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A Wounded Soldier Finds Inspiration at CAF’s San Diego Triathlon Challenge
Lt. Colonel Timothy Karcher -- a decorated war hero as well as dedicated father and husband -- is taking his first steps to getting back to an active lifestyle. Just a few months after sustaining his injuries, Lt.  Colonel Karcher was introduced to the Challenged Athletes Foundation®(CAF) when he attended the 2009 San Diego Triathlon Challenge(SDTC) with his family. “The San Diego Triathlon Challenge showed both my family and I what was possible,” says Karcher. “It helped us all to see how I would be able to return to a normal life.”
In 2006, Lt. Colonel Karcher was injured in the line of duty when he was shot in the shoulder while deployed in Iraq. Only six months later, he was back serving alongside his men. In June of 2009, on his third tour of duty, Karcher was directly involved in the transfer of power from the U.S. to the Iraqis in the Sadr City neighborhood of Baghdad. Ten days later Karcher’s vehicle was hit by an EFP ( a bomb containing explosively formed projectiles) that claimed both of his legs and almost his life.
Since last year, Lt. Colonel Karcher has had a long road to recovery, but remaining active has been an important part of the process. In February, he required surgery to have more of his residual limbs amputated, but only a month later he was back walking on prosthetics again.
Lt. Colonel Karcher said that he never would have considered a triathlon before attending SDTC, but was so inspired by seeing other challenged athletes out there participating that he decided to set his own goals. “The courage the challenged athletes showed was very motivating,” said Karcher, who as a Purple Heart recipient is no stranger to courage himself. Since then, Karcher has been working diligently towards his goal of participating in the 1.2-mile swim at the 2010 San Diego Triathlon Challenge on October 24 by logging a 1-mile swim every other day.
“The only thing that limits people is their mind,” says Karcher. “I feel I can make the biggest impact by getting out there and showing others how much you can achieve you when you put your mind to it.”
There is no doubt that this accomplished man who has endured so much will be making a positive impact on those around him. Lt. Colonel Karcher will be one of the 150+ challenged athletes participating at the 2010 San Diego Triathlon Challenge Festival this year. Learn more about how you can make a difference at www.sandiegotrichallenge.com
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More than 70 Challenged Athletes Heat Up Competition in the East
 The competition was heating up at 2010 Accenture USA Paratriathlon National Championship held on July 18 in conjunction with the Nautica New York City Triathlon, with a record 70 physically challenged individuals participating. Competitors were not only racing for one of the 12 individual national titles, but also against the clock to beat the four-hour mark to qualify for September’s ITU Paratriathlon World Championship in Budapest, Hungary.
Eight of the 2009 individual national title holders were able to secure their reign as champion for another year including CAF athletes like Oz Sanchez, J.P. Theberge, Sandy Dukat and more. Back after a two year hiatus was “One-Arm” Willie Stewart (pictured left) who took first place in the Championship Division .
New for 2010 was the open Physically Challenged Division that enabled budding triathletes to get into the action. 30-year-old Nick Roumonada (pictured right), a CAF supported athlete and New York resident was one of the individuals to take advantage of this new division
“I looked forward to participating in this event all year,” said Nick Roumonada. “It was a challenging race, but I had a great sense of accomplishment coming across the finish line.”
Congrats to all of the participants at the 2010 Accenture USA Paratriathlon National Championship on a job well done!
*top photo courtesy of © 2010 Sari S. Schorr
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Wheelchair Paratriathlon Camp Prepares Athletes For Competition
 Lubbock Texas, home of the Ironman® 70.3® Handcycle Championship, was the host of the Challenged Athletes Foundation’s® Wheelchair ParaTriathlon Training Camp featuring four time Ironman® World Champion Carlos Moleda and Race Across America finisher Patrick Doak. The camp, taking place from June 24– 26, was one of the most comprehensive and in-depth wheelchair division ParaTriathlon Camps available. The camp covered a variety of topics and included interactive group rides, swim training, and individual evaluations.
“The knowledge I gained from attending the Challenged Athletes Foundation’s wheelchair division ParaTriathlon camp has been invaluable as I work towards qualifying for the Ironman World Championship”, said Susan Katz, attending challenged athlete. “A big thank you to Carlos Moleda, Patrick Doak and CAF for helping me move forward and reach my athletic goals”.
The three-day camp concluded with the attendees putting their newly learned skills to the test with their participation in the Buffalo Springs Lake Ironman® 70.3 Handcycle Championship Triathlon on Sunday June 26, 2010. Most of the race participants were gunning for a prestigious slot into the Ford Ironman® World Championship in Kona, Hawaii in the Paratriathlon division. 
Congratulations to Oz Sanchez for his second place finish with a time of 5:37:18 and to CAF’s elite athlete Tricia Downing who won the women’s division with a new course record of 7:31:26. Krige Schabort from Georgia scorched the course and won the men’s division with a new course record of 4:55:07 - all three received a spot into the big show in Kona this October.
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Boost Mobile Features CAF’s Operation Rebound® at 2010 Army Concert Series
 High profile musicians such as Creed, Ludacris, Sammy Hagar and more are making stops at Army bases across the U.S. for the 2010 Army Concert Series presented by Boost Mobile where CAF’s Operation Rebound® (OR) was recently chosen to be the featured military charity. On July 24-25, Operation Rebound athlete Anthony Smith (pictured right with Grammy Award winning Artist, Monica) was honored at the Ft. Bragg, NC concert that featured artists such as Fantasia, Monica and Ludarcris.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to work with Boost Mobile to help promote CAF’s Operation Rebound program,” says CAF Operation Rebound program manager Nico Marcolongo. “It was great seeing over 8,500 people at the Ft. Bragg concert honoring the men and women of the program. We’re confident that these concerts will help create more awareness amongst military communities around the country of the significant impact that CAF is having on the lives of our injured troops.”
Upcoming Boost Mobile Army Concert Series dates and locations that will feature Operation Rebound are:
- September 3 / Redstone Arsenal, AL / Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton and Colt Ford
- September 11/ Ft. Benning, GA / Laura Bell Bundy and Randy Rogers Band
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Catch a Rising Star Teams Up with Össur® in New York
 Watch the video here!
An afternoon spent running, jumping and learning new skills is a great way to spend the day at any age. The attendees of the Challenged Athletes Foudation’s ® Catch a Rising Star program did just that at 2010 Össur® Leg amputee Running and Mobility workshop at Chelsea Piers in New York, NY.
More than forty athletes attended the event learning proper running gait techniques from world renown gait specialist Bob Gailey, PhD, PT and premiere athlete and four-time Paralympic champion, Brian Frasure, CP. Many of the participants enjoyed an afternoon of drills to learn “leg over leg” running, balance skills, and other mobility techniques. 
“The clinic was extremely useful,” said Luis Quintero, a 57-year-old above knee amputee and first time attendee (pictured right), “ it was the best source of knowledge about my prosthetic and how to use it, that I’ve found in ten years.”
The workshop concluded with a obstacle course relay race anchored by CAF elite athletes Sarah Reinertsen (pictured top left) and Scout Bassett. Additionally, the kids attending started an impromptu game of dodge ball after the workshop concluded – lots of fun, learning and smiling faces.
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CAF Florida and Paralympic Sport Tampa Bay Have Fun in the Sun
H20 to Go camp offers physically challenged kids the opportunity to experience aquatic adventures
 CAF Florida Chapter has been happy to support members of Paralympic Sport Tampa Bay--named the top local sports club in the nation by United States Paralympics, a division of the U. S. Olympic Committee (USOC) -- for the past three years. CAF Florida had the wonderful opportunity to help send local challenged athlete kids to Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Clearwater as well as the Nature’s Academy in Ft. Desoto as part of their H20 to Go camp.
The H20 to Go campers had the good fortune to visit Winter the dolphin at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium where they got to see how even with physical limitations, Winter never gives up. Winter lost her tail in a crab trap when she was young and has been using a prosthetic tail to help her swim which allows her to do all normal dolphin activities. Campers were able to have a private experience with Winter and touch her prosthetic tail, made from the same materials as many of their prosthetics!
CAF athlete, Dana Lawson, an above-knee amputee is the president of Nature’s Academy; a non-profit aimed at educating individuals about the complexity of earth’s ecosystems and inspires them to become better stewards of our limited resources. The program was hands-on for all the kids including the chance to go kayaking, explore for critters in the ocean and even participate in a shark dissection. Many of the kids have never been in the ocean, so it was truly an inspiring experience for everyone.
For more pictures and videos from the camp, please visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cafflorida.
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CAF Partner Highlight: Las Patronas
The Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF) is pleased to announce that Las Patronas, a San Diego based philanthropic organization that supports local non-profits, has chosen CAF as a 2010 Spring Minor Beneficiary. They have generously donated a grant for lockers, pedestal benches, and a Nike Everlast Grind floor to go in the new Deni & Jeff Jacobs Challenged Athletes Center to be completed this fall. Las Patronas is committed to providing financial assistance to charitable institutions in the San Diego area that provide valuable community services in the areas of health, educations, social services and cultural arts to enhance the quality of life in the local community.
For more information about Las Patronas, please visit www.laspatronas.org
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Donate Your Old Van/SUV and Support the Challenged Athletes Foundation®(CAF)
 CAF's support vehicle has come to the end of its life and now we need your help!
We are in need of a van or larger SUV in good working condition that includes: heating, air, removable seats and automatic transmission. Roof racks would be a bonus! Since CAF will be using this vehicle to support its programs, the donor will have the option to take full market value* of the car as a tax deduction.
Clear some space in your garage and support a great cause today by donating your vehicle to CAF!
To donate your vehicle, please contact Marie White at marie@challengedathletes.org or 858.526.6557.
* Note that the fair market value must be determined by the donor. The fair market value, according to the government, is different (lower) than the ‘Blue Book’ value. Edmunds TMV Used Vehicle Appraiser provides an accurate valuation report of what a used car sells for in your specific neighborhood, less the cost of necessary repairs/material improvements – best indication of FMV. The Edmunds report will satisfy the IRS in the event of an audit and can be included at tax time as backup when determining the value of the deduction. Value of the vehicle must be made within 60 days of date of donation.If the donor’s tax deduction is over $500 and under $5000, the donor would include the following, along with the tax return: a written acknowledgment of receipt of the donated vehicle from the charity, a completed Section A of form 8283 from the IRS – noncash charitable contributions form and written appraisal from a qualified appraiser, as mentioned above.
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MEDIA ALERT
Mark your calendar: CAF Athletes, "One Arm" Willie Stewart and Ryan Szielenski to be featured on the nationally syndicated 30th Anniversary "Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon" show on a TV station near you.
Find your market here.
The show will air in San Diego on Sunday, June 27 at 11:00am on CBS.
Tune in to watch these two incredible athletes take on the notorious Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon (EFAT). This was Stewart's 9th EFAT race, a true veteran of the 30 year-old event. Szielenski, a fellow above elbow arm amputee due to a motorcycle accident, was not quite in the same boat... This was his second triathlon in his entire life - the first being CAF's San Diego Triathlon Challenge - so having the veteran there to give him tips was vital.
Watch the show and you'll see first hand the importance of mentorship in the case of Stewart and Szielenski. It's a great example of how CAF is helping connect people to improve lives.
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Thanks to you, CAF Distributes More Than 1.3 Million in Grants to 812 Physically Challenged Athletes!
This year the world witnessed great triumphs at the Vancouver Winter Paralympic Games. The commitment to compete at this highest level despite the obvious challenges is the impetus to the purest and most elegant form of athleticism. Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF) was proud to support 45% of the U.S. Winter Paralympic Team so that they could participate among the elite and reach their podium dreams. That being said, CAF realizes that every journey – whether it s that of a Paralympic athlete, a high schooler just trying to fit in or an adult that has to start over – starts with just one step.
  
Grantees pictured left to right
- Madelyn “Mei Mei” White – Above-knee amputee
6- year- old, Atlanta, Georgia
- Toni Saia – Cerebral Palsy
17 years old, Staten Island, New York
- Juan Manuel Geny – Above Knee Amputee
34-years-old, Bragado, Argentina
Thanks to your support, and the funds raised at important events like the Heroes, Heart and Hope gala, Million Dollar Challenge cycling event and the San Diego Triathlon Challenge, CAF is helping 812 physically challenged individuals take vital steps in their personal journey towards success in athletics and success in life. It’s only through you, that CAF’s Access for Athletes program was recently able to distribute a record $1.311 million to individuals with physical challenges across the United States and in 26 countries for resources necessary to live an active lifestyle.
See how your donations and support have changed lives in your region by checking out our 2010 Access for Athletes Grant Distribution Highlights, featuring athlete stories, statistics and more. Stay tuned for our grantee spotlights throughout the year, or visit challengedathletes.org for ongoing updates.
Together we are making a difference!
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 You Don’t Need a Cape to be a Hero at the 8th Annual Rock on the Lawn Spin-a-thon®
Once again, our friends at Pacific Athletic Club in Del Mar, CA provided their gorgeous facility and talented spin instructors for the 8th Annual Rock on the Lawn Spin-a-thon® event to benefit the Challenged Athletes Foundation®(CAF).
This year’s “superhero” theme showcased the range of abilities and strength of CAF athletes who proved, you don’t need a cape to be a hero.
Event participants used their “superhero” powers to complete a choice of a one , two or three hour sessions as the challenged athletes inspired and motivated from the stage.
Thanks to the Pacific Athletic Club, participants, spirited Spin® instructors and challenged athletes the entire event was a blast and a huge success raising more than $15,000 for challenged athletes.
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Challenged Athletes Show Off Their Skills From Coast to Coast
 In April, Challenged Athletes Foundation®(CAF) partnered with Össur America to provide a Leg Amputee Mobility and Running Workshop in Tampa, Florida. More than 30 attendees received instruction from world-renowned expert in amputee running and gait training, Bob Gailey, PhD, PT. Gailey conducted interactive group exercises and individual gait evaluations for everyone in attendance. Additionally Ironman® World Championship finisher and CAF spokesperson, Sarah Reinertsen and four-time Paralympic champion Brian Frasure, CP helped conduct drills on improving balance and building core strength. From new runners to advanced, there was something for everyone.
Fast forward to May 23 in San Diego where the weather threatened to dampen the day at CAF’s Catch a Rising Star Swim Workshop, but new discovery and triumph ensued. Eighteen challenged athletes of all ability levels received instruction from swim coaches Alan Voisard and Alison Terry. Voisard and Terry helped seasoned swimmers take their skills to the next level, while new swimmers were able to gain a sense of ease in the water. Challenged athletes Jason Diaz and Robert Ram swam side-by-side looking like future Paralympians, eight-year-old Cameron Lutges’s passion for swimming grew by the minute and Scout Bassett soaked in all of the new information from one-on-one coaching with Alison Terry.
The athlete’s skills and smiles were shining bright at both events. Thanks to everyone for making these workshops a great success, and check out the Catch a Rising Star schedule for a workshop near you!
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Troops and First Responders Meet Celebrity UFC Fighter Wanderlei Silva
 CAF’s Operation Rebound headed to Las Vegas May 22-23 to participate in a Mixed Martial Arts weekend of events. Troops and first responders had the opportunity to meet and work out with six-time title winner, UFC fighter, Wanderlei Silva. Mixed Martial Arts and CAF’s Operation Rebound program have played an important role for many of the challenged athletes, including arm amputee, Anthony Smith. “Before being introduced to CAF I was 310 lbs and restricted to an automatic wheelchair, say Smith, “Since then I’ve lost 65 lbs, earned my Black Belt in Ta Kwon Do and opened my own martial arts studio. CAF Operation Rebound has truly changed my life.” Ending the weekend on a high note, Wanderlei Silva invited Smith and other attending troops and first responders to be guests of honor at the MMA Xplosion where they were able to watch legendary match-ups between Blas Avena and Jorge Lopez and Justin Wren from The Ultimate Fighter taking on Reggie Higgins.
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Team Operation Rebound Takes On Ironman® 70.3 Florida
 Steamy w eather didn’t slow down Team Operation Rebound at the Ironman® 70.3 Florida event in Orlando on May 16, 2010. Inspirational challenged athletes Major Dan Gade of Athens, Georgia, and Carly Waugh, a former Wildfire-fighter nowliving in Knoxville, Tennessee led Team Operation Rebound members full speed ahead at this world-class event. Carbo-fueled from the pre-race pasta dinner the evening before, Team Operation Rebound wound through the tall trees and beautiful Florida sunshine at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground. After the grueling event, the team was able to enjoy the exclusive CAF Florida VIP tent right at the finish line where they had some coveted shade to share a cold drink and tales of the course. Team Operation Rebound members felt a sweet victory not only because they crossed the finish line, but because they experienced the joy of racing beyond themselves.
Keep up with all of CAF Florida’s news & events on Facebook and Twitter.
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Race Across the Window
 To Donate: http://RATW.kintera.org/
For Information:www.raceacrossthewindow.com
On Thursday June 3, a team of eight riders will begin a simulated 3,000 miles ride across America on Computrainers in the store front window of JackRabbit Sports, Union Square, Manhattan, NY. This relay team will ride non-stop 24/7 for a week or until the 3,000 miles are covered.
A second Computrainer will be set up to accommodate guest riders, Ironman Legends, and CAF athletes. If you would like to be a guest rider, please contact Jonathan or Amy - details below. Surprise celebrities and local TV personalities will ride at various times throughout the week.
This the second year City Coach Multisports and JackRabbit Sports have hosted this event, this time choosing CAF as their official Charity for 2010.
Volunteers are welcome to help assist with everything from set up, to feeding the riders, to offering support at any hour of the day. Plus, there's a special premium on folks who are Computrainer-literate and can help get the riders situated from time to time. Or just come by and encourage us. Whatever you can do is appreciated.
If fans would like to participate or contribute to the cause, they can visit www.raceacrossthewindow.comor call Jonathan Cane, City Coach jonathon@citycoach.org or Amy Williams, CAF amy@challengedathletes.org
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Hope for a Good Future
 Abandoned on the steps of a Chinese hospital as an infant with a congenital birth defect, Kevin Zhao Pan Messner’s future foreboded to be ripe with despair. In hopes that his fortune would change, the hospital nurses named him “Zhao Pan” – “Hope for a good future” before transferring him to the orphanage where he would spend his first four years of life.
Fate turned to his favor when a single mom from Phoenix, Arizona adopted him in 2004. Within a few short months of living in the states, Kevin’s right leg was amputated above the knee due to his birth defect. After being fit for his first prosthetic, Kevin spent his early childhood participating in sports like running and archery, which greatly raised his self-esteem.
On Sunday, February 21, Kevin’s future became brighter when he received his very first advanced technology running leg courtesy of the Challenged Athletes Foundation’s®(CAF) partnership with Ossur and Kevin’s prosthetist, Kevin Koehler of Artificial Limb Specialists. The presentation took place at the annual Boston Scientific sales meeting.
Presenting Kevin’s new Ossur Flex Run and Total Knee, was CAF Spokesperson, Scout Bassett. Scout, also an above knee amputee that was adopted from a Chinese orphanage, has gone on to flourish as a full time UCLA student, an active triathlete and mentor to other challenged athletes, such as Kevin.
Thanks to the support of Ossur, Boston Scientific, Articifial Limb Specialists and CAF, Kevin will continue to thrive as an athlete and as a kid whose future keeps getting brighter.
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A Tribute to Heather Ray
 A life touched by Heather Ray, was a life inspired. From early on, Heather faced many challenges, including losing her leg to cancer at the age of 12, to being a single mom and a four-time cancer survivor. The Ohio resident led by example, showing the world how far a positive attitude and determination can take you. Heather was an avid athlete with a passion for spinning and yoga. She was also dedicated to her children and finding a cure for cancer. Although this past month at the age of 41, Heather lost her life in her last stand against the disease, her enduring spirit and gift to inspire will live on.
The Challenged Athletes Foundation will remember Heather’s bright smile as she pedaled her way through four and a half hours of spinning at the 2009 Tour de Cove. Her love of sports and life were contagious and Heather’s spirit will undoubtedly be remembered through her two little girls Mackenzie and Madison. Heather will most certainly be missed, but her unwavering message of perseverance will continue to motivate others for many years to come.
Watch Heather’s story here to learn more about this incredible and courageous woman.
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I Love Sledge Hockey!
An account from the 2010 Vancouver WInter Paralympic Games
By Lauren Hinton
Often times when people do something extraordinary, they do it so they can check the lonely box on their laundry list of things to do. Personally, I have a fairly long list – and it seems to grow every year – but I determined that attending my first Paralympic Games wasn’t just another box.
 My adventure began with a tri-country affair honoring those who have suffered permanent physical disabilities while serving the United States (in this case, veterans from the state of Oregon), Canada and the United Kingdom in a grand reception and sledge hockey clinic at the General Motors Place, home of the Vancouver Canucks hockey team. CAF’s Operation Rebound Manager Nico Marcolongo and myself were there on behalf of the Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF), who helped initiate the sledge hockey component of the program, and bring the three injured veteran support groups (Get a Vet in the Game, Soldier On and Battle Back) together.
Growing up in Southern California, I have never been a huge hockey fan. It’s not in my blood per say, but now I’m sold – at least on sledge hockey. After some of the vets had retired their sleds at the tail end of the clinic, Nico and I gathered the courage to try them out for ourselves. I was like a kid in a candy store, and now proudly own a lululemon athletica t-shirt that states, “I Love Sledge Hockey.” To make it even sweeter – the United States later won gold in sledge hockey! 
The Games officially began the following day, Friday, March 12. My day started with watching a standout athlete from the “Get a Vet in the Game” group of disabled Oregon vets, Luke Wilson, an amputee snowboarder (and future CAF grantee), take part in the torch relay. In addition to his wife and other injured vets, the Governor of Oregon, Ted Kulongski, was on hand to cheer him on and honor his sacrifice. That evening, Canada showed their true colors and “glowing hearts” during the opening ceremonies leaving hardly a dry eye in the full house of enthusiastic fans. The spectacle played out like a high impact drama, musical and parade of athletes combined.
All in all, everything was special, from trying out the adaptive winter sports equipment, to the venues, to visiting with the former Paralympians and CAF athletes who were on hand, but my favorite part of the Games was really twofold. In part, just attending the following events: USA vs. Korea sledge hockey match (Final score: 5-0 USA), alpine skiing slalom (sitting and visual impaired), cross country skiing (standing and visually impaired) and the medal ceremonies, was tremendous. However, meeting and watching CAF supported athletes compete at the highest level right before my eyes, many of whom would not be there if it weren’t for the support they received from CAF was a blessing.
Like I said, the Paralympic Games are so much more than checking a box. From the groups of hopeful injured military personnel spectators to the top-notch international field of competitors, the scene in Vancouver and Whistler, BC during the 2010 Winter Paralympic Games was alive with athletic greatness and unwavering support. The Paralympics are a demonstration of passion, dedication and the human spirit on an international platform unlike any other. For CAF supporters, they’re another way to see firsthand that anything is possible, given the right tools to succeed.
I encourage you to check out the following links:
Facebook slide shows: http://www.facebook.com/CAForg?v=photos&ref=ts
The official site of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Paralympics: www.vancouver2010.com/paralympic-games
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CAF Supports more than 20 U.S. Paralympians in Vancouver
Making Paralympic Dreams Come True
Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games
March 13 - 23, 2010
With your help, CAF has supported more than 20 U.S. Paralympians selected to compete in the 2010 Winter Paralympic Games. These athletes will be competing in the following events: Alpine Skiing, Curling, Nordic skiing and Sled Hockey.
How to Stay Tuned
Paralympic Broadcast Schedule on NBC Sports and Universal Sports:
(Note: All listed times are E.T.)
NBC Sports
Opening Ceremony highlights – Saturday, March 13, 1-2 p.m.
Paralympics recap – Saturday, April 10, 3-5 p.m.
Universal Sports
Monday, March 15 – Tuesday March 23, 7 p.m. (re-air at 11 p.m.)
CAF Supported Athletes
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CAF Announces New Northeast Representative
 The Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF) is pleased to welcome Amy Williams (amy@challengedathletes.org ), CAF’s Northeast Regional Manager, to the team. Amy was first introduced to CAF as a volunteer during the 2009 A Celebration of Heroes, Heart and Hope Gala in New York, where she was inspired by the CAF’s mission and athletes. As an endurance athlete and coach, Amy is passionate about introducing sports to others.
With more than eight years of international experience in marketing, events, public relations and business development, Amy brings a unique blend of experience and energy to the team. Her primary responsibilities as the Northeast Regional Manager include, overseeing community growth, public awareness and business development in the Northeast region and New York City.
Please join CAF in welcoming Amy to the team!
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First Female Paraplegic to Summit Mt. Kilimanjaro
 Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro would be a huge accomplishment for anyone, but for 28-year-old Erica Davis of San Diego, the victory is extra sweet. On December 31, 2005, a genetic anomaly changed Erica’s life forever. Over the course of four days, Erica went from having a backache to not being able to walk. An abnormal cluster of blood cells had catastrophically leaked into Davis’s spinal column, resulting in paralysis from the naval down.
While this experience would have slowed some people down, it only fueled Erica’s fire. Her positive attitude, an unwavering determination, the support of the Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF) and the community have helped Erica to accomplish many goals in triathlon as well as in her latest adventure of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro.
With the support of the C.H.E.C.K Institute, Overstock.com and CAF, Erica and a team of seven other climbers (Fit 4 Kili), including Tara Butcher a below knee amputee, made their way to the African country of Tanzania with a mission of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro.
They not only reached the summit, but they also reached their goals of raising awareness for individuals with physical challenges, by raising funds for CAF and by being the first female paraplegic to successfully complete this journey.
CAF would like to congratulate Erica, Tara and their team for all of their hard work.
To learn about Fit4Kili, visit http://www.paulchekseminars.com/kili
To read the blogged adventures, visit http://theroof.tumblr.com/
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CAF & Haiti - February 2010
Dear CAF Supporters,
When an earthquake rocked the very core of the tiny nation of Haiti on January 12, 2010, we all sat back in disbelief and helplessly watched as the reports came flooding in of the death toll, the missing bodies, the crushed buildings, the look of hopelessness on the faces of thousands of Haitians and wondered….. why?
As the day’s move forward we know that there have been thousands of amputations and the numbers continue to grow at a devastating rate. With the most basic needs of water, food, medicine and shelter as the core focus, it will take time before the longer term needs of the Haitian people who have been permanently affected by disability are realized.
CAF is keeping in close contact with the healthcare industry in regards to action being taken, immediate needs and organizations that are making coordinated efforts to help those in need of medical assistance. Additionally, CAF has contacts on the ground in Haiti that are providing updates on progress, need and planning.
It is clear, at this stage the priorities remain to save and sustain life. At some point, when the chaos has become more manageable, there will be a need for CAF to fulfill through programs, mentorship and guidance. We appreciate your outpouring of concern for those who have become disabled as a result of this tragedy and for your thoughts on how CAF can help. However, we believe it is of utmost importance at this time that we support the efforts being made by these organizations to try and stabilize a nation in deep distress. As the situation becomes more stabilized, CAF will provide updates as it is called upon help with healing of Haiti.
Thank you to our amazing supporters for your kindness and willingness to help,
The CAF Team
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Team CAF Wildflower – Off to a Great Start
 The inaugural edition of Team CAF Wildflower was the start of something special. Fundraisers were given a unique opportunity to spend quality time with those benefiting from their fundraising – the challenged athletes supported by CAF. Thanks to the support of CAF’s long time partner Tri-California Events (Tri-Cal), the Team CAF Wildflower program provided participants with a true team-building experience, where many camped and raced alongside CAF athletes, and received a CAF racing kit and other perks. All together, the 15 team members raised $19,788 for challenged athletes.
 The eight-person CAF athlete contingent included Wildflower veterans “One-Arm” Willie Stewart, Sarah Reinertsen and Chad Crittenden. Others competing in the Mountain Bike, Long Course and Olympic distance triathlons were Brandon Erickson, Andy May, Jonathan Bik, Scout Bassett and Creighton Wong.
A special thanks to Tri-Cal for making Team CAF Wildflower possible, to Hypercat Racing for providing the custom training programs, to AVIA for creating a Legends Relay Team Auction opportunity with Scott Tinley and Kenny Souza, and to Scott Tinley for leading the swim clinic. Most importantly, thank you to all our Wildflower fundraisers, who helping turn dreams into reality. Look for an expanded version of the program next year, with more perks and a new crop of CAF athletes. Join us at Lake San Antonio in 2009, as we look to double participation and the funds raised.
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The Damages - CAF Headquarters Fire
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 CAF is moving!
Please make note of our new address, phone and fax as of June 19, 2006.
New Address: 11199 Sorrento Valley Rd., Suite C, San Diego, CA 92121
New Phone: (858) 866-0959
New Fax: (858) 866-0958
*Email addresses will remain the same. Thank you. |
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 Making Paralympic Dreams Come True
IX Paralympic Winter Games 10-19 March 2006
With your help, CAF has supported 23 of the 56 U.S. Paralympians selected to compete in the 2006 Winter Paralympic Games, 41 percent of the entire team. These athletes will be competing in the following four events: Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing, Sled Hockey and Wheelchair Curling.
Photo: CAF Grantees, Muffy Davis and Eirk Bayindirli at the Opening Ceremonies, sporting CAF stickers on their chairs.
How to Stay Tuned
Thanks to the evolution of the Internet, history will be made this year as all sports of the Paralympic Winter Games will be shown on an Internet television channel. The International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) channel is now live on www.paralympicsport.tv, currently showing footage from the previous Winter Paralympics. Stay tuned and watch the U.S. Paralympic teams compete for their chance at gold.
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Teen who lost leg in shark attack trains for triathlon
Inspired by Sarah Reinertsen, shark attack victim Craig Hutto trains for the swim
portion of the 2006 SDTC.
Read the article on ESPN
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 Green, Stephens to appear on NBC’s Today
to mark two weeks from Opening Ceremonies
CAF Grantees, Green and Stephens to be featured on NBC's Today, Friday, February 24, 2006. The piece will air live from Torino, Italy during the 9:00 am E.T. slot to mark the two week point leading into the Opening Ceremonies for the 2006 Winter Paralympic Games.
Read the U.S Paralympics Story, By Beth Bourgeois
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Rudy Garcia-Tolson, teenage phenomenon and longtime 
CAF spokesperson was featured on ABC's Nightline.
Read the ABC story, By Sarah H. Rosenberg:
Teen Thriving Despite Race Disease, Amputations
Young Triathlete Is "Unstoppable" Despite Loss of His Legs
Read More
Read Competitor Magazine's Publishers Note, By Bob Babbitt
"A Brave Heart is a Powerful Weapon"
Read More
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 CAF “In the House” at Rose Bowl National Championship Game Presented by Citi!
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 1/4/2006
Thanks to Citi, the Tournament of Roses and ABC Sports, CAF received national exposure during the Rose Bowl BCS National Championship Game on Jan. 4, 2006. CAF was the subject of Citi’s 30-second Chairman’s Message – which featured Sarah Reinertsen, Capt. David Rozelle, Rudy Garcia-Tolson and 20 other CAF athletes – and was broadcast on ABC at halftime.
 Fifty CAF representatives also attended the exciting showdown between Texas and USC. “We are extremely grateful to Citi, the Tournament of Roses and ABC Sports for giving CAF this valuable platform and for allowing us to take part in the ‘Game of the Century’,” said Virginia Tinley, CAF’s Executive Director. “It was an incredible opportunity for the Foundation and our athletes really enjoyed the game and the chance to take part in the festivities.
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Moleda Bids Farwell to Kona… on Top!
December 13, 2005
CAF spokesperson Carlos Moleda featured on Ironmanlive.com
“He’s always been the “man to beat” when he’s raced in Kona. In this, his last appearance at the Ford Ironman World Championship, Carlos Moleda handled that pressure with style, winning in record time, and proving that he remains at the “top of his game.”
Read More:
http://vnews.ironmanlive.com/vnews/topstories/1134421987/
Paralympic qualifying races come to Breckenridge
December 9, 2006
CAF grantees, Laurie Stephens and Gerald Hayden, featured in the Summit Daily News
“The chair lift moved a little slower and stopped slightly more often that usual at Breckenridge on Thursday, but nobody seemed to mind.”
Read More:
http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20051208/SPORTS/112080054&SearchID=73229644742779
Skateboarder and CAF Grantee, Evan Strong, is riding on!
11/16/2005
CAG grantee is featured on 'signOnSanDiego web site
"Riding his motorcycle along the two-lane Hana Highway on Maui, Evan Strong was loving life. It was Nov. 3, 2004. Ten days shy of turning 18, he was a sponsored skateboarder, done with high school and a warm Hawaiian breeze was slaping him in the face."
"In a split second, his life would forever be changed."
Read more:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/20051116-9999-1s16flip1.html
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