Waitsfield, VT – Upwards of 30 children who battle for their lives on a daily basis continued to conquer their illnesses through adventure yesterday as they took to the ski slopes of Sugarbush Resort in Waitsfield, Vt. Utilizing the specifically-trained volunteers from Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, the only year-round disabled sports program with daily programming in Vermont, Kids of Courage and its entourage of more than 100 physicians, paramedics, nurses, physical therapists, and specially trained lay staff helped these kids forget the tubes, pumps and needles that go along with their personal daily challenges—and taught them to ski.
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“This was the first time that any of our children skied and it was simply an incredible day, not just physically but emotionally as well,” said Ari Dobkin, director of programming for Kids of Courage. “It was a monumental physical feat for many including Itzy Kagan, who is the longest surviving quadriplegic on a ventilator in the world. It was such a liberating experience for someone who is trapped in his own body. We cannot begin to fathom from a social standpoint what this accomplished for him, to have been able to hang out on the slopes with his peers. That is just one of the many incredible stories from yesterday. It was an incredibly emotional and inspiring day for everyone.”
More than four months of planning and coordination took place prior to Ski Madness Weekend 2010 in order to provide the critical supportive medical care that would be necessary to make this first-time ski experience not only fun, but safe.
Dobkin and Vermont Adaptive Program Coordinator Maggie Burke worked diligently through every fine detail, from how the kids would get to and through the front door of the base lodge, arranging for adaptive and rental equipment for all participants and volunteers, to intensive strategic planning between Sugarbush ski patrol and the Kids of Courage medical team to ensure that all areas of medical needs were covered. Burke learned the medical diagnosis of each child from the Kids of Courage medical director and called the majority of kids to talk to them about what they wanted to do—ski, snowboard or sit-ski. The list of fine details was endless.
“Logistically this was by far the most intense group I have ever worked with, but also the most rewarding,” said Burke, who has been teaching people with disabilities to ski for more than four years. “But it does prove that kids and adults with disabilities, regardless of the level of medical need, can get out, be active and enjoy sports. They don’t have limitations. Yesterday’s event was proof of that for sure.”
Kids from across the country, including Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, Florida, and Philadelphia, flew in to Burlington to learn to ski with Vermont Adaptive. Others traveled by bus from New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Connecticut.
Kids of Courage and Vermont Adaptive are a lot alike. Both are volunteer based non profit organizations dedicated to improving the lives of those who may not have the opportunity to participate in activities that many people take for granted.
“The magic happens when we bring everyone together,” said Erin Fernandez, executive director for Vermont Adaptive. “We couldn’t do what we do without the funding and incredible support from the likes of Sugarbush Resort and our other partners who support our programming year-round. Imagine the amazing opportunities we could provide people with disabilities if we all came together like this on a regular basis. It was an absolutely amazing day.”
Unique experiences like this do not happen over night nor do they happen without a high price tag. When word trickled through the Mad River Valley that this unique group was coming to Sugarbush, the extended community stepped up to help. Attendees at a local event decided to donate all of their proceeds to the Kids of Courage day. Long-time Vermont Adaptive supporter Champlain Farms, a chain of local gas stations in the state, along with Disabled Sports USA, Long Trail Brewery, and many other local anonymous donors came out of the woodwork to help. The Sheraton Burlington Hotel and Conference Center was onboard to accommodate the group’s unique needs for the weekend in Vermont.
Ski clothing manufacturer Spyder responded within two hours of a Kids of Courage request for clothing, with a ski coat, ski pants, neck warmers, thermal underwear, gloves, hats, and ski socks—for every child that participated. And then, of course, there are the countless Vermont Adaptive and Kids of Courage volunteers, who donated their time and talent to give this gift to these kids.
“Spyder’s honored to outfit the Kids of Courage and to keep them warm and comfortable during their Sugarbush outing,” said Tom McGann, CEO, Spyder Active Sports, Inc. “This trip will mean the world to these kids. We’re proud of them for getting out there and experiencing snowsports, and having the courage to experience this adventure regardless of their medical condition. The spirit of this organization is only eclipsed by the spirit of these kids.”
Kids of Courage is a volunteer based non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and young adults with serious medical diagnoses. All services provided are free to the children and families. Its staff is all volunteer; there are no salaries or financial compensation to any members of the team. This differentiates Kids of Courage from most other organizations anywhere in the world. Kids of Courage relies wholly on the charitable donations that we receive from generous donors. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.kidsoc.org.
Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports is the only year-round disabled sports program with daily programming in Vermont that is committed to empowering individuals with disabilities. The organization promotes independence and further equality through access and instruction to sports and recreational opportunities including alpine skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports; kayaking, canoeing, sailing, rock climbing, horseback riding, and more. More than 400 volunteers serve clients from all over the world in three locations in Vermont – Pico Mountain at Killington; Sugarbush Resort in Warren; and Bolton Valley Resort in Bolton. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.vermontadaptive.org.
This is how we make a kidush hashem.
Please rabosai let’s get therese sotries every day in vin.
and not nebach the chillel shahem stories.
could you immagine just 1 day of 30 of these news postings all kiddush hashem.
Maybe vin can have a goal of once a say a story of some kiddush hashem.
Anyone agree please write this in your comments also .!
“and its entourage of more than 100 physicians, paramedics, nurses, physical therapists, and specially trained lay staff helped these kids forget the tubes, pumps and needles that go along with their personal daily challenges”— I could think of many better ways to spend the fortune said weekend cost.
Itzy is an inspiration to all of us. His simchas chayim is contagious. Until 120 itzy
What a beautiful kiddush hashem. G-d should bless these people with all they ever need and want.
G-d bless this organization for showing such Chesed and care for others, True Ahavat Yisrael and Ahavat Ben Adam. This my friends, is in fact what will bring Mashiach, true kindness and care for others. It is Skiing, but it is also holy to bring joy to others who are less fortunate than us, and suffering. A True Kiddush Hashem
thank u levi dessler 4 all ur hard work!! hashwm should give u alot of bracha!! we had a amazing time!! thank u very much!
These volunteers are the tzadikim of this generation, I’m jealos of your olam habah! If all the negative posters would delve into the world of chesed that goes on by yidden…
Not one person in this very incredible organization receives any compensation, financial or otherwise. Each and every one of them just want to bring a little sense of fun and adventure to the lives of some very special children. So they all deserve a tremendous yashar koach for giving these kids such joy
Matis keep it up u r the best!!
To number 6: I do have a child with a very serious medical condition and I can tell you that yes, I do believe there are many better ways to spend money to make these kids feel good. Besides the risk that is taken by the kids going skiing, it is thrown out money. Thanks to the volunteers who really do everything leshem shomayim but I do think that the people at the top need to reevaluate their program and make it more suitable for children with these serious illnesses.
Alexhunder, “tzvi”, matis, levi, “60”, 203, nosson, yitzy, aryeh, jason, ari, port authority chief, etc…… Keep up all the great work! Everything u guys do for the klal is amazing!
matis keep up ur amazing work helping these kids u are the best alex keep it up
Isn’t River Dale involved in this org.? He is doing a lot of good stuff and Mitzves for all the Yidden around the world.
K.O.C. And River dale, You are the best!!
itzy, an amazing inspiration to all. i am delighted to be a part of your trips being a success. i look forward to arranging many many more trips for you itzy. many thanks from the apria family for allowing us to service you. mr. cagen stay strong. jennifer…
I would like to thank levi dessler for inviting me . Sorry I could’nt make it . Hashem should bless him with only good and lots of cash !!!!
And fish tanks !!
Let’s not forget about .
M33 who also does lots of good work but was not able to make it
mi kiamcha yisroel
especially the askonim
hooray for river dale and alexhunder