Upwards of 30 children who battle for their lives on a daily basis continued to conquer their illnesses through adventure yesterday as they took to the ski slopes of Sugarbush Resort in Waitsfield, Vt. Utilizing the specifically-trained volunteers from Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, the only year-round disabled sports program with daily programming in Vermont, Kids of Courage and its entourage of more than 100 physicians, paramedics, nurses, physical therapists, and specially trained lay staff helped these kids forget the tubes, pumps and needles that go along with their personal daily challenges—and taught them to ski.
“This was the first time that any of our children skied and it was simply an incredible day, not just physically but emotionally as well,” said Ari Dobkin, director of programming for Kids of Courage. “It was a monumental physical feat for many including Itzy Kagan, who is the longest surviving quadriplegic on a ventilator in the world. It was such a liberating experience for someone who is trapped in his own body. We cannot begin to fathom from a social standpoint what this accomplished for him, to have been able to hang out on the slopes with his peers. That is just one of the many incredible stories from yesterday. It was an incredibly emotional and inspiring day for everyone.”
More than four months of planning and coordination took place prior to Ski Madness Weekend 2010 in order to provide the critical supportive medical care that would be necessary to make this first-time ski experience not only fun, but safe.
Dobkin and Vermont Adaptive Program Coordinator Maggie Burke worked diligently through every fine detail, from how the kids would get to and through the front door of the base lodge, arranging for adaptive and rental equipment for all participants and volunteers, to intensive strategic planning between Sugarbush ski patrol and the Kids of Courage medical team to ensure that all areas of medical needs were covered. Burke learned the medical diagnosis of each child from the Kids of Courage medical director and called the majority of kids to talk to them about what they wanted to do—ski, snowboard or sit-ski. The list of fine details was endless.
“Logistically this was by far the most intense group I have ever worked with, but also the most rewarding,” said Burke, who has been teaching people with disabilities to ski for more than four years. “But it does prove that kids and adults with disabilities, regardless of the level of medical need, can get out, be active and enjoy sports. They don’t have limitations. Yesterday’s event was proof of that for sure.”
Kids from across the country, including Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, Florida, and Philadelphia, flew in to Burlington to learn to ski with Vermont Adaptive. Others traveled by bus from New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Connecticut.
Kids of Courage and Vermont Adaptive are a lot alike. Both are volunteer based non profit organizations dedicated to improving the lives of those who may not have the opportunity to participate in activities that many people take for granted.
“The magic happens when we bring everyone together,” said Erin Fernandez, executive director for Vermont Adaptive. “We couldn’t do what we do without the funding and incredible support from the likes of Sugarbush Resort and our other partners who support our programming year-round. Imagine the amazing opportunities we could provide people with disabilities if we all came together like this on a regular basis. It was an absolutely amazing day.”
Unique experiences like this do not happen over night nor do they happen without a high price tag. When word trickled through the Mad River Valley that this unique group was coming to Sugarbush, the extended community stepped up to help. Attendees at a local event decided to donate all of their proceeds to the Kids of Courage day. Long-time Vermont Adaptive supporter Champlain Farms, a chain of local gas stations in the state, along with Disabled Sports USA, Long Trail Brewery, and many other local anonymous donors came out of the woodwork to help. The Sheraton Burlington Hotel and Conference Center was onboard to accommodate the group’s unique needs for the weekend in Vermont.
Ski clothing manufacturer Spyder responded within two hours of a Kids of Courage request for clothing, with a ski coat, ski pants, neck warmers, thermal underwear, gloves, hats, and ski socks—for every child that participated. And then, of course, there are the countless Vermont Adaptive and Kids of Courage volunteers, who donated their time and talent to give this gift to these kids.
“Spyder's honored to outfit the Kids of Courage and to keep them warm and comfortable during their Sugarbush outing,” said Tom McGann, CEO, Spyder Active Sports, Inc. “This trip will mean the world to these kids. We're proud of them for getting out there and experiencing snowsports, and having the courage to experience this adventure regardless of their medical condition. The spirit of this organization is only eclipsed by the spirit of these kids.” |
