What many people don't realize is that a spinal cord injury doesn't end when someone leaves the hospital—it marks the beginning of a lifelong journey. While the initial recovery may fade from public view, the financial, physical, and emotional challenges remain. Ongoing medical care, wheelchair maintenance and replacement, accessible transportation, home modifications, therapy, adaptive equipment, and everyday living expenses become permanent realities that require continuous support.
Your donation helps ensure these athletes are never left to face those challenges alone. By giving today, you're providing critical resources that restore independence, improve quality of life, and offer hope long after the headlines have faded. Every gift—large or small—makes a lasting difference.
Life has certainly looked different since Chad’s spinal cord injury, but one thing that hasn’t changed is his determination to keep moving forward.
Over the past year, Chad has been focused on building a new chapter of life. He’s started traveling again, embracing opportunities to get out, experience new places, and create new memories along the way. One of his biggest accomplishments has been purchasing a home and diving headfirst into a major renovation project. The process has demanded countless hours, hard work, and patience, but it has also provided a meaningful goal and a sense of purpose as he continues to rebuild and redefine life after injury.
Throughout every challenge and milestone, Chad credits much of his success to the incredible support of his fiancée, Kelsie Dulaney. Her patience, encouragement, and willingness to walk alongside him through this journey have been nothing short of invaluable. She has been a constant source of strength, helping him navigate both the victories and the difficult days that come with adapting to life after SCI.
Like many individuals facing life-changing injuries, Chad continues to discover what this new chapter of life looks like. Some days are easier than others, but he remains committed to finding purpose, pursuing growth, and embracing the opportunities that come his way.
When he’s not working on the house, you’ll often find Chad out on the water. Boating remains one of his favorite escapes—a place where he can clear his mind, enjoy the moment, and appreciate the freedom that comes with being outdoors.
Perhaps most importantly, Chad is incredibly grateful for the small circle of genuine friends who have stood by his side through every stage of this journey. Their loyalty, encouragement, and friendship have made a lasting impact and continue to remind him that he is never facing these challenges alone.
As Chad recently passed the one-year mark since his injury, he continues to focus on progress over perfection, celebrating the small victories, embracing new experiences, and building a future filled with hope. While the road ahead may still hold uncertainty, his resilience, gratitude, and determination continue to inspire everyone who follows his journey.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support Chad. Your encouragement and generosity help make a difference and remind him that an entire community is cheering him on every step of the way.