Tim Gamble: Staying Active After A Stroke At 26

Without the programs, instructors and support Wasatch Adaptive Sports has provided me, I would likely have not ever been able to participate in sports again.

On Easter morning 2013, at the age of 26, I suffered a massive stroke caused by a blood clot that lodged in my right carotid artery.  As a result, the right frontal lobe of my brain was severely damaged, causing me to lose the use of my left arm and leg.

A year after, I had my first experience with WAS where I participated in one of their cycling events at Liberty Park.  I never imagined I’d be able to ride anything again, but they provided me with the use of one of the recumbent tricycles and other adaptive equipment I needed.  My first ride on a recumbent cycle I was only able to make it one time around the park.  Weekly riding events became a regular activity for me.  I quickly progressed to multiple laps at a time up to 12 laps in a session.

Last year WAS helped me apply for and receive a grant for my own cycle.  Since receiving my own cycle, I have continued with the WAS cycling program. Last summer after additional training with WAS’s instructor Alex, I took part in the 17-mile Summit Challenge ride and finished among the first of the adaptive riders.

Later when winter had set in, I participated in skiing and snowboarding with WAS.  I had a love for winter sports before.  WAS allowed me to continue in the activities I thought were over for me.  I am now skiing independently and have participated in two Steve Young Ski Classics and plan to continue in my participation and support of WAS.

Since beginning the many programs with Wasatch Adaptive, I have noticed a significant increase in my strength and I am able to walk longer and faster than I did probably even before my stroke.  Without the programs, instructors and support Wasatch Adaptive Sports has provided me, I would likely have not ever been able to participate in sports again.