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FRANCES DANI & KIKA'S STORY
A family reconnects with the outdoors after 20 years
Images by Andrew Lizotte in collaboration with Deuter USA

Despite growing up as an active family, it had been 20 years since Frances and her daughters, Dani and Kika, last recreated together. Frances has progressive multiple sclerosis which makes it challenging to do outdoor activities. After a year of separation due to the pandemic, the Reyes-Acosta ladies decided that 2021 would be the summer they would adventure outside together again. They enlisted the help of Achieve Tahoe to make that happen and signed up for Tahoe hiking and Achieve Tahoe’s Sierra Summer Sports, a multi-sport day camp on Donner Lake.

“Participating as a family was a great motivator for me,” said Frances. I have multiple sclerosis. My grown children and I don’t often have opportunities to get together. This will be a fond memory. My daughters got a chance to experience and applaud my progress.

This memory tags onto how they remember me jogging on the beach, swimming in the ocean, camping, and skiing. It was an opportunity to say it’s all here, I’m all here, and I’m ready to move forward. I loved that I was able to ‘show off’ health and mobility. This could be a steppingstone to other activities.”

“I work with several organizations that advocate for people that live with all types of disability.” said Frances. “At Achieve Tahoe I witnessed the diversity, equality, and inclusion of teachers and more importantly, students involved. This program offers an introduction and/or opportunity for people to learn that ‘YES I CAN’ … I’m thankful for it all.”

You can help more families have experiences like Frances, Dani, and Kika by donating to Achieve Tahoe today. Your donation will provide life-changing experiences to hundreds of people with disabilities and their families. We thank you for your support!