I was born on March 15, 1989 with spina bifida, a congenital spinal cord disability. I was born prematurely, weighing only two pounds and three ounces. Within hours of my birth I had surgery to repair my spine and place a shunt in my head. Over the next 21 years I have had 32 surgeries. However, I have not let any of the surgeries stand in my way.

I have many hobbies, including training and showing my miniature horses, sit-down skiing, hand cycling, and many other outdoor activities. I have also had the opportunity to swim, play wheelchair basketball, wheelchair racing, and sled hockey.

My favorite sport is alpine skiing and racing. I use a mono-ski (which is a sit-ski with one ski) along with two outriggers to ski the slopes. I skied with the Adaptive Sports Foundation Race Team, located in Windham, NY, for the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 ski season. I plan on training and skiing with the ASF race team again this winter.

Since my home is in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, ski training always means traveling. Last winter I raced in Breckenridge, Colorado and Windham, New York. The races on the East Coast are generally Level 1; Level 2 and national level races are mainly found in Western states. I would like to attend more training camps in the future and move up to competing in Level 2 races.

My equipment, training and travel are expensive, and financing is key to my ability to be competitive and reach my potential. Mono-skis typically cost at least $5,000, before the costs of the actual skis and bindings that attach to the mono-ski. My family has been my support, but I am looking for donations to help balance the costs. I would greatly appreciate any assistance and support.