Jothy Rosenberg
The Who Says I Can’t Foundation is a non-profit, 501(c)(3), charity addressing the psychological and physical impacts of having a disability by focusing on the restoration of self-esteem.
When people experience illnesses and accidents that result in long-term physical disabilities, the goal is always to survive. But what happens after you survive? What happens when you leave the hospital? What if walking is just not enough? Will the insurance company buy you a sitski, a hand cycle, a running leg, a waterproof surfing leg? Not likely.
That is where The Who Says I Can’t Foundation steps in to help.
The Who Says I Can't Foundation provides equipment, coaching and follow up so that the outcome is outstanding.
WSICF partners with supportive prosthetics and adaptive equipment providers for running legs, sit skis, hand cycles and much more.
The Who Says I Can't Foundation partners with rehabilitation hospitals, prosthetic providers, and adaptive sports coaches.
The Who Says I Can't Foundation helps those with disabilities get back into life by getting back into sports.
Awesome people, awesome triumphs, awesome stories.
McKinley is an identical twin but only she got cerebral palsy at birth. Their family loves to ski but could not all do it together because someone had to be with McKinley. They asked for help getting a bi-ski which WSICF provided. Now the whole family skis together with dad Jim driving the bi-ski while Kinley squeals in delight.
Jackie lost her right leg mid calf from a propeller accident while she was swimming behind the boat. She is a sports enthusiast especially snowboarding. So WSICF got her a specially designed snowboarding leg that she used immediately.
Kelly was born with only one leg and got teased about it at school. She fought back by excelling beyond her peers at basketball, swimming, biking, and most of all, running. She competes in triathlons and ultra marathons. She also is a doctor and a fitness coach.
Maureen lost the use of her legs from a fall off of a seawall. She was depressed and a friend suggested she try sailing to get her self-confidence back. She did and loved it and started to excel at it. That led to her being the first American to win Paralympic gold in sailing.
Victoria lost her left leg above the ankle from a hit-and-run motorcycle accident. She was a dedicated beach runner but had not been able to run since the accident. So WSICF, in collaboration with her Florida prosthetist, got her a high performance running leg.
Amy was burned over 25% of her body from high pressure, 750º water. The burns were so bad on her left foot and lower leg it had to be amputated. She suffered through burn debridement, skin grafts, months of physical therapy and massive, debilitating pain. But when both she and her doctors wanted her to get an amputation, her insurance refused. After years of fighting, she prevailed and got her useless leg removed and learned to walk in a prosthesis. She wanted to run and five years after her burn, with support from WSICF she got the running blade she so wanted and is training hard to compete again.