In June we held our 12th No Barriers Summit, this one in Squaw Valley. It’s no coincidence that the event is so close to the shores of crystal clear Lake Tahoe. At over 1,600 feet deep, it’s one of the world’s natural wonders. The water is so clear, you can see 70 feet down, and that water is an essential element; nourishing us and the planet. For me, the No Barriers Summit is like the lake; it’s a deep well of motivation, purpose, and energy that feeds my spirit each year.
As always the lineup of speakers, performers, and activities (everything from songwriting to adaptive boxing) were incredible, but what truly defines the experience is the people who push boundaries and pioneer ways forward, authentically living a No Barriers Life.
Nick Santonastasso spoke at our closing ceremony about pursuing his passions and ignoring the naysayers in the process. Born with Hanhart Syndrome, a super rare genetic condition that prevents limbs from growing properly such that he developed with no legs and one arm, Nick withstood plenty of bullying from his peers but he channeled his frustrations into his love of wrestling. When he was a teenager, the bone in his remaining arm was growing faster than his skin, so in order to engage safely in the sport, Nick voluntarily had 5 inches amputated off his arm and joined the Varsity team at his school. Eventually he started bodybuilding, placed third in an amateur bodybuilding contest and has become a viral sensation online, racking up thousands of views daily of his workout routines and his adaptive techniques to train and lift. When he met Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson he was starstruck, but honored when The Rock told him he was a huge fan of what Nick was doing to push the limits in bodybuilding and assured him that no matter what the world threw at him he would always adapt. With that in mind, Nick is now entering the world of modeling and speaking to groups about how to push past barriers and remember that “life has NO LIMITS.”
Melissa Simpson, a Reach Scholarship recipient, was born with cerebral palsy and has been in a wheelchair her entire life. She craved independence and purpose and at age 25 decided to try Crossfit for the first time. She dedicated countless days and hours to find ways to adapt the workouts and to push herself to get stronger. She has since graduated from Colorado Mountain College with a 4.0 GPA and now works as a Patient Service Coordinator while also volunteering for various organizations in her local community. I enjoyed hearing about her milestones at the Summit like climbing up the adaptive rock wall and dancing with TV star, Whitney Way Thore.
Haider Ali, a young man from Pakistan, made the journey to the Summit after receiving a Reach Scholarship. At age five he not only lost his father, but he went blind due to a medical complication. He credits his mother for never giving up on him and pushing him to pursue higher education in Islamabad where he studied International Relations. He loves to hike, climb, and experience outdoor adventures, so he is using his degree to implement change in the ways Pakistani society deals with people with disabilities and to encourage adaptive, outdoor programming. Haider kayaked for the first time at the Summit and made countless new friends and connections.
Our No Barriers Ambassadors are the key to connecting more people like Nick, Melissa, and Haider to our organization. They use their influence to bring the No Barriers Life message to a wider audience and I am very grateful for their support. This year we were fortunate to host deaf Jazz musician, Mandy Harvey, U.S. Army Veteran and Dancing with the Stars champion, JR Martinez, and body-positive activist and TV star of My Big Fat Fabulous Life, Whitney Way Thore. They led activities, spoke and performed on stage. They also walked with us on our VIP Hike, sharing their own No Barriers journey and inspiring others.
Just like our participants and No Barriers Ambassadors, our activity providers and partners are a vital part of the Summit equation. They do such amazing and tireless work to ensure the No Barriers Summit is a success. Folks like Environmental Traveling Companions, which provided adaptive kayaks and various adaptive boats to paddle on Lake Tahoe. CBST Adventures led another “No Barriers Amazing Race” in which I competed with my family in a ton of fun challenges all based on teamwork and utilizing all your senses. I’m proud to say I crushed the Braille reading challenge and the activity to identify different smells like pine and lavender.
And last but not least, thank you to all our sponsors: Wells Fargo, Prudential, Winnebago, Arrow, CoBank, Masco, and North Lake Tahoe, for believing so strongly in the potential of all people, they repeatedly step up with volunteers, expertise, and funding. Get ready next fall for our Summit to be held in San Francisco. More info to come.
Throughout the year, so many barriers get in our way and begin to wear us down. In response, I think it’s critical to find ways to refresh and replenish the well that feeds our soul. For me, the Summit is the nourishment that I draw upon when we say, “What’s Within Us Is Stronger Than What’s In Our Way.”
It’s also the source that enables me to step out into the world with love, motivation, and light – equipped to elevate my life and my community. It is from that well that hope, change, and transformation begins.
