DVNF/Ride2Recovery: Teaming Up to Help Vets Heal Through Cycling
-
Upload
disabled-veterans-national-foundation -
Category
Government & Nonprofit
-
view
448 -
download
1
Transcript of DVNF/Ride2Recovery: Teaming Up to Help Vets Heal Through Cycling
Disabled Veterans National
Foundation
+Ride2Recovery
A joint effort to bring wounded heroes together to heal
“I learned how to look at life again – not for
what I no longer had, but for what I could
have and did have.”
About the Partnership
Over 50,000 men and women have been wounded or
injured in combat in Operation Iraqi Freedom and
Operation Enduring Freedom.
Fractures, amputations, burns, spinal cord injuries, and
gunshot wounds have been some of the most common
physical wounds, and the effects of the wounds continue
to plague veterans long after they exit the military.
About the Partnership
Ride2Recovery’s primary mission is to help veterans
recover and rehabilitate from the mental and
physical wounds of combat through cycling.
They do this by restoring hope and purpose to
veterans.
Providing a way FOR life
Vets helping Vets
It’s not a handout, It’s hard work
Serving over 10,000 Veterans
Founded on cycling based programs
Why is Cycling Important?
Cycling is a great form of exercise. It’s also a means of self-management intervention, which can help a veteran to recover, and improve outcomes through the course of their lifetime.
Cycling is an activity that almost anyone can participate in…even those with amputations, or other combat-related conditions.
An added benefit is that it’s easier on the lower extremities.
Project HERO
Project HERO (Healing Exercise Rehabilitation
Opportunity) is a R2R program that provides training and
support to promote the recovery and rehabilitation of
veterans.
Veteran participants in Project HERO often suffer from
physical injuries or PTSD, and cycling is not only a
physical exercise that benefits these veterans, but this
activity is also a way they can recover from the mental
and emotional wounds through a challenging community
activity with fellow veterans.
Adaptive Equipment
R2R utilizes adaptive equipment for veterans, so no
matter the injury they may have, they can still participate
in this outstanding adventure.
Delvin
Before coming to R2R, Delvin, a quadruple amputee, was told it wouldn’t be possible for him to ride a bike! But Delvin refused to let his injuries stop him.
His bike uses a very special unit on the handle bar that incorporates Shimano DI2 electronic shifting and hydraulic disc brakes into a very unique and customized “control center.” All of that allows him to steer, shift and brake with precision and ease.
His C85 prosthetic hand uses a specially adapted Thomson seat post as a mounting unit for the prosthetic. With his prosthetic legs he can pedal as normal.
How the Experience Helps
Ride2Recovery offers a practical way to change the way
these vets think about the challenge. R2R gives them a
hurdle, and the means to get past it with support from
others who are undergoing the same troubles.
As Delvin’s story shows, physical limitations present their
own hurdles to our wounded warriors, and finding new
ways to remain healthy and active can be a challenge. But
with the adaptive equipment, they don’t have to give up on
activities they enjoy.
R2R Had 18 Bikes Stolen!
In March, 18 bikes were stolen from a Ride2Recovery
storage facility near San Diego! Some of the bikes stolen
were customized, adaptive equipment, and cost around
$2,500.
After learning of this misfortune, DVNF jumped to action,
donating $20,000 to Ride2Reovery to help replace the
stolen equipment.
http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Donations-Pour-
in-to-Replace-Stolen-Wounded-Warrior-Bikes-
298977501.html
Next Steps
DVNF has shown great interest in supporting initiatives that make
life easier for veterans with disabilities.
In 2014, DVNF gave a $50,000 grant to help the Human Engineering
Research Laboratories (HERL) buy a new and important piece of
equipment! Thanks to generous donor support, HERL can continue
to develop groundbreaking adaptive devices for veterans like Delvin!
DVNF CEO, Joseph VanFonda
(USMC SgtMaj Ret.), and
President Benny Bachand
presenting a check to Dr. Rory
Cooper, Director of HERL.
Next Steps
Disabled Veterans National Foundation wants to help
Ride2Recovery purchase even more equipment for
veterans!
With generous donor support, DVNF will give at least
$30,000 more to R2R, which will allow more veterans the
opportunity to heal from mental and physical wounds!
Your support is critical for this outstanding opportunity.
Donate Today
Life after military service can be extremely hard,
especially for those with physical and emotional wounds.
With your gift to this partnership, you are giving our
heroes a chance to overcome the new challenges they
face in the civilian world!
Donate Today
Click this link, and help us change the lives of veterans on
their road to recovery!