Disabled Veterans National

Foundation

+Ride2Recovery

A joint effort to bring wounded heroes together to heal

“I learned how to look at life again – not for

what I no longer had, but for what I could

have and did have.”

About the Partnership

Over 50,000 men and women have been wounded or

injured in combat in Operation Iraqi Freedom and

Operation Enduring Freedom.

Fractures, amputations, burns, spinal cord injuries, and

gunshot wounds have been some of the most common

physical wounds, and the effects of the wounds continue

to plague veterans long after they exit the military.

About the Partnership

Ride2Recovery’s primary mission is to help veterans

recover and rehabilitate from the mental and

physical wounds of combat through cycling.

They do this by restoring hope and purpose to

veterans.

Providing a way FOR life

Vets helping Vets

It’s not a handout, It’s hard work

Serving over 10,000 Veterans

Founded on cycling based programs

Why is Cycling Important?

Cycling is a great form of exercise. It’s also a means of self-management intervention, which can help a veteran to recover, and improve outcomes through the course of their lifetime.

Cycling is an activity that almost anyone can participate in…even those with amputations, or other combat-related conditions.

An added benefit is that it’s easier on the lower extremities.

Project HERO

Project HERO (Healing Exercise Rehabilitation

Opportunity) is a R2R program that provides training and

support to promote the recovery and rehabilitation of

veterans.

Veteran participants in Project HERO often suffer from

physical injuries or PTSD, and cycling is not only a

physical exercise that benefits these veterans, but this

activity is also a way they can recover from the mental

and emotional wounds through a challenging community

activity with fellow veterans.

Adaptive Equipment

R2R utilizes adaptive equipment for veterans, so no

matter the injury they may have, they can still participate

in this outstanding adventure.

Delvin

Before coming to R2R, Delvin, a quadruple amputee, was told it wouldn’t be possible for him to ride a bike! But Delvin refused to let his injuries stop him.

His bike uses a very special unit on the handle bar that incorporates Shimano DI2 electronic shifting and hydraulic disc brakes into a very unique and customized “control center.” All of that allows him to steer, shift and brake with precision and ease.

His C85 prosthetic hand uses a specially adapted Thomson seat post as a mounting unit for the prosthetic. With his prosthetic legs he can pedal as normal.

How the Experience Helps

Ride2Recovery offers a practical way to change the way

these vets think about the challenge. R2R gives them a

hurdle, and the means to get past it with support from

others who are undergoing the same troubles.

As Delvin’s story shows, physical limitations present their

own hurdles to our wounded warriors, and finding new

ways to remain healthy and active can be a challenge. But

with the adaptive equipment, they don’t have to give up on

activities they enjoy.

R2R Had 18 Bikes Stolen!

In March, 18 bikes were stolen from a Ride2Recovery

storage facility near San Diego! Some of the bikes stolen

were customized, adaptive equipment, and cost around

$2,500.

After learning of this misfortune, DVNF jumped to action,

donating $20,000 to Ride2Reovery to help replace the

stolen equipment.

http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Donations-Pour-

in-to-Replace-Stolen-Wounded-Warrior-Bikes-

298977501.html

Next Steps

DVNF has shown great interest in supporting initiatives that make

life easier for veterans with disabilities.

In 2014, DVNF gave a $50,000 grant to help the Human Engineering

Research Laboratories (HERL) buy a new and important piece of

equipment! Thanks to generous donor support, HERL can continue

to develop groundbreaking adaptive devices for veterans like Delvin!

DVNF CEO, Joseph VanFonda

(USMC SgtMaj Ret.), and

President Benny Bachand

presenting a check to Dr. Rory

Cooper, Director of HERL.

Next Steps

Disabled Veterans National Foundation wants to help

Ride2Recovery purchase even more equipment for

veterans!

With generous donor support, DVNF will give at least

$30,000 more to R2R, which will allow more veterans the

opportunity to heal from mental and physical wounds!

Your support is critical for this outstanding opportunity.

Donate Today

Life after military service can be extremely hard,

especially for those with physical and emotional wounds.

With your gift to this partnership, you are giving our

heroes a chance to overcome the new challenges they

face in the civilian world!

Donate Today

Click this link, and help us change the lives of veterans on

their road to recovery!