Hello there, my name is Gina, and I would like to invite you to join me and my disability community on a wonderful and challenging  sunrise ascent of Mount Washington August 1^st,  2021. This event is important to me because it shows what can be achieved regardless of your ability. It will also show the kindness, determination, and beautiful human spirit as our friends and families assist and cheer us on as we do this very difficult climb. I am looking forward to this very much and hope that you will join team Gina.  Llet's just have a great day doing something cool with friends.

My disability is both visible and invisible. It is mainly multiple traumatic brain injuries, PTSD, terrible pain, left side weakness, and weird central nervous system damage that causes all sorts of crazy stuff to happen to my body at times. I've been through an awful lot but frankly I'm lucky. I have a great family that loves me and unbelievable friends- both of which help me in ways that humbled me and make me grateful for each and every day.

The first few years of disability were pretty sucky. My life had been turned upside down and it was a long journey out of the darkness into the light. I still carry that darkness with me at times, however, my doctors introduced me to adaptive sports to gain confidence, cut down on medications, be healthier and get involved with my community.  Basically, I was learning to adapt to life, be comfortable with me and become human again.

Coming from a state of learning how to walk and talk again, to doing, being, learning, and being in nature made me feel great. I wasn't really good at many adaptive sports when I first started out on my journey, but with the appropriate encouragement from my inner circle, and adaptive sports organizations, I continue to improve and find purpose. My purpose is to enjoy the day. That may sound simple and easy.  My body or brain may not always cooperate with that lol. If I'm  high pain, high fatigue, or if I am triggered, it can adversely affect me and nobody likes that. Do you know what helps with all these things? Adaptive sports and nature therapy. 

I'm proud to say that I have been working very hard many years recumbent biking/triking, hiking, skiing, doing eco-challenges, and pretty much anything to keep busy and feel whole. When I saw the opportunity to do this sunrise ascent, I got excited.  Will it be easy, no.  Will it be an adventure, heck yes and I’m in.

We’ll be the Yellow Team.  Don’t know what time we’ll start or finish.  Just feel free to say “hi” when you see us.  I’ll be the kick-butt-older lady smiling and enjoying a great day.