Challenge Aspen Leads Groundbreaking “Ultimate Outdoor Adventure” Newly Injured Soldiers Hike, Raft, Climb Together In The Grand Canyon

Aspen, Colorado (October 12, 2006) - - Challenge Aspen is a charitable organization widely respected for it’s progressive winter sports programs and a competitive ski-race program that draws disabled athletes and participants from all over the world, but it is the “Ultimate Outdoor Adventure” which recently welcomed a group of newly injured soldiers - predominately amputees - to hike, raft and climb together in the rugged terrain of the Grand Canyon. Managing Program Director, Sarah Williams, led the soldiers on the groundbreaking Challenge Aspen expedition. “This 10 day program was undoubtedly the most powerful experience that we have encountered,” Williams says. The group of 16 Veterans, physical therapists from Palo Alto Medical Center, Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Brook Army Medical Center and an experienced staff from Challenge Aspen covered 226 miles in motorized boats, maneuvering their prosthetics on day hikes through creek beds and waterfalls.

“For some of the soldiers, it was only a matter of months since their injury,” Williams explains. “It was clearly evident that this trip not only challenged their physical abilities, but proved to be a catalyst for emotional and psychological breakthroughs. These guys have been so busy healing that they have all this to learn about real possibilities down the road. The experience was invaluable for all involved, building confidence by adapting and succeeding and ultimately leading to a smoother transition back into society,” she adds.

Several of the soldiers were transitioning from a hospital bed to this more practical therapy offered by Challenge Aspen in the unique terrain of the Grand Canyon. “For some, it had only been months since their injury in Iraq or Afghanistan,” explains Kristi Say, a Physical Therapist who joined the trip from Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Brian Fountaine, a 24 year old soldier was scheduled to fly out of Iraq on June 10th, but on June 8 he was hit by an IED and lost both legs bi-laterally, below the knees. Brian healed well enough to be able to join the trip, but was still very fresh off his injury. “I think that these outings and opportunities challenge more than physical abilities,” says Say. “There is only so much that we can do in a hospital or clinical setting. All of the work that they have been doing in physical and occupational therapy is truly tested out there in the ‘real world,’” she explains.

Joey Bozik, a 28-year old was injured in Iraq 18 months ago, suffering a triple amputation. “The Grand Canyon trip came at the perfect time. I was able to let go of all the things that had been weighing me down and just enjoy the nature that was surrounding me. You may never know how much you have helped me, but I will always carry your gracious love for soldiers with me,” he wrote in a letter of thanks to the staff of Challenge Aspen.

Another physical therapist who accompanied a group of newly injured soldiers on the excursion offered her perspective on the therapeutic growth on the trip, “It’s difficult to put into words what the guys obtained from the opportunity to do “normal” outdoor activities,” she says. “Over the course of the trip, many guys appeared to grow in confidence: they attempted new challenges, trying to outdo each other. They also seemed to be less afraid of asking for help and less embarrassed by stumbles or falls. The Challenge Aspen staff/volunteers were instrumental in facilitating this growth, not treating the guys as babies or invalids, but encouraging and providing assistance in dignifying ways.”

Sarah Williams and Challenge Aspen plan to build on this pivotal therapeutic program, planting seeds of hope and developing this experience with Veterans as they integrate into society, with the understanding that the mentoring opportunities offered to the disabled community is invaluable. “We’re working with such talented professionals who provide a safe environment for the Veterans. These relationships provide a new perspective on ‘disability’ and allow these remarkable young Veterans the opportunity to overcome some of the less obvious obstacles they face,” Williams says.