Tom Alcorn is senior program coordinator at Vermont Adaptive. This is his story that he shared during today’s #GivingTuesday, a worldwide day to celebrate gratitude and the idea of paying it forward and giving back.

I would like to share a story I witnessed firsthand while working for Vermont Adaptive. A couple of years ago I was contacted by a ski instructor from another mountain and he wanted some information about Bi Skiing, Mono skiing and our programs. He went onto say he had a brother who had been involved in a motorcycle accident and had sustained a spinal cord injury. This brother was an expert skier who lived in Europe, was going to be in town for a couple of days and was hoping to get out on the mountain again. We made arrangements for a two day lesson and I told him we’d see them in a couple of weeks.

The day came for the brothers to be out on snow together once again and I could see this was going to be an exceptional moment for both of them. A Bi ski was chosen, padding was put into place, outriggers were adjusted and final prep was finished. Off they went with their instructors and for the next couple of hours they enjoyed the mountain together on a snow filled day. When the lesson was over you could see the joy on their faces and the realized possibilities that this was the beginning of a new chapter in skiing for both of them. Later, I heard from one of the instructors that the first lift ride up for the brothers was an emotional one, but the rest of the day was spent enjoying every turn made to its fullest.

This is one of those stories that shows how life changing some experiences can be when people are given the opportunities to do so. Vermont Adaptive has countless stories like this one and if you are receiving this email chances are you have seen one of those stories firsthand as well. I want to thank you for all that you do…it really does make a difference to so many people.

Please join me in supporting Vermont Adaptive and be a part of a global celebration of a new tradition of generosity. You can donate online at https://asp1100.towercare.com:18801/webDonation/.