🎉 For my birthday this year, I’m asking for one meaningful gift: the opportunity to empower our friend, Alex Uppenkamp, on his inspiring journey.
After a life-altering mountain biking accident, Alex—always courageous—refused to let a severe spinal cord injury limit his spirit. His journey has been a remarkable testament to resilience. He's now redefining what’s possible in adaptive sports, from mountain biking to surfing, showing us all that "the only limits we truly experience are the ones we put on ourselves."
Alex is now in college, majoring in environmental engineering, with a minor in sustainability, aiming for graduation in 2026. His drive extends to all areas of life, from seeking internships in flood control and water management to setting new goals in adaptive sports—he’s even got his sights set on competing in adaptive surfing in Hawaii next May!
Recently, some of Alex’s friends inspired him to do something that absolutely blew our minds— Alex did an assisted free dive! This guy never ceases to amaze!
Right now, Alex is training at ADAPT in California, an incredible program supporting spinal cord injury survivors in adaptive sports. But here’s where he could use our help: since the ADAPT sessions are self-pay at $160 per week ($80 per hour), funding is needed to keep him thriving in this transformative program. For Alex, these sessions aren’t just sports—they’re life-changing, helping him manage nerve pain (something often misunderstood about spinal cord injuries) and pursue his dreams. Many assume paralysis means no sensation, but for Alex and many others, daily nerve pain can be excruciating, adding a physical and emotional challenge to each day. And yet, through it all, Alex remains one of the most kind, caring, and optimistic people I know.
Beyond his incredible determination, Alex also has this rare talent for jigsaw puzzles—he’s got a “Hawkeye” for knowing exactly where every piece belongs. It’s something we love doing together, and watching him piece it all together is truly inspiring. It’s a reminder of how he sees life’s challenges, visualizing solutions and putting everything in its right place.
Not only am I boldly asking for $8,000 to cover Alex’s ADAPT weekly sessions for a year, but I’m hoping we can raise a total of $12,000. With this additional $4000.00 support, we’d like to bring Alex to our New Hampshire home this summer, where Donnie and I are finishing the final stages of making our home fully accessible-beyond ADA standards. Alex will need to rent an accessibility van, which can be very expensive but renting one during his stay would allow Alex and friends with accessible needs to come to the East Coast and participate in adaptive mountain biking, skiing, and ATV riding with us. Of course we will fully support his stay while he is with us next summer, so the funds would go directly towards the van and transportation needs.
$12,000 is a lot of money, but with many people giving, we could reach that goal quickly! If you’re a business owner who has the ability to make a large donation from your company or an individual who is willing to pledge ANY AMOUNT (no amount is too small), please consider donating to support Alex’s journey in adaptive sports and his dream of showing others that challenges don’t define us.
Let’s come together to lift him up as he continues pushing boundaries and inspiring us all. Thank you for making this birthday wish a reality.
Using FUNDRAZR will ensure the funds raised go directly to Alex, as it has minimal fees. There is also the option on the platform of covering the fee per donation if you are able.
Thank you for your kindness and generosity in making this SPECIAL BIRTHDAY WISH come true for me.
Take a peek at the 19 photos I have attached!
Jesus said, "You must love the Lord your God with all your
heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and
greatest commandment. A second is equally important: 'Love your
neighbor as yourself'”
Blessings to all who are willing and able to help!
xo
Heid and Donnie
