Blog

Looking Back to Move Forward

As we move into a brand-new year, Triumph Foundation embraces the theme of Moving Forward—a theme of resilience, momentum, empowerment, and unwavering support for those navigating life after paralysis.

For 2025, our mission remains steadfast: to deliver Care Packs to every newly paralyzed individual in Southern California, offering resources, encouragement, and a message of hope as they embark on their journey forward.

LOOKING BACK
This past holiday season, we hosted 14 joyful gatherings at hospitals, rehab centers, and community spaces. These events brought joy and connection to 254 attendees, many of whom are just beginning to move forward after a traumatic injury, illness or disorder that left them challenged with paralysis.

Through the generosity of supporters like you, we delivered a record-breaking 267 Care Packs in 2024! Each one was given to a person facing trauma, and it's more than just resources—it represents a beacon of hope that they are not alone, that they’ll receive lifelong support from our Triumph Family.

But this is just the start.

Every connection made and story shared, strengthens our resolve to do more. The courage and resilience we’ve witnessed inspire us to press onward, reminding us why we do what we do, and inspire us to keep moving forward.

Here are a few of those stories.

Stories of Resilience

"You've increased my level of hope."

Ian was devastated when he heard that cancer had spread to his spine, triggering paralysis. Under the care of Tri-City Hospital Rehab in San Diego, Ian is now searching for answers about his new "normal." Encouraged by Triumph-led support group and a his own spirit to keep living, Ian is finding hope, resources, and a community ready to take this journey with him. With his renewed determination, his story is far from over. Join us in praying for Ian's recovery and healing.

Down But Not Out 

Cash’s life changed in an instant when he was struck by an off-road vehicle in a hit-and-run and sustained a spinal cord injury. A professional dirtbike rider, Cash and a friend were working on a vehicle out on the trail when the driver came out of nowhere and hit him. He received a Triumph Care Backpack at Casa Colina’s Christmas party, a reminder that he’s not alone on this journey. Due to his unshakable resilience in rehab, Cash has begun walking again and is stepping forward into a future filled with hope and possibility.

Family Near and Far

Derek’s life seemed to be turned upside down when a car struck him while cycling. Far from his family back east, Derek navigates recovery in California, with his loved ones taking turns flying out to care for him. We met him during our Christmas party at Cal Rehab, where he received a Triumph Care Backpack filled with resources to support his journey. Working closely with his family, we're helping Derek find the community, inspiration, and equipment he needs to keep moving forward. With hope and determination, Derek is embracing the future, knowing he’s not facing it alone.

Christmas Outreach Recap

LOOKING FORWARD
These stories reflect the heart of Triumph Foundation’s mission—to empower children, adults, and veterans living with spinal cord injuries and disabilities to overcome challenges and embrace the possibilities ahead. Our goal is to inspire them to keep moving forward, striving to grow stronger every single day.

Triumph Foundation knows the challenges of recovery after a life-altering injury because we’ve taken this path alongside so many. That’s why we’re here—not just at the beginning but through every stage of growth and transformation.

As we move into 2025, we invite you to embrace your own forward momentum. At Triumph, success isn’t a finish line—it’s a journey we take together.

You have a powerful opportunity to play an active role in the inspiring stories we’ve shared.

Your generosity ensures that every newly injured person we connect with—hundreds more this year—will receive the care, resources, and support they need to navigate their challenges and rebuild their lives with strength and hope.

Will you consider making a gift to help us begin 2025 on a strong and impactful note?

A gift of any amount will change a life, guaranteed!

Thank you for being an essential part of our vibrant, transformative community.

Save the dates 2025

Our Wheelchair Sports Festival is on April 26th & 27th in Santa Clarita. Triumph Foundation hosts this FREE event to introduce wheelchair sports to the community.

You are invited to Triumph Foundation’s Gala in July 2025 to to benefit children, adults and Veterans that have spinal cord injury and other disabilities. It's our most important fundraiser of the year!

Our Superheroes Triumph 5K! is on Saturday, September 13th in Irvine. Be a HERO for us at our Superheroes 5K, 100% of the proceeds benefit real everyday heroes triumph over paralysis.

Don't miss our annual Over-the-Line Wheelchair Baseball Tournament in the Fall. Over 36 people with disabilities will participate in this modified baseball game and compete to win the championship.

"We will educate, support, and empower people to triumph over adversity, embrace life's possibilities, and keep moving forward together."
- Andrew Skinner

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