Life can change in a single moment. For Mackenzie “Mack” Johnson, that moment came in November 2016 during his sophomore year of college. A 35-foot fall from a cabin balcony left him instantly paralyzed from the chest down. The once-active athlete suddenly faced months of rehabilitation, relearning everyday tasks and navigating a drastically altered future.
“I was a young college kid adjusting to a whole new life,” Mack recalls. “It shattered my world, and at first, I couldn’t imagine ever playing sports again.”
Six months into recovery, while stopping for lunch at a rest stop in Dateland, Arizona, Mack’s life took another unexpected turn. Standing outside a Quiznos, he spotted NBA Hall of Famer Bill Walton—a lifelong supporter of the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF).
What began as a simple photo opportunity turned into a pivotal moment. Bill spoke with Mack about the transformative power of adaptive sports and urged him to connect with CAF immediately.
“What CAF is trying to do for Mack,” Bill said, “is what they did for me—give purpose back to life.”
Through CAF, Mack received a high-performance basketball wheelchair to attend a summer camp at Auburn University. Despite being new to the sport, Mack’s competitive drive and athletic background propelled him forward.
CAF also invited Mack to San Diego, where he trained at the YMCA in Mission Valley with Bill Walton and other challenged athletes. There, Mack discovered not only a sport that fit his passion but a community that embraced him fully.
“Basketball saved my life,” Mack says. “After my injury, I searched for something to strive for. Wheelchair basketball gave me purpose and introduced me to amazing people who’ve helped me grow as an athlete and a person.”
Inspired and determined, Mack transferred from Wofford College in South Carolina to Auburn University, where he joined their Division I Wheelchair Basketball Team while pursuing a degree in accounting. On the court, he found the intensity, teamwork, and competition he thought he’d lost forever.
CAF’s support didn’t stop there. Mack participated in CAF’s Million Dollar Challenge, a 620-mile handcycling ride from San Francisco to San Diego, twice. Alongside his mother, Jeannee, who accompanied him on one of the rides, Mack shared his journey with other athletes and supporters, inspiring countless people with his resilience and determination.
Mack’s accident deeply impacted his family, but it also strengthened their bond. Jeannee was by her son’s side throughout rehabilitation and has been an unwavering source of encouragement.
“We just finished The Million Dollar Challenge—620 miles down the California coast,” Jeannee shared. “The experience was priceless. We’re so proud of how Mack has faced adversity, overcome obstacles, and embraced a new normal.”
Her heartfelt message, shared during the challenge, captured her hopes for Mack’s future:
“My wish for you is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small…
I hope you know somebody loves you and wants the same things too.”
Watch Mack’s full story on YouTube
With CAF’s continued support, Mack Johnson has transformed his life through adaptive sports. From a devastating spinal cord injury to thriving as a collegiate wheelchair basketball player and endurance handcyclist, Mack has shown what’s possible when opportunity meets determination.
Sign up for stories of resilience, event invites, and ways to make a difference delivered with heart, straight to your inbox.
Thank you for subscribing! Check your inbox regularly for updates
from the CAF team.
Apply for grants for adaptive sports equipment, prosthetics, coaching, and more.
Find adaptive experiences and events for your sport near you.
Find adaptive experiences and events for your sport near you.
Learn about outreach, awareness, and education programs for schools.
Join programs in our key regions.
Adaptive Sports Organizations listed by state and country.
Browse our resources by sport to find the right equipment, trainings, and organizations for you.
Make a 100% tax deductible donation with one click.
Donate every month. Just $10 makes a
difference.
Find another way to give that works for you.
Get in front of an engaged and passionate audience and support our mission while advancing your goals.
Create an impact by sponsoring life-changing events.
Support your corporate giving initiatives with 100% tax deductible donations.
Create an event you’re passionate about in a few easy steps.
Contribute to or take part in an existing event.
Learn how to get your school involved in a great cause and access tools for success.
Explore digital or in-person volunteer opportunities at a CAF event near you.
Join inclusive adaptive sports events and experiences open to everyone.
Discover upcoming events in your area to fundraise, participate, or volunteer.
Explore regional community events, clinics, and donation options in the greater Bay Area.
Explore regional events, grants, and donation options in San Diego, Orange County, and LA County.
Explore community events, clinics, grants, and more in the state of Idaho.
Explore local community events, clinics, and donation options in the Northeast region.
Ride with us. No matter where you are, you’re part of the CAF cycling community.
Find something that moves you. Athlete stories, event coverage, and more.
Explore our resource library to access information on your adaptive sport.
Explore our video library to get digital coaching, equipment guides, and more.
Access the tools you need to best support your fundraising efforts.
