INSPIRE Program Update!

April is Limb Loss Awareness Month and we wanted to showcase what some of our INSPIRE participants have been up to as they raise awareness in their schools and communities. Lots of great things are happening! If you would like to join the INSPIRE program, you can find sign up info on our website. Get started today!

GET INVOLVED IN THE INSPIRE PROGRAM!

Blake Behrens

Blake independently created the No Limits Juggling Challenge that allowed him to both practice soccer skills, as well as raise money for the foundation and camper scholarships. Using social media (Instagram and Facebook), he raised awareness for Camp No Limits and juggled a soccer ball 127,500 times this year!  In addition to the No Limits Juggling Challenge, he also promoted diversability awareness in a few other ways at school through his classes and extra-curricular activities at school.  He interviewed CEO of ToughWare, Bradley Veatch, and presented the innovative prosthetic devices to his teacher and fellow classmates in the Principles of Engineering course he took. Blake also boldly uses his position as a Sources of Strength Peer Leader to encourage other students going through difficult times with his personal experiences and strength-based messages of support. Additionally, he enrolled in a weightlifting class where he was able to demonstrate his adaptations for gripping and create an environment of acceptance and diversability in the weight room.  (Mentor: David Harrell)

Molly McGraw

Molly has been able to live out her personal mission statement well through 2017. As an incoming freshman, she has done well balancing the challenges that come with that in addition to participating in various sports teams and maintaining quality friendships at her new school. Through trying new sports of volleyball and lacrosse, and continuing with basketball, she has made a lot of new connections at the high school. Molly has also been able to complete several different service opportunities as well. Independently, she gives campus tours to prospective new students, where she can share her positive experiences.  Her basketball team also helped with a trash cleanup initiative around the school to keep the property presentable. Throughout all of this, she has excelled as an honor roll student with an outstanding GPA, taking several challenging courses. (Mentor: Cameron Johnson) Molly is pictured here with sister, Emma.

Emma McGraw

One of Emma’s goals this year was to reach out to new amputees and show her support for what they were going through by sharing her own personal story. She was able to connect with a young girl, and welcome them to attend Camp No Limits. Their parents were able to communicate through Facebook, in addition to sending hand-written letters.  We love how Emma is living out the mission statement of Camp No Limits in this way! She also has participated in a number of activities that keep her strong, active and healthy throughout the year. Emma has enjoyed improving her jump rope skills through Hoppin’ Hawks, as well as dancing (tap, jazz and ballet), recreational and travel basketball and participated in the Wounded Warriors Amputee Softball Camp. (Mentor: Cameron Johnson)

Katie Miller

Katie really pushed herself out of her comfort zone while reaching for her goals this past year. She has tackled so many obstacles along the way and perfected some skills she’s been working on for a while – and there’s no stopping her now! She participates in karate, dance, swimming (butterfly stroke), bike riding and completed a 5k race! She cooked healthy meals for her family, operated a lemonade stand fundraise, read a book to the class below her on limb differences and excelled in the classroom.  Katie continues to outperform her goals as a shining example of a Junior INSPIRE Leader – hoping to become an adult mentor as she gets older! She is well on her way as she continues to lead by example through her dedication and drive. (Mentor: Keegan Moreau)

Jesse Martin

When it comes to community engagement and volunteer service, Jesse is the queen! She has a special place in her heart for helping others, and goes above and beyond to offer her time and services to those in need.  The creative outlets she has tapped into to assist her school, local hospitals and nursing homes, her neighborhood and community of believers is nothing short of remarkable. It was well worth the recognition through the Presidential Volunteer Service Award and then some. Her selfless actions and stellar academics are also met with healthy lifestyle goals of archery, playing with her dog, yoga, hiking, and mastering bike riding! She boldly advocates for diversability awareness in all aspects of the word to make a difference and create a culture of embracing individuality and personal acceptance – so proud of her! (Mentor: Marc Fucarile)

Jack Williamson

The strides Jack has made to complete the elements of the Junior INSPIRE program are very commendable, and he’s come a long way throughout the last year. He has persevered through continued promotion and participation in his organization, Jack’s Laughs, for healing through laughter and lawn mower safety awareness and education. He has also dedicated himself to improving his grades at his new school, staying in contact with his mentor for additional motivation through the challenges that come with that. He has enjoyed swimming, playing outside and riding his bike as healthy activities. Jack’s mission statement includes keeping a positive attitude and lifting up others around him – a great motto we can all carry with us daily! (Mentor: Cameron Clapp)

David Greeley

David was very active through this last year with playing sled hockey, developing an independent strengthening routine in the weight room, walking and riding his bike. His mission statement is centered around highlighting the capabilities of amputees through his own actions and empowering people everywhere he goes. He helped to organize another successful Polar Plunge as his annual fundraiser, which generated some chilly funds. He has offered his time at various school events as well as with a local sensory gym and therapy clinic.  We are excited about David’s enthusiasm for camp and living out the “no limits” mentality every single day. (Mentor: Alex Tomaszewski)