When I initially decided to break the quadriplegic hand cycle world record, I thought I would train really hard, find a few sponsors and call it good. Putting together Spinal Ride has proved to be more difficult than I had expected, but more importantly a great learning experience. Effective endurance/cycling training, corporate relations, public relations, and fundraising are just a few aspects of this venture that I have been lucky enough to learn more about!

I have learned a lot about training for endurance, and because I am sort of a health nut I haven’t had to change my diet too much. However, I have learned much more about fundraising and public relations. I am currently going to school for public relations and advertising so this is a good, practical experience to go along with my degree. In fact, Weber State University, and my awesome teacher Kathryn Edwards, are supporting me by allowing an independent study that will give me college credit for the promotional aspects of Spinal Ride.

Planning promotional aspects and raising money for spinal cord injury patients has been a great learning experience, however, it is only one of the many rewarding experiences I’ve had. I have learned a great deal about myself due to training. Being able to consistently get on the bike and train through the pain, as well as follow a diet is pretty difficult. Training and dieting not only builds character but it reveals resolve. Pushing to my mental and physical limit is liberating in a way that I have not been able to feel since before I landed in a wheel chair.

If you know anyone who may want to sponsor Spinal Ride, I can be contacted at Kris.sanford7@gmail.com or at (801)678-3635.

If you want to donate visit www.SpinalRide.com/donations

All donations will go to getting me from Idaho Falls to Huntington Beach, and to patients in wheelchairs who can’t afford therapy.