We can Provide thousands of adaptive lessons to over 800 people with disabilities

Over the last several years, I have been fortunate to enjoy skiing with my kids, Luke and Rylan. Spending much time on the beginner lifts with both exposed me to Achieve Tahoe. I watched from Subway chair at Alpine (headquarters of Achieve Tahoe) as instructors would give lessons to the disabled. It inspired me to volunteer to be an instructor this year.

One lesson that stuck with me was when I assisted Laura, a seven-year-old (lover of unicorns) who suffered a brain hemorrhage that left her with cognitive and physical impairment. She had a few ski lessons before her injury but had not been on the mountain since. At first, she was shy, and we were unsure if she would be able to ski. But we gave it a try. It started slowly, but then WOW—run after run and run! Her smile grew with each new run. At the end of the lesson, I was heartbroken to learn that this would be her only lesson this season as, due to a lack of resources, she was waitlisted for future lessons. Unlike group ski lessons for the non-disabled, which might have a student to coach of 6-1, at Achieve, every lesson is private with a ratio of 1-1 or even 3-1 coaches to each student, depending on the skiers' disability. Skiing with Achieve provides a unique opportunity for disabled persons to experience freedom, joy, and sport. Being able to do this for children like Laura is why I volunteer as an instructor and now ask for your help.

Achieve Tahoe, a nonprofit that builds health, confidence, and independence through recreational sports for children and adults with disabilities, creates these amazing days and moments for people who could never experience it otherwise. The organization serves over 600 people yearly through one-on-one snowsports lessons, waterskiing, paddle sports, and more. Achieve Tahoe's highly trained instructors and specialized adaptive equipment allow the organization to serve anyone with disabilities. Achieve Tahoe participants and family members report that engaging in joy and adventure with Achieve Tahoe enriches their lives by growing in confidence to try new activities, becoming more social, and breaking down perceived barriers that have held them back. Achieve Tahoe shows them that they can do things they once thought impossible!

Please consider giving to this worthy cause and help me raise $4,000!