For the last year I’ve worked with Nick and Franklin the co-founders of Norcal SCI, an organization that help people with new spinal cord injuries adjust and get back to living and enjoying life.
Nick let me know that Santa Clara Valley Medical rehab would be hosting a Day on the Lake event.
I was beyond excited, I loved Kayaking and hadn’t been on the water since before my injury more than 15 years ago.
SCVM was actually my home for several months while I was recovering after I injured my spine snowboarding and I really appreciated their rehab program.
With my mom, my sister Robyn and her two-year-old niece we made our way out to Vasona Park & Lake in Los Gatos and had an amazing time.
The Santa Clara Valley Medical staff were incredibly patient and clear with their training for the adaptive kayaking equipment. The abilities level varied in the group and the staff took their time letting us know what we all could expect once we were out on the water.
The temperatures reach the 90s and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. It was a truly gorgeous day. There was a great DJ, incredible people and fantastic food! I even got to meet Acclaimed International choreographer and AXIS Artistic Director Marc Brew and his crew from AXIS dance company. At the core of AXIS is the commissioning, creation, and performance of contemporary dance they have developed through the collaboration of dancers with and without physical disabilities. Marc was a fellow quad kayaker in our group.
Seeing my sister out with her baby in one of the paddle boats having so much fun was beautiful.
The experience overall was an amazing rare occasion where we all can go out and participate in an activity that is accessible to everyone. We truly appreciated this event, and do hope that SCVM will put it on again next year!