moving forward in pursuing her career after graduation.

We recently surprised Katelyn with a van of her own! Watch the video below:

Grant Recipients

Amanda has struggled with scoliosis her whole life, and after many surgeries it impacted her spinal cord in 2006. Now she's attending college and needed a power assist device to help her get around campus. Our grant purchased her a Smart Drive to improve her mobility at school.

In September we met Isaac while he was in rehab at Rancho Los Amigos hospital after he sustained a C-6 spinal cord injury in a diving accident last summer. To help him transition, we provided a loaner power wheelchair, and a grant for a shower chair and ramp so he could safely return home.

Wheelchair Loaner

Eric was in a motorcycle accident on November 30th, 2019. He had 2 surgeries on his L1 vertebrae which was shattered. When we met him at Rancho Los Amigos, we gave him a Care Basket and peer mentors were able to answer his questions.

After being discharged from the hospital, he reached out to us for a loaner wheelchair. He was being given a heavy hospital style one, and knew he would struggle getting out in the community with his family and suffer shoulder strain pushing around.

Watch his video below!

Thank You

While we find ourselves in the midst of this pandemic, one of the things I value most about our Triumph Family is our abiding sense of community.

We want to stay connected with you. Sign up for virtual support groups Happening all the time.

And make sure you listen to our podcast. We'll be making a special announcement on what we plan to do in-lieu of our Sports Festival.

Listen on SoundCloud and Apple Podcasts.

I can't wait to share with you our next segment on the circle of care on Adaptive Recreation. Stay tuned!

Your support of Triumph Foundation changes lives.

If you or someone you know needs help, please contact us.


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