“By far, more than anything else I may have lost with my injury, I miss the ability and the freedom to get out into the wilds under my own power the most.”

 

That line was from Anna Soens’ grant application to the KBF for a new off-road handcycle. When Anna applied in the fall of 2016, it was less than a year after she sustained an SCI while rock climbing in the Pacific Northwest just before Christmas in 2015. Active, in her late 20s, and with a career in wildlife research in the Nevada backcountry, her injury struck her livelihood and identity particularly hard.

In October of 2016, the KBF awarded her $2,500 to help her get her life, identity, and freedom back.

Her new offroad handcycle was delivered and assembled a few weeks ago, and she checked in last week with an update:

“Thank you so much for the grant that allowed me to add this awesome piece of equipment to my life. The arrival of this cycle has instantly opened up so much opportunity to me and I’m currently intoxicated by the newfound freedom. It’s so much more than just a bike to me and my head is spinning with all of the adventures I see for the future: easier access to crags for more climbing adventures, the freedom to “backpack” with my dog into Idaho’s vast wilderness, and lots of roadtrips around the country!”

Congratulations Anna and we couldn’t be more excited to have you as a member of the #KBFamily and are proud to be part of your story! Stay adventurous!

 

 

Some more pictures of her with her new offroad handcycle (and her dogs). Photo credit to her buddy John Chapman.