The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), in collaboration with the Golden State Warriors, proudly hosted the fifth annual Celebration of Heart on May 19, 2022, at San Francisco’s iconic Chase Center. This highly anticipated evening brought together leaders from sports, technology, business, and philanthropy for an unforgettable night of inspiration, community, and support for athletes with physical challenges. 

Returning to an in-person experience, the event showcased CAF’s mission to empower lives through sport, just weeks after hosting its first youth wheelchair basketball clinic at the Warriors Training Facility. Over the past 29 years, CAF has funded more than 40,000 grants, supporting adaptive athletes of all ages and abilities across all 50 states and over 42 countries. 

A Night of Impact and Celebration

The evening began at 6:30 p.m. with Bay Area sportscasters Therese Vinal and Laura Britt as event hosts, guiding guests through an engaging program that highlighted CAF’s inclusive community and transformative programming. Attendees enjoyed a premium dining experience in the United Club while experiencing Chase Center’s renowned hospitality. 

Following the program, entertainment featured the Warriors’ official DJ D-Sharp and live music by Breezy Bochenek, a Bay Area triathlete and singer who has overcome losing her leg to cancer and continues to inspire others through sport and music. 

Kristine Entwistle, CAF’s Chief Executive Director, emphasized the importance of the event: 

“Hosting our fifth annual gala in person and at Chase Center is a dream come true. As a leader in adaptive sports, we are honored to partner with the Golden State Warriors to amplify the impact of CAF’s mission. With over 130,000 people living with permanent physical disabilities in the Bay Area, there’s so much more we can achieve together through sport.” 

Inspiring Stories of Adaptive Athletes

The Celebration of Heart spotlighted incredible stories of resilience and determination from athletes supported by CAF: 

Zach Sherman (36) – A lifelong snowboarder and triple amputee, Zach lost both legs and an arm in a 2010 motorcycle accident. Determined to return to the slopes, he developed custom prosthetic feet with snowboard binding attachments. In March, CAF surprised Zach with a grant presented by snowboarding legend Shaun White, and the two shared a memorable day snowboarding together. 

Lera Doederlein (19) – Born in Russia with a severe joint condition, Lera was adopted and moved to the U.S. before age two. At 14, she chose to undergo a bilateral above-knee amputation and soon embraced adaptive sports. Lera now competes on the U.S. Women’s Developmental Sled Hockey Team, CAF Women’s Handcycling Team, and is a full-time Para Nordic Skiing Biathlon athlete. She represented Team USA at the 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympics.] 

Brandon Louie (16) – From Los Altos, California, Brandon sustained a rare spinal cord injury called surfer’s myelopathy, causing sudden paralysis. Within months, he began playing wheelchair basketball and excelling in track and field, qualifying for state championships in multiple events. After attending CAF’s Youth Wheelchair Basketball Clinic, Brandon has become a promising athlete and a powerful example of the importance of sports for youth with disabilities. 

CAF’s Ongoing Mission and Programs

In April, CAF awarded 3,256 grants totaling $6.2 million to athletes across the United States. These grants help provide adaptive sports equipment such as running prosthetics, handcycles, and sport wheelchairs, along with funding for training, travel, and competition expenses. 

CAF also hosts numerous camps and clinics in a wide range of sports, including paratriathlon, adaptive cycling, wheelchair basketball, swimming, and sit volleyball. The Operation Rebound® program specifically supports injured military personnel, veterans, and first responders by helping them rebuild strength and mental well-being through sports. 

Currently, CAF supports 103 different sports worldwide, from sled hockey and blind surfing to adaptive CrossFit and equestrian sports, ensuring that athletes of all abilities can live active, fulfilling lives. 

Thank You to Event Sponsors

CAF extends gratitude to its event co-chairs and sponsors who made the Celebration of Heart possible: 

• Presenting Sponsor: Golden State Warriors 

• Gold Sponsor: Alison & Mike Mauze 

• Silver Sponsors: Kristin Roth DeClark, Sabrina & Mick Hellman, Julie & Michael Hughes, Andrea & Pasquale Romano, Sixth Street, The Spinner Family 

• Bronze Sponsors: Devon & Pete Briger, Allison Caccoma & Alan Shanken, Marj & Tom Callinan, Kate & Bill Duhamel, Julie & David Helfrich, Lotte & Sarah Real Estate, Marvell, Stephanie & Bill Mellin, Mekhala & Michel Oltramare, Purple Patch Fitness, ROTH Capital Partners, Sonoma Brands, Mary & Mark Stevens 

• Fan Sponsors: Anonymous, Tania & Larry Albukerk, Deborah Barrera & John Steinbuch, Jenna & Mike Boggs, Build Group, Vicky & Jim Click, ColRich, Cresa, Chris Golec, Christy & Chuck Holloway, J&L Pie, Lyft, UBS, Susan Walsh & Don Smith