Join me in providing opportunities for children and adults with disabilities that build health, confidence and independence!

Hello friends,

I know many of you have been wondering what I have been up to since I left the Bay Area to retire up in Truckee. As many of you know, I am one that cannot just sit around. A friend of ours introduced Tony and I to Achieve Tahoe – a nonprofit that does outdoor sports programs for people with disabilities. We started off doing some easy fundraisers for them in the summer, wine and beer festivals at Squaw Valley Village. Super fun and a great way for us to meet people in the Tahoe region. This friend of ours has a daughter, Charolette, with cerebral palsy. I got to ski with him and his daughter which was amazing. Seeing the look on her face was truly a touching experience for me. Recently she was able to test out a new adaptive ski called the Tetra Ski with a toggle switch that would let her be become totally independent skiing on the hill. See the video below of Charlotte below

As of today, I have assisted about 18 or so lessons. Yesterday was my first lead lesson I taught all by myself. I worked with a 5-year-old girl with autism. This was her 3rd lesson. Verbal skills were very little ("Yes" and "No"). I have to say, I was a little nervous about doing this all by myself all day at the Squaw Valley beginner area. I met with her and her mother asked if she had any snacks for her and what time we would meet for lunch. I asked her mom if she could have half of my PB & J, Mom approved. As Abigail and I walked with our ski boots and me carrying all her gear and mine. I thought to myself, let's see how she does with seperation anxiety with the mom. She did great! She was a little shy at first when it was just Abigail and I. We walked into the huge gondola area packed full of skiers and snowboarders. I told her to stay close to me. We rode up the gondola, I remembered a video from one of our in-class sessions for Achieve Tahoe showing what it is like for a child with autism feels like when entering a busy shopping mall. Loud and scary. I was hoping she would be ok with me keeping her safe. She did fine! We walked off the gondola and on to the slopes.She knew exactly how to put her boots in the skis with a little assistance with the back of her boot.I brought one of my ski poles to help with the lesson.She held onto one end and I the other.We started down the beginner hill.I could hear her laughing, giggling and smiling!I thought to myself, "this is going to be a great day!"We worked on big carving turns and stopping to try to get some control.On the lift, I would have to say, I don't have lots of experience with little ones helping on and off.We did great.On the lift, I put my pole in front of her with my hands on each side of her keeping her close to me.She wanted to play a little and kept putting the bar that is on the chair up and down.At the end of the day we rode the gondola down, she met a little boy close to her age.They enjoyed the ride down together as I chatted with his mom. Abigail was so much fun to hang out with, her parents were so thankful.We hugged and said goodbye.

To tell you the truth, Tony and I were a little scared sign up with Achieve Tahoe.Now that we both are part of the team, we have met the most amazing people (students, parents, adults with disabilities, and volunteers). Signing up only required us to work 8 days.I've lost count of the days and Tony & I keep signing up for more.

Please join me to help me raise funds for this special cause!