At the Heart of Community: Granting More Than Just Equipment 

Every fall, athletes from across the country gather in San Diego for the CAF Community Weekend, a multi-day celebration of movement, connection, and inclusion. This isn’t just an event—it’s a launching pad. For many, it’s their first time trying an adaptive sport. For others, it’s a return to a sport they love with new goals and new teammates.

But perhaps the most lasting impact of the weekend comes from what happens after it’s over.

Thanks to the generosity of our partners and supporters, CAF awarded over a dozen life-changing grants during the 2024 Community Weekend, equipping athletes with the tools and resources they need to reach the next level—whether that’s their first steps in a running blade or training for the Paralympics.

Each of these stories is a reminder that with access comes opportunity, and with community comes the confidence to keep going.

Estella Madrigal – A Young Voice with Big Dreams 

Grant: Össur Running Prosthesis 

At just eight years old, Estella is already a force of nature. A survivor of osteosarcoma and an above-knee amputee, Estella is passionate about swimming, singing, and voice acting—and now, thanks to her new Össur running prosthesis, she’s adding running to the list. 

With the support of CAF and inspired by mentors like Rudy Garcia-Tolson, Estella is discovering the power of movement in new ways. Her new prosthesis will allow her to play, compete, and explore her potential with more freedom and confidence than ever before. 

Alejandra “Allie” Glover – Finding Her Way Back to the Court 

Grant: Sports Expense Grant (Team Coastline) 

Allie Glover’s tennis journey started at UCLA and took an unexpected turn after her diagnosis of late-onset Tay Sachs disease. But her passion never faded. Through CAF’s wheelchair tennis program, Allie discovered a new way to compete—and a new path toward her dream of reaching the Paralympics. 

Her grant will help her obtain a custom tennis chair designed for elite-level competition, proving that a diagnosis doesn’t end a dream—it can simply reroute it. 

Stellah Jongwe – Racing Toward the World Stage 

Grant: Top End Racing Chair (Chairman’s Grant) 

Born with phocomelia, Stellah Jongwe has made her mark as Zimbabwe’s top female wheelchair racer, earning golds and setting records at national and international events. With the addition of a Top End racing chair, Stellah is gearing up to raise her game even higher. 

CAF’s support is helping her close the gap between national success and global recognition—on a journey that’s as much about personal empowerment as it is about elite competition. 

Collin Bosse – Returning to the Waves 

Grant: Adaptive Surfboard 

In April 2023, Collin’s life changed following a spinal cord injury. But one thing never changed—his identity as a surfer. With the guidance of the adaptive surf community and a customized surfboard grant, Collin is back in the water and training with Team USA Para Surfing in sight. 

This grant doesn’t just support Collin’s goals—it restores a deep part of his identity and enables him to thrive in the environment he calls home: the ocean. 

Micah Magana – Powered by Possibility 

Grant: Össur Athletic Prosthetics (Jamie Marseilles Kids Run Grant) 

Micah’s energy is magnetic. Born with a rare clotting condition that led to the amputation of both legs, Micah refuses to be defined by limitations. At a recent CAF running clinic, he received his first pair of Össur sports prosthetics—opening the door to new adventures in running, jumping, and simply being a kid. 

Micah’s story is a powerful reminder of how the right equipment can change a child’s life—and how far joy and confidence can carry you. 

Akeem Kearse – Moving Forward, Fueled by Grit 

Grant: Top End Force 3 Handcycle (provided by Toyota) 

After losing both legs above the knee, Akeem Kearse found strength and movement through handcycling. Introduced to CAF through a sailing clinic, Akeem has now received a Top End Force 3 handcycle—his first that isn’t borrowed. 

Now, he can ride freely and fully, training and exploring on his terms. His journey was recently featured in the powerful documentary Steps, a testament to his resilience and the power of access. 

Kerry Peterson – Strength in Every Sport 

Grant: Sports Expense Grant (EōS Fitness at Tour de Cove) 

Since her spinal cord injury in 2022, Kerry has been unstoppable—dabbling in everything from pickleball to CrossFit. Her fitness-first mindset and commitment to wellness are helping redefine what it means to be an adaptive athlete. 

Her CAF grant will expand her opportunities even further, giving her access to new sports, new gear, and new moments of transformation. 

Clara Longoria – Skiing with a New Perspective 

Grant: Sports Expense Grant (Robert Spotswood Endowment) 

At just 11 years old, Clara has already tried more sports than most adults. Born with Spina Bifida and recently recovering from spinal fusion surgery, Clara is eager to return to the slopes with her coaches at Higher Ground. 

Her sports expense grant makes it possible. Whether it’s skiing, dancing, or just making friends at clinics, Clara embodies the spirit of trying everything—and doing it with a smile. 

Elijah Shultz – Breaking Barriers on the Gridiron 

Grant: Sports Expense Grant (Robin Williams Endowment) 

Elijah dreams big—and leads by example. Born with Amniotic Band Syndrome, Elijah plays football with a prosthesis and serves as quarterback and team captain. He’s also a standout baseball player, weightlifter, and wrestler. 

With support from CAF, Elijah is pushing toward a groundbreaking goal: becoming the first collegiate quarterback with a prosthesis to earn a scholarship. This grant gives him the tools to train harder, dream bigger, and inspire everyone watching. 

Beyond Equipment—A Community of Possibility 

What unites these stories isn’t just the grant or the sport. It’s the belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to move, to grow, and to belong. That belief is at the heart of CAF Community Weekend—and at the core of everything CAF does.

Each grant given is more than a piece of equipment. It’s a vote of confidence, a spark of momentum, and a reminder that every athlete—regardless of physical challenge—deserves to chase their goals.

Join the Movement 

Want to help athletes like Estella, Collin, or Stellah reach their next milestone?

Together, we’re building more than athletes. We’re building a community of unstoppable humans—one grant at a time.