Erik’s Reach Scholarships

Reach Scholarships are presented by the Erik Weihenmayer Reach Foundation. They acknowledge individuals who have broken through personal barriers in order to elevate their family, their community and the world. These people exemplify the No Barriers Life element “Reach,” the arduous process of pushing through uncertainty towards immense possibilities.

Erik Weihenmayer Reach Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(c)3 non-profit organization recognized by the IRS service code under the federal ID #47-3765765. Your donation helps more people discover that: “What’s Within You is Stronger than What’s in Your Way!” Please consider a donation today.

Erik Weihenmayer Reach Foundation
1200 Arapahoe Street
Golden, CO 80401

For questions, email: info@touchthetop.com

Reach Scholarships will be granted to individuals who demonstrate merit and will be provided on a case-by-case basis. 

Six exemplary individuals will be chosen annually to receive a Reach scholarship for them and a companion to attend the No Barriers Summit. They will also be gifted a complete package of Erik’s award-winning films, best-selling books, and a Reach pendant engraved in both print and Braille. Touch the Top will highlight their story.

The No Barriers Summit is an annual 3 day event that includes over 40 adaptive activities, phenomenal speakers, and a showcase of innovative technologies and products that are shattering conventions. A family-friendly event, the Summit is for people of all ages and abilities. At the Summit, we envision a world in which the power of the human spirit transcends barriers, where you will be surrounded by a community who knows “What’s Within You Is Stronger Than What’s In Your Way.”  

2020 No Barriers Summit General Information

Reach Scholarship Application: APPLY HERE

2019 Recipients

a photo of Leo smiling at the camera with glasses on

Leo Giaudrone

In his short 13 years Leo has endured over 30 surgeries, chemo treatments and countless hospital stays. He has had a Renal Transplant, is a Stage III Hepatoblastoma (liver cancer) survivor, a Hypoxic Brain Injury Survivor, and has had right hip reconstruction surgery. He also had a successful kidney transplant in 2009 (from his mom) and now uses a wheelchair to assist in getting around. In 2016, Leo started “The Happiness Company” with the sole mission to “change the world one smile at a time.” Leo also attributes his positive mindset to his “faith in God, and a drive in my heart to never give up (John Cena is my hero!)” His happiness company continues to grow and Leo updates his facebook page often. He is always looking for “Happiness Helpers”to spread the message of positivity and hope.

a photo of haider on a rock face rappelling down

Haider Ali

Haider is from Islamabad, Pakistan and despite a difficult youth he has prevailed.  At five years old, he experienced a devastating loss when his father passed away unexpectedly, and he and his mother were left financially dependent on relatives. Soon afterwards, another adversity struck: he went completely blind due to a medical complication. Now, as an undergraduate student of International relations at Iqra University, Islamabad, Pakistan. Haider continues to face countless challenges but keeps pushing to achieve his goals. He was selected as one of the few student leaders from thousands of applicants for the SUSI program, funded by the US Dept. of State and awarded the runners-up prize for the Queens Young Leaders Award, administered by the University of Cambridge, for his work on promotion of adventure sports in Pakistan. His love of adventure sports has led him to summit Musa kaMusalla, Nanga Parbat Base camp, and Ganga Choti – among others. He also rock climbs and hikes in his spare time, but his passion is helping others. He aims to work with other disabled people and train personnel in Pakistan to work with people with disabilities to pursue these outdoor activities.

a photo of melissa simpson in a wheelchair at an outdoor event smiling

Melissa Simpson

Melissa was born prematurely and diagnosed with cerebral palsy – specifically Spastic Diplegia. She’s also had multiple back surgeries, including a spinal fusion that unfortunately led to her getting pancreatitis and SMA syndrome and now uses a wheelchair. Despite her medical hurdles and being bullied in school, Melissa maintained a 4.0 GPA in high school, and was head of the National Honor Society. She went on to receive her degree from Colorado Mountain College (CMC) once again graduating with honors – all to pursue her goal of being a Patient Service Coordinator. Erik is a huge inspiration to Melissa and after seeing him speak at CMC she continued to strive for independence, including her part time jobs and volunteer work at various community clinics in her hometown of Leadville, CO. She stays fit with Adaptive Crossfit and swimming. “For the last 15 years, I have helped fill the boot for the Muscular Dystrophy Association with our local fire department. I volunteer at Vail Health Hospital on the Patient Care Unit as well as Howard Head Sports Medicine Department. I also assist with emergency responder trainings to help them learn  how to evacuate people with disabilities.”

a photo of eduardo garcia crouched down smiling at camera

Eduardo Garcia

In 2011, Chef Eduardo Garcia was shocked with 2400 volts of electricity in a freak incident deep in Montana’s backcountry. Near death, alone, and miles from help, Eduardo got up and took his first step towards what would ultimately be years of recovery and rehabilitation. During the course of his recovery, he spent 48 days in the ICU. He had nine severe exit wounds and underwent 21 surgeries, which included the removal of four ribs and cutting away destroyed muscle mass from his torso, legs, arms and scalp. Doctors had to amputate the chef’s hand and forearm. While in the ICU, fighting for a heartbeat, Eduardo was dealt another shock: He had stage 2 testicular cancer. Pending surgeries were put on hold and he returned to Montana to begin aggressive chemotherapy. After months of chemotherapy treatment, he returned to Salt Lake City to complete his surgeries. Since his hospital release, Eduardo has become an athlete and speaker for the Challenged Athletes Foundation, mastered the use of his prosthetic hook in the kitchen and is back to exploring the great outdoors. As inspiring as his physical recovery is, it is just a small part of the transformation ignited by his traumatic injuries. A feature length film on his experience, Charged, is now available and he is a successful speaker.

a photo of megan smiling at camera with a friend in background

Megan Kalalau

Megan was born prematurely and legally blind. She underwent numerous eye surgeries but her eyesight is still mostly compromised. She also had a ventricular access device placed in her head when she was born due to hydrocephelus. Despite these challenges, trouble with motor skills and walking and strength in her legs, as well as limited financial resources in her hometown of Hana, Hawaii, Megan has relentlessly pursued her dreams. She graduated from Hana High School, and still continued to attend the school daily to assist Special Education teachers in the classroom. Now, at age 22, Megan had the opportunity to move down to Oahu, another Hawaiian Island, to start her journey towards living independently, learning to cook, shop, do laundry, and use public transportation. She loves to sing and has been singing in her community at events, community programs, in different churches, and parties. Megan continues to inspire others and dreams of owning her own record studio.

2018 Recipients

 

a photo of caitlin conner smiling

Caitlin Conner

A native Texan, Caitlin is a world-renowned athlete, wonderful mom, model, and advocate. But, she has had to overcome many obstacles in her 28 years. In the space of just 3 years she lost her brother, her step dad and her mom, and was in a motorcycle accident with her husband, which resulted in a 75% partial amputation of her leg. While, in the hospital recovering, she discovered she was pregnant. Caitlin persevered and has since become involved with numerous sports, including triathlons, and made history as the 1st female amputee boxer in the USA and 2nd in the world! She now spends time spreading inclusion awareness through modeling and an art therapy project she created, as well as continuing to pursue her passions.

 

a photo of andrew hunt at a family picnic post injury

Andrew Hunt

In 2014, when Andrew was just 21, he was in a car accident that left him quadriplegic — paralyzed from the collarbones down and with very limited dexterity in his hands (C5-C6 functional level). After two months in the hospital and a year of physical therapy, he returned to college full-time. Originally, Andrew was working towards a stable job in finance, but wanted to use his story as a vehicle to help people realize their potential for overcoming adversity; especially kids from disadvantaged backgrounds. Andrew joined Teach For America and loves the positive difference it makes. He has been learning independence, giving back to his community, and ultimately aims to helps others understand and see those with handicaps in a positive light.

 

a photo of laurel hilbert with a dog

Laurel Hilbert 

Laurel faced many challenges growing up in Syria. He was not accepted as a blind and gay man by his family or society. At 17 years old, he escaped to the US seeking safety and freedom, but it was not always an easy transition. He experienced homelessness, hunger, loneliness, and had to adapt to a different set of cultural norms, all while navigating his way while blind. Now, living independently in San Francisco, Laurel made it his goal to help others in similar situations. He was recently featured in Time Magazine celebrating his triumphs and his outreach in his community, including starting a non-profit, A Dignified Home: Children and Youth Services, providing at-risk youth a safe home and services.

 

a photo of noah and his dad robert barnes on their march across the usa

Noah Barnes (with his dad, Robert)

At only 10 yrs old, Noah Barnes marched 4,240 miles across America setting a world record for the youngest person to actually cross the U.S.on foot, and he chose the longest route. Noah was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 16 months old. In May 2016 he was having a rough week and decided he didn’t want to be a diabetic anymore. To channel his frustration he learned about fundraising and teamed up with his dad to start his own fundraising event and his just happened to be pretty big in scope! Noah was highly inspired after he watched the documentary “Into the Wind” about Terry Fox and his run across Canada to raise funds for cancer research. His family changed their lives around to support Noah and help him achieve his goal but it was Noah’s vision and perseverance that ensured they not only completed their goal of finishing their trek but they raised over $24k for diabetes research.

 

a photo of kara brouhard with her ipad

Kara Brouhard

When Kara Brouhard was 5 years old she fell skiing and was hit by an out of control skier. His ski tip shattered her skull. She suffered a severe TBI and required multiple brain surgeries. She was in a coma for 2 months and was left with (L) hemiparesis, a significant (L) visual field deficit, the inability to tell time, understand math or money concepts and is unable to read. Her family was repeatedly told that she needed to be placed in a group home for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, but Kara, who is fiercely independent, insisted she wanted to live on her own. Kara’s mom, Alice, sought out how to overcome those barriers with the use of technology. Now, Kara’s iPad, her “Paddy,” and a variety of apps have helped guide her to live independently in her own house (with her dog) and navigate her life successfully on her own terms. Kara and Alice travel around the country together educating individuals with “abilities,” their families and those who provides services, to encourage the use of technology to support self direction.

 

a photo of carol carlson using her trike in aspen

Carol Carlson

Carol Carlson, of Eagle Colorado, loves the outdoors, painting, gardening and getting out on her tricycle as much as possible.  Carol has lived with Multiple Sclerosis since she was 24 and in 2015 learned she had breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy. Carol is now a cancer survivor and overcomes the challenges MS throws at her every day.  Carol’s job allows her to work with teenagers and she would like to help them learn to become resilient and face their challenges head on. A couple organizations Carol volunteers with are CAN DO MS, a nonprofit that provides support and education on health and wellness to families of those with MS, as well as the Vail Valley Charitable Fund which helps people who are in medical crisis.

 

a photo of sanjay nediyara against a blue sky

Sanjay Nediyara

Sanjay Nediyara is 29 years old, lives in India and is a successful technologist who has developed dozens of mobile apps as well as started his own company, Sieve. He is also deaf. Born in a remote village in southern India, where he did not have a computer until he was in high school, or a proper internet connection until college, Sanjay’s dream of pursuing computer engineering was not going to be easy. After losing his hearing fully while he was in college, the odds were stacked against him even more. But Sanjay learned to adapt and use technology to his advantage. Now, he’s racked up innumerable accomplishments, including building a developer community in his city from scratch to over 1,000 people working with Google. His work helps people, of all abilities, all around the globe on a daily basis.

 

 

2017 Recipients

Thomas Dixon

Struck by a car In his mid-twenties, Thomas Dixon suffered a traumatic brain injury which caused seizures and a type of amnesia consisting of severe losses in his episodic memory. He does not recall anything about his days’ activities. As an alchemist, Thomas created the innovative mobile app  ME.mory to provide the missing information. It’s similar to an external hard drive which he can use to capture and piece together his day.

 

Ethan Johnson

As a young boy, Ethan  was kidnapped from his family in Ethiopia, blinded and used as a beggar. Fortunately, at age 10 he was adopted by family in the United States. He faced numerous emotional, physical and cultural barriers, including slowly learning not only English but English Braille. He found sports which became an outlet and passion. Despite the hardships he had faced in his younger years, he was thriving in America. Always determined, he finished college, found employment and lives by the motto, “Wanting it won’t get it for you, you have to go get it!”

 

Billy Lister

2016 Paralympic cyclist, Billy Lister, was diagnosed with a rare and acute brain abnormality which resulted in a loss of mobility due to a stroke. 17 years later, after dedicated training, Billy represented  Team USA in the Rio Olympics, competing in both track and road events. With 6 million stroke survivors living in the U.S., Billy hopes his aspirations will lend them hope and courage. He has pledged to train for the next three paralympics in the years 2020, 2024, and 2028.

 

Heidi McKenzie

Heidi  was pursuing her dreams of a fashion career until a car accident made her a T4 paraplegic. She was now determined to not only continue following her passion, but to break barriers in the fashion world. She started Alter UR Ego a clothing line for people in wheelchairs. With adaptive features such as accessible pockets and straps for ease of dressing, her fashionable and functional designer jeans are her most popular item.

 

Ian (Pan) Vantrease

Ian  was horribly burned as a young boy in China and was adopted by a family in Kentucky at age 5. After multiple surgeries and painful skin grafts, including reconstruction of his eye lids, Pan has remained incredibly resilient. A leader in the classroom, a fun-loving comic, and a social butterfly, he draws others in with his positivity. Pan shows us all that, “What’s Within Us is Stronger Than What’s In Our Way.”

 

Steve Wampler

Born with Cerebral Palsy, Steve Wampler loved wilderness camp and the outdoors as a kid.  After graduating from UC Davis with an Environmental Engineering degree, he and his wife started CAMP WAMP , for kids with disabilities. He generated support for the camp by climbing the monolith rock face, El Capitan. Finishing the arduous climb in 6 days he became the first person with CP to reach the top.

 

2016 Reach Award Recipients

Kayla Montgomery

Kayla  is one of the best young distance runners in the country. After being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at only 14, Kayla pursued her love of running and continues to shatter each barrier in her path. Despite her loss of feeling in her legs about a mile into each race, she relentlessly pushes on and collapses in her coach’s arms at the finish line. Now a student at Lipscomb University, Kayla runs on the women’s cross-country team. Watch her story here: Catching Kayla

 

Mike Powell

Mike was diagnosed in 2009 with Polymyositis, a progressive autoimmune disease. A former high school wrestling state champion, he was now a renowned wrestling coach producing 10 individual state champions and 31 all-state wrestlers. As his career and passion focused on the physical, this diagnosis could have been devastating. But, Mike’s dedication to the sport of wrestling and the youth he coaches never wavered. He continues to support his team and mentor underprivileged youth and was even featured on  ESPN E:60

 

Cole Rogers

Cole  is a young martial artist that was born with arthrogryposis, a condition that fused his joints, weakened his muscles, and ultimately forced him into a wheelchair. Rather than shrinking, Cole fought to make his life meaningful and exciting. Through his pursuit of the martial arts he has transformed not only his body but also his mind. Cole also founded FightAbility, the first organization specializing in realistic self-defense training for the differently abled.