Back in 2006, Roy Tuscany was making a name for himself, and cementing his future in the ski industry by making big jumps and landing big drops. But it only took one small moment for his life to change. Roy hit 100-foot jump going too fast and overshot it by 30 feet, leaving him with a life-changing injury and an uphill battle to recovery. He fought everyday, physically, emotionally, mentally, and socially to overcome his injury and get back on the slopes, and back to his safe space in the outdoors, despite doctors telling him it might not be possible. With the outpouring of financial, emotional, and physical support from his family, friends, and community, Roy was able to step into skis again in 2008.
But Roy’s story doesn’t end there.
Overcoming his injury combined with the support from his community, and the reality of how frequent life-changing injuries can be for those in sports, he was inspired to found the High Fives Foundation in 2009, with a mission of preventing these injuries and providing resources and hope if they did happen. With a small team and a dream, Roy set out to gain funding for other athletes suffering from injuries like his own, and to support their goals in outdoor adventure sports like biking, off-roading, fishing, snowboarding, skiing, and surfing. Since 2009, the High Fives Foundation has served over 500 athletes and disbursed over $7M.
Eddie Bauer is a proud partner of the High Fives Foundation, not only asking Roy to be a “One Outside” Guide, but also sponsoring a fly-fishing camp and a ski camp, and choosing this non-profit organization as our donation partner for part of the year. The donations provided by our customers serve the High Fives mission by supporting its five programs: the Empowerment Fund, B.A.S.I.C.S, Military to the Mountain, the CR Johnson Healing Center, and Return to Dirt.
The Empowerment Fund
Through their grant programs, High Fives helps athletes pay for adaptive sports equipment, supply financial support for different rehabilitation resources, and so much more. Their grant programs have 3 cycles for applications during the year and are open to those injured in outdoor adventure sports, wounded veterans pursuing outdoor adventure sports, and those injured in inertia-based accidents who wish to pursue outdoor adventure sports.
B.A.S.I.C.S.
It stands for Being Aware Safe In Critical Situations. Through their snow safety awareness program, B.A.S.I.C.S., High Fives helps athletes think about how to avoid accidents before they happen.
Military to the Mountains
The High Fives Foundation’s appreciation for the individuals who serve our country runs deep. The Military to the Mountains program introduces wounded veterans and first responders to the healing effects of skiing and snowboarding.
The CR Johnson Healing Center
Based at the High Fives Foundation headquarters, the CR Johnson Healing Center which is a 6,000 square foot training facility which provides resources for athletes in recovery from life-changing and sport-related injuries.
Return to Dirt
Return to Dirt is an adaptive program service that puts disabled individuals behind the wheel of their own adventure.
In supporting the High Fives Foundation with your donations, you are contributing to the community of individuals who are living their adventure post-injury. Below are a few testimonials from High Fives athletes that have been supported by your donations:
High Fives holds a special place in my heart. They helped me realize my love for the mountains, and assisted me in regaining my confidence to face any challenge head on. I can honestly say I wouldn’t be where I am today without all of the staff and athletes. Greatest group of humans to walk/roll the earth.”
Ezra McPhail
High Fives came into my life and gave me a safe place when I needed one They helped me become a confident individual and instilled helper values into my life. They help you heal from traumatic injuries from the inside out.”
Sophie Courdier
High Fives has literally been the foundation of my recovery. They’ve been there for myself and my family from the very beginning of a never ending SCI (Spinal Cord Injury) recovery process. They’ve provided continuous physical, mental, and financial support. I’m in the best place I can be today and that simply would not be possible without the support of the High Fives Foundation.”
Jason Abraham
High Fives has been a part of my recovery every step of the way. From the first phone call from Roy when I was still in the ICU, to being able to slide on snow my first winter post injury, High Fives was there. I can’t thank them enough for everything they’ve done for me and all [of] their athletes.”
Pierre Bergman
Life is meant to be an adventure–let’s help everyone live theirs. Donate to the High Fives Foundation at checkout!
ROY TUSCANY
Eddie Bauer One Outside Guide
Roy is an avid skier, mountain biker, and father. He’s also the founder and CEO of High Fives Foundation (HFF), a nonprofit organization that helps athletes recover from life-changing injuries and return to the sports they love. It’s something Roy knows a lot about: In 2006, he suffered a devastating spinal cord injury while skiing that left his lower body paralyzed. Instead of realizing his dream of becoming a world-class pro skier, he had to relearn how to walk. But two years later, he was able to step into skis equipped with outriggers.
