Hello!

On July 26th, starting at 2 a.m., Erin and I are joining our friend, Cody, her friend, Allison, and an incredible team we've assembled, alongside other adaptive athletes and their teams, for the Sunrise Ascent on Mt. Washington. 

The Sunrise Ascent on Mt. Washington is an adaptive hike to the highest point in the northeast (6,288') AND an amazing fundraising event that 100% benefits Adaptive Sports Partners, a local nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities in New Hampshire's North Country and Vermont's Northeast Kingdom.  

Our personal goal is to fundraise $628.80, to go toward our team goal to fundraise $6,288 — one dollar for every vertical foot of Mt. Washington!

Today, we are asking for your support. Whether you choose to donate, share our page with others, cheer our team on from thre sidelines, or simply tell your friends and family about ASP or this event — it all helps make a real impact and lasting change in the lives of others. 

About Cody and Allison

Erin and I met Cody last year at a similar adaptive hike and community event out in Colorado, which was being organized by my client, No Barriers.

Cody had traveled alone from her home in Florida to participate, and we were assigned to her rope team. This was only the second hike of her life, and definitely the biggest, and we saw how difficult it was for her. But what stood out far more — the most — was the way she rose to the challenge and lit up in the mountains.

We kept in touch through the winter and this spring Cody told us she wanted to come visit us in NH and see our mountains. And that's when the lightbulb went on ... What if we could align her trip with the Sunrise Ascent! We had always wanted to be part of it. It took some light cajoling, but soon Cody was convinved that this could be an adventure a lifetime, and to our delight, she then pursuaded Allison, who grew up in NH, and is also an adaptive athlete, to come along.

Check out Cody's Fundaising Page
Check out Allison's Fundraising Page

How Will Cody and Allison Hike?

Cody was born with Spina Bifida, which in her case means she has limited use of her lower body; and Allison was involved in a traumatic snowboarding accident when she was a teenager, resulting in paraplegia. This means both Cody and Allison will use adaptive wheelchairs or mountain bikes to tackle the 7.6-mile ascent of Washington's famously steep, demanding, and absolutely picturesque Auto Road. (You know, the same historic road most people drive their car up and then buy a bumper sticker to brag about it!) 

This Hike Is also a Personal Celebration 

For Cody, this hike is a testament to her boundless bravery, indomitable spirit, and unstoppable strength! Beyond the obvious and less obvious obstacles in her way as a wheelchair user, late last year, she was unexpectely diagnosed with advanced bladder cancer, underwent a total cystectomy (complete bladder removal surgery), and persevered through an arduous rehab. Today, she is cancer-free and grateful to be able to be journeying forward.

For Allison, this hike is a chance to reach the top of the tallest mountain in her home state under her own power, and more importantly, support her friend far beyond the climb. She booked their flights, rental cars, and hotels; coordinated an adaptive waterskiing opportunity for them to enjoy a few days after the hike; and above all, said yes when it surely would have been more convenient to stay home.

For me and Erin, this hike is about finding new ways to share with others what we love about the outdoors here in NH; it's about meeting new people and getting closer to our community; and it's a chance to drive awarenss for adaptive programming and generate fundraisng that will allow more people of all abilities to enjoy sports and recreation, regardless of financial constraints. 

With glee and gratitude, 

Alex & Erin Shaffer