I have been asked many times, "Why do you climb mountains?" and my reply is the same almost every time. "I climb for many reasons!" Some are easy to explain and some are more complex and deeply rooted. However, one of the main reason I climb and organize expeditions, is to perform community service projects in third world countries and to raise awareness for my friends non-profit organizations, Freedom for Life and The Next Step Foundation. Please take a few moments and read the information about these wonderful individuals and their vision.
Freedom for Life
www.uhuruascent.com
Darol Kubucz
Founder, Freedom For Life, Organizer of the Uhuru Ascent Climb
Darol Kubacz lost the use of his legs while in the U.S. Army in 1992. After nine years of pushing the limits of his ability, he broke his neck while freestyle ski-jumping and spent the following 16 weeks in a halo. After being a paraplegic for 12 years, Kubacz founded Freedom For Life as an organization that introduces people to outdoor sports and wilderness adventures and redefines the way they approach life. A native of South Carolina, currently living in Arizona, Kubacz uses customized adaptive mountaineering equipment when training in Flagstaff and Phoenix. While living in the Colorado Rockies, Kubacz worked for the U.S. Forest Service and was involved in developing mountaineering equipment and wilderness trail access projects.
Freedom For Life, a non-profit organization led by disabled veterans, raises funds to purchase equipment and organize activities that all people with disabilities can participate in while enjoying life on their terms. The mission of Freedom For Life is to change the perception of what it means to be viewed as disabled, while inspiring freedom and the ability for us all to accept our perceived weakness – as strength!
By providing the resources and outlets for disabled veterans to be physically active and productive with limitations, real and perceived, Freedom For Life allows members and supporters to interact as teammates who are engaged in outdoor adventures and community service projects.
These individuals, who embody a heroic devotion to freedom, represent a source of strength for all those striving to heal.
Next Step Foundation
www.thenextstepfoudation.org
Arnie Fonseca Jr.
Owner and Founder of Neuro Institute.
Arnie is an Exercise Physiologist who has spent the last 20 years working with patients challenged with Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis and other forms of paralysis. He is also the co-founder of, The Next Step Foundation, which is dedicated to helping individuals affected by traumatic injuries and illnesses achieve maximum wellness and recovery. Arnie also founded NeuroStrength, a small physical therapy clinic in North Phoenix. After spending 15 years as a teacher and coach in Phoenix, working with students, kindergarten through junior college, Arnie earned his master's degree in exercise science in 1991 from Arizona State University. Opening Neuro Institute fulfills a long-time dream for Arnie. During his time as a football, baseball and wrestling coach, he observed that injured athletes received more motivation and experienced a faster recovery than other individuals undergoing rehabilitation.
"The community has a need for a place for like this," Arnie says. "Neuro Institute treats people just like professional athletes, who receive the finest care in the world. We believe the philosophy of aggressive, specialized therapy and a positive attitude should apply to anybody." Arnie knows first-hand how emotionally and physically demanding rehabilitation can be on patients and their families. In August 2001, a car accident left his 26-year-old stepson, Brandon, head injured and with little function. Brandon continues his recovery today, five years later! Arnie has a personal desire to offer patients the best tools and resources available to achieve their full potential throughout the rehabilitation process. His ultimate vision is to have Recovery facilities all over the country and in other countries, dedicated to helping those who desire the highest level of wellness and ability.
* If you would like to make a tax deductable donation on behalf of one of these foundations, please make a check out and mail it to:
The Next Step Foundation/Freedom for Life
Darol Kubacz
8818 S. 12th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85042
* We thank you for your support! *
