Craig Hospital specializes in the rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord and brain injuries. A lot of the specialized care and equipment that these injuries require is not covered by insurance, so Craig relies on donations to provide therapeutic recreation.
Mason Branstrator, a hand cyclist, expressed, “The first time I hopped on a bike, I couldn’t help but smile uncontrollably.”
Branstrator and his companion, Alexander Cano, embark on their inaugural bike ride together. As the wind gently caresses their faces, they are consumed by a thrilling sensation of velocity. It is a newfound freedom that they had previously assumed was forever out of reach.
Branstrator explained that it’s incredibly difficult to experience moments of feeling alive, in one’s body, and free when confined to a wheelchair. However, the bike provides us with that opportunity.
Both these young men are facing T12 spinal injuries, adapting to new lifestyles.
Cano emphasized the significant role of bikes in our rehabilitation process, citing his personal experience of losing 80 pounds this year solely through riding.
Cano and Branstrator have joined forces to motivate and inspire others via social media by creating videos showcasing their current lifestyles.
Branstrator expressed that she strongly believes it is her responsibility to create these videos due to the exceptional education she received from Craig Hospital. She acknowledged that not everyone who experiences a similar injury has access to such valuable education.
Danielle Scroggs, a recreation therapist with the Teen Rehabilitation at Craig (TRAC) program, stated that a major objective of ours is to demonstrate to patients and their families that their quality of life can steadily enhance, allowing them to reintegrate into society.
Cano and Branstrator were introduced by Scroggs, and they have both agreed to serve as peer mentors for other young individuals who are dealing with spinal injuries. However, similar to Cano and Branstrator, these new patients will require financial support in the form of donated funds to gain access to recreation therapy and necessary equipment, which will aid in their recovery process.
Scroggs confirmed that insurance does not cover either our equipment or recreation therapy services.
Pedal 4 Possible, along with generous donations and fundraising efforts, made it possible for Branstrator and Cano to acquire the beloved hand bikes and receive therapy to learn how to use them. Their goal now is to create informative videos that can positively impact someone else’s life by sharing their knowledge.
Cano stated that he is seated in a chair with a purpose, which is to motivate and inspire the world.
LINK: For registration and information for Pedal 4 Possible
Pedal 4 Possible is making its debut at the High Plains Raceway this year. The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 14, 2023, running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
