Kip has a non-profit account through NTAF. For over 20 years NTAF has helped families with financial hardships arising from uninsured medical expenses related to transplantation and catastrophic injuries. Established in 1983 by medical professionals, NTAF is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

February 4th

Rugby tournament schedule

Reynolds Middle School

201st & Halsey, Fairview OR

Friday, February 6th  

5:00pm BC vs Michigan    

6:30pm Portland vs Western Rovers             Seattle vs Northridge

Saturday

9:00    Michigan vs Robers            

10:30   BC vs Northridge           Seattle vs Portland

12:30   Portland vs Michigan      Northridge vs Rovers

2:00     Seattle vs BC               

3:30     Portland vs Northridge

5:00     Seattle vs Michigan        Rovers vs BC

Sunday

10:00   Northridge vs Michigan

11:30   Seattle vs Rovers

1:00     Portland vs BC

January 14th

Well, we never found the wheelchair. We continued looking even with the snow falling. So now we move onto replacing the chair. As I said before the good thing is, he did not lose his cushion which is custom fit just for him. He also did not lose the J-back, back rest. His chair is called a Ti Lite and is made in Washington. They still have the specs from his last chair, so will go ahead and make it just the same as that one. This will help cut down on the amount of time that it will take to replace it.    We'll keep you posted!

Portland Pounders Rugby team is hosting their annual tournament on February 6, 7 & 8th at Reynolds Middle School. As soon as we know the schedule I will pass it along.  At this point it looks like a 6 team tournament. I encourage all of you to come and see some games. After traveling all over the country for Rugby games, there are no fans like the Portland fans.  Our bleachers will be full, which is not heard of any where else in the country.

December 19th

Home from Alabama last Sunday night and the National Rugby Tryout Camp. Kip said it was a very good experience for him and very glad he was able to go.  For any of you who have watched a game of Rugby, you probably understand how the Classification process works. The players are classified according to their function anywhere from a 0.5 up to a 3.5.  Kip is a 0.5, meaning he has the least amount of function of all the players. A 3.5 can literally be someone who has lost partial function in one or both hands and can be ambulatory. So as you can see, there is a huge difference in the players level of function. Kip was honored to be there wtih the other athletes from around the country.

Now on to the most recent news!! This past Tuesday evening, December 16th, Kip was driving in a pickup with a friend and his wheelchair was in the back. They drove from about 220th and Tillstrom Rd, down Foster and then onto I-205 not realizing that the tailgate was accidentally left down. When his friend went to get the chair out it was gone. They immediately turned around and redrove the route a couple of times, but were unable to find it. The authorities were contacted right away, and they too did a thorough search. Since then we have been combing the streets, ditches, embankments, bushes etc. in hopes of finding his chair. We have also put up signs and placed adds in many papers.  As you can imagine, the reality of losing his chair has sunk in. On a positive note, Kip contacted one of his Rugby friends and was able to borrow his OLD chair just hours before he headed out for the east coast for the holidays, phew! Also, Kips cushion was not lost, it was in the truck which is an absolute blessing. When you purchase a wheelchair it is custom fit just for you and is a process that takes quite a bit of time.  To be in someone elses chair is like wearing someone elses worn out shoes all day long. So........we are now trying to figure out how to get him a new chair.  Being in this time in our lives, I am just so thankful it is only a wheelchair that was lost, wheelchairs can be replaced!!

It is almost Christmas, and the snow is falling. I don't think it can get any more beautiful.

Thank you all so much for all of your prayers, love, encouragment and kindness.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas

November 23rd

Oh my, time has flown by. I apologize for not updating for so long.  Kip has been VERY busy with workouts, school and Rugby, which means we have been busy too.  The Pounders went to San Diego last weekend for first tournament of the season, the "Best of the West".  The best part of the weekend was that it was really nice and warm in San Diego. The team ended up in fourth place. This was not a big surprise since they had not been practicing much since the Paralympic Games in Beijing.  If you didn't hear, the U.S. team won the Gold medal!

Kip has been invited to participate in the 2009 USA Wheelchair Rugby National Tryout Camp December 11-14 at Lakeshore Foundation Olympic and Paralympic training site. Athletes have been invited from around the country and will compete against members of the 2008 Beijing Paralympic team. From this 12 - 17 athletes will be selected to the team and a final cut will be made in June 2009.  As you can imagine, his time in the Rugby chair just increased drastically.  To be invited to this camp is truly an honor.

Workouts with ADAPT Advanced are in full swing. The daily routine is going to change a bit over the next 3 weeks, to better prepare him for the tryout in Alabama.  However, it will still be 7 days a week and many hours. I'll get back with updates on how it goes.

In the meantime, have a wonderful Thanksgiving.  We have SO much to be thankful for

August 19th

Here it is, the middle of August already!

The biggest news is that Project Walk Portland has closed their doors. Project Walk decided that they would only have one facility in the country and that would be their Carlsbad CA sight. There are other facilities in that are still affiliated with Project Walk, but not managed by corporate (Portland is not one of those still affiliated).  The most exciting news is that the Portland sight has continued on without missing a beat. 

The owner of ADAPT (Athletic Development and Performance Therapy), Brian Cassidy, the lead specialist Jarod Warf and the office manager, Nat Willis have worked very hard to keep serving the clients in the Portland area. They have founded a new facility, in the same location which is named "ADAPT Advanced". Also, the other trainers Kandice, Elena and Jeremy, previously employed by Project Walk are all on board and continue to train the clients here.  We can not begin to tell you just how excited we are about this change. We truly feel that it is a very very positive step forward.

ADAPT Advanced is working on getting a new website built, in the mean time you can go to www.adapttraining.com  The phone number has remained the same 503-352-0177  Please feel free to come see the new facility, speak with the staff, or watch Kip workout!

May 22nd

THANK YOU PORTLAND FIRE FIGHTERS

To all of you who were a part of the golf tournament last week, we want to thank you. Once again, you all continue to amaze us with your support.

Kip and his cousin Sean were seen out cruising around in a golf cart, hopefully encouraging all the golfers! I know Kip was thankful for the slight break in the weather that came in the afternoon. The sun was FINALLY shining!! Frank, Kips faithful service dog, was tickled to stay behind and get lots of loves from all the participants who came by the club house!

We truly can not thank all of you enough. The number of hours that this type of event requires organizing and preparing for is huge, and to do it for the benefit of Kip and Tristan Rychlick is very humbling. 

I hope you all realize that Kip would not be doing as well as he is without all of the unbelievable support that he has from so many people. Thank you Thank you Thank you

April 17th

Pounders take second place at US Nationals

We left for Louisville on Thursday at noon, our flight should have landed in Louisville at 9:00pm Eastern time. What should happen and what actually happens are not always the same. We were delayed in Minneapolis/St Paul for many hours, in the middle of a winter storm with high winds, snow, rain, sleet, lightening and thunder, not to mention the American Airlines grounding of thousands of flights. The plane we were suppose to take from Minneapolis to Louisville was actually hit by lightening, so they had to ground it and look for another plane. We figured at that point our flight would be cancelled.  However they were able to supply a plane, the only problem was it had 20 fewer seats than passengers!  Kip and his two teammates, along with 3 others boarded and I stayed behind in Minneapolis. They had to be there to make there 9:00am game. They arrived in Louisville at 5:30am, in time to get luggage and gear (which all arrived with them, woohoo!) check into the hotel, grab a bite to eat, and get to the arena. ( I was not able to get to Louisville until 1:00am Saturday morning! ) Kip was able to play quite a bit in the first game, which was against Tampa.  The University of Arizona was also having troubles with their flight and had not arrived in time for their game, so they had to forfeit.  This was too bad because Kip probably would have been able to play in that game also.

On Saturday the Pounders first match was against 4th ranked Texas, and we were unstoppable. Was by far the best Rugby the Pounders have ever played. They stomped on Texas, beating them by over 10 points. The next match was the crossover against Hoverround, winning this game by a few points. This put them into the championship game against Texas.  Texas defeated Lakeshore to get to the final game, this would be the first time in ten years that Lakeshore was not in the championship match.

On Sunday afternoon Portland met up with Texas. It was an extremely close game, only a 1 or 2 point difference the entire way. We finished regulation tied, so went into a 3 minute overtime. Portland ended up losing by one point. Will Groulx was literally an inch away from scoring when the buzzer rang. It was not meant to be. As you can imagine the team was very dissapointed at the moment. I think it is settling in now that they were truly that close and are second in the country. You just can't get any closer than losing by 1 point in overtime. Well done Pounders. Congratulatioins to Max 1.0, Seth 2.0, Will 2.0 and Ian 3.0.  They did a wonderful job.

All that said, it is good to be home!

April 4th

I want to thank the "Outback Steakhouse" for an absolutely wonderful day.  We were able to raise quite a bit of money for the Portalnd Pouinders Wheelchair Rugby team because of the restaurants unbelievable generosity.  It was a gorgeous day, filled with great food and fantastic people.  Thanks to everyone who came to lunch, and to those who could not come but still support the team.

The Pounders returned from the Vancouver BC tournament last sunday with a 1st place finish! Now they are off to Louisville Kentucky next weekend for the National tournament. I will update then and will have pictures to post.

March 11th

Skiing Photos are Posted

Go to the Photo page, click on "More photos on Kip Flickr page" You can then click on the "Skiing March 1st Set" then you will be able to view these in order.   Thanks Craig for setting this page up!

The Portland Pounders returned from the Sectional tournament in Los Angeles on Sunday evening. They placed first, so now they are going onto Nationals in Louisville KY in April.   Once agin, if you would like to help support the Pounders you can come and enjoy lunch at the Outback Steak House in Gresham. Lunch will be from 12:00 - 1:30 and the price is $10, with all money going to the Pounders. Please let me know if you are planning on attending so that I can have an accurate number for the restaurant.

March 4th

Well, he did it. Got back up on that mountain and went skiing!! This past Saturday Kip and some of his friends, his Ski coach, myself and an instructor through Oregon Disability Sports took him back up on the mountain for the first time and helped him ski again.  Thanks to Rob, Alex, Joseph, Adam and Chris, Kip enjoyed the day in a bi-ski. A bi-ski is basically a seat that is mounted over the top of two skis, he also has outriggers (or poles with little skis on them) for his arms. Since Kip has no hands or triceps we attached the poles to his hands so he could keep a hold of them.  It was a normal severe winter storm day for Mt Hood, snowing heavily with at least a 10 inch accumulation through out the day, high winds, poor visibility, below freezing temperatures!! The best part was there was plenty of new snow to fall into, and yes he did lots of falling.  Perhaps the best one was when he crashed, Joseph skied over the top of him, Kip is face first in the snow, he says "I'm fine" and they all just look at him!! Ya gotta help him up guys!   Of course there was a lot of laughter along with it.   We are hoping to go back up soon, but this time when the weather is a bit nicer, some sunshine would be just fine with Kip I'm sure. 

As soon as I get the film out of my camera I will post some pictures. They may not be too great since it was snowing so hard. 

Also, thanks to Trisha Suhr from Oregon Disability Sports for making it possible, Chris from "All in One Mobility" for your organization of the day and instruction, Timberline for being so helpful in so many ways, and also to Ann, Rose and Sean for being so encouraging and patient.  

February 23rd

The Portland Pounders finished in first place at their own Great Northwest Rugby Tournament.  All in all it was a very nice weekend, great people, good food, wonderful competition.  We are looking forward to next years tournament.

Up next, the Pounders will travel to Southern California for the Sectional tournament.  The top two teams will advance to the Division 1 nationals, the next two teams will advance to Division 2 nationals.  Nationals will be held in Louisville KY in April.

To help support the nonprofit Portland Pounders, we are having a steak and chicken lunch at Outback Steak house in Gresham on March 22nd from 12:00 - 1:30.  Meals are $10, you can contact us if you would like to help out and have a wonderful lunch at the same time.  All money generated is going to the Pounders.  Thank you Outback Steak House!

As far as Project Walk, all is going well. Kip continues to work with the finest trainers 3 days a week.  Also, Project Walk is conituing their search for a new facility.  They have definitely outgrown the space they are in, although it does make for an interesting workout when you have 4 or 5 clients on the floor at the same time. All the trainers are busy, equipment is full, floor space is limited, not to mention space being filled up by their empty wheelchairs. And in the middle of it all is Frank, greeting and enjoying everyones company!  Being at Project Walk 3 days a week, I think Frank considers it his second home! 

I can not tell you how wonderful it is to watch the clients, Kip included, progressing through their recovery. They are determined, driven, stubborn fighers with smiles on their faces, that are all improving and staying very healthy in the process. 

The door is always open if any of you would like to come see what goes on at PW.

Thanks to all of you who donate to Kips NTAF account monthly.  He would not be able to continue as he is without your help!

Our goal is to get enough people on board with small monthly donations, so Kip can keep right on improving.

December 24th

Here it is the day before Christmas.  Another year has come and gone!

There are those moments in life where you remember exactly what you were doing at a certin time.  Such as when JFK was shot, or the space shuttle disaster, or when the twin towers were hit and the unreal sight of the buildings coming down.   Memories that are etched so vividly in your mind. December 21st is one of those days for us. That was the day of Kips skiing accident. Remembering the words "Kip has hit a tree and is on his way to the hospital", driving to Emanuel and talking about how he must not be injured too badly or they would have life flighted him there! Sitting in the ER waiting room, still wondering how he was. Words that were spoken by the staff as we were still waiting. When the Doctors ushered us behind closed doors, and then finally the news of his injury, "your son has suffered a very serious injury, he has broken his neck".  At that moment life completely changed.

From there we were taken to see him in the WWICU, watching him struggle to breath, nurses so attentive on our reaction and ready to catch us if we faultered. Rushing down the hall as they took him in for a CT scan.  Then the phone calls had to begin, "Mom, we are at the hospital, there has been an accident, Kip has broken his neck" my moms voice on the other end, I'll never forget.

In just a short amount of time people began pouring into the hospital, coming to help us through, family and friends with open arms, words were not necessary, just their presence. Tears rolled freely, there was no way to stop them.  During this time, the Neurosurgeon was trying to get Kips neck straightened out, he was disclocated at C5.  The traction was applied, but it would not budge.  Finally after 36 hours and 80 pounds of traction, his spine was straight.  They would now do surgery.  At 6:00am on the morning of the 23rd, we were with him, ready to let him go with the finest Doctors.  Many hours and prayers later, with the Atrium filled with family, friends and firefighters, we received the news that he had made it through the surgery, and that his injury was "very very serious".

I believe what touches me the most about this time is that it was right before Christmas. This is when everyone is in a mad scramble to get ready for the big day. However this Christmas was different. In a way time just stood still as we were surrounded by unbelievable warmth and concern by so many.

The memories go on day by day, moment by moment, with Kip in so many battles along the way.  The punctured lung and chest tubes, the chunk out of his spine and leaking spinal fluid, the intubation tearing at his mouth, the fractures at T4,5 and 6, pneumonia, bronchoscopies 3 times a day, skin breakdowns, bowel troubles, and on and on.  Kip never stopped fighting.  Looking back on this time, I believe I am even more moved now than I was then.  So many people, with so much love and concern, pouring their hearts out for us, for all of us. The hugs, the tears, the food that was just arriving, the mysterious boxes of coffee that were always there, the fire rigs that would pull up to the front door, the hours spent just being with us.  So many people gave us so much during that time, we certainly were not deserving of such generosity.  And it was Christmas.

I understand much more clearly now how Jesus comes to us, not to shield us from the harshness of the world, but to give us strength to bear it, not to remove us from the conflicts of life, but to give us peace, his peace, in our hearts.  

Christmas will never be the same for any of us in our family. We will always carry our own personal memories of this time. Christmas is so very special now. We have been given the most precious gift, our son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin is still with us.

Merry Christmas

December 6th

Thanksgiving has flown by, hope you all had a wonderful time with your family and friends. We were very fortunate to enjoy two separate Thanksgiving feasts.  One with my side of the family, the other with the Johnsons.  What a wonderful boost to the soul, to be gathered around a table of wonderful food and enjoy it with the people you love.  Lots of hugs and lots of food, it doesn't get any better than that.  

Thanksgiving is the time we all reflect on our blessings.  To everyone who has been so helpful and supportive of our family since Kips accident, you are those blessings.  There are those times when we just have to look back over the course of this and be so completely humbled by the unbelievable generosity of so many. It is definately the hardest thing to do, to thank you all in the proper way.  No matter what is said, it does not begin to describe just how deeply you have all touched us.  If you have not watched the latest video of Kip (Kips project walk video update 10/10/2007, above) I would encourage you to do that.  His determination and strength, both physical and mental, is just so evident in his face. Also, remember that this is the very first time that he was up in the walker. This was a huge step for him, both physically and mentally. Since that video he has been up in the walker about one time per week, each time he gets better and better. Know that you are all keeping that drive going with your unbelievable help.  Thank you all so much, and most importantly, keep those prayers going!  God Bless

October 25th

Just a quick note to post a link from the Beaverton newpaper.  The article is on Project Walk, and also a good picture of Kip on the FES Bike. Enjoy

http://www.beavertonvalleytimes.com/news/story.php?story_id=119332833651685400

October 12th

Happy Columbus day to everyone.  Thanks to some wonderful help we were able to get a new  video of Kip. If you click on the link above, "Kip Project Walk video update 10/10/2007", you will be able to see Kip up walking in a walker for the very first time. This video will be posted on the Project Walk site in the near future.  Also, there is sound so have your volume where you want it.   Thank you Nat, Jerod and Eric for getting it together and thank you Craig for getting it on the website.  As Kip says in the video, watch for more video coverage, as he progresses we will get more film.  It is just so wonderful to see him doing so many new things during his workouts.  As he says, he just keeps moving forward.

This weekend Kip and Gordy are up in Seattle for a Quad Rugby camp.  The camp is being taught by the former US National coach, Kevin Orr, and also by one of the top players in the world, Bryan Kirkland.   It is a three day camp, twelve hours a day both Friday and Saturday, and four hours on Sunday.  It will be fun to hear all that he does and learns while there.

To view new photos, click on the link below.  It will take you to Kips flikr page, enjoy

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kippictures/sets/72157602211177292/

October 17th

Here are a few more pictures.  Up in the walker again!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kippictures/sets/72157602479616450/

October 8th

Well, we have been trying to get some new updates on the website, such as new photos, revolving pictures at the top of this page and a new video of Kip working out.   Project Walk is also working on a new video for Kip, since the one they have is quite old, it was taken shortly after he began working with them. These things always take longer than you think they should.  However, we will keep on it and have them up and running hopefully soon. In the meantime, all is going along well. Kip was up walking in the walker last week with only 3 trainers helping him through. He did really well with it and went about 50 feet.  Frank was looking at him as though he did not understand what was going on!! So, on that note, stay tuned and we will post all the new info as soon as we can. Thanks again, for all of your prayers and ongoing support

October 2nd

Greetings, hard to believe it is already October, and the rains have begun!  Nothing like a gorgeous fall in the Northwest.

Well, Kip is back in school with a full load of classes.  He is continuing his pursuit of a Business Degree at Mt Hood Community College. As you can imagine his schedule is very full with classes and studying.  Rugby is also starting up for the 2007 - 2008 season. He will be attending a 3 day camp in Seattle in a couple of weeks. The camp will be taught by the former USA Head Rugby coach, who took his team to Athens Greece for the 2004 Paralympics, along with a world class player from the US National team.  This seems to be the next step in his progression of Rugby, by going to camps and learning from the best. As you can imagine he is very excited and looking forward to his participation at this camp.

As far as Project Walk, they continue to grow and are now looking for a new location to move to in the Portland area.  They have outgrown the facility they are in and simply need more space and equipment.  This is a very exciting time for Project Walk as they continue to expand and work with clients from across the country, as well as clents from different parts of the world.

August 13th

I know it is after the fact, better late than never right!  Check out this link, it is the follow up piece for the Inaugural "Run, Walk and Roll" fundraiser for Project Walk

http://blog.oregonlive.com/runoregon/2007/08/run_walk_and_roll.html

We had hoped for more people to participate in the event. All in all though, it turned out well though. 

August 6th

Oh my, how the time flies. Sorry it has been two months since the last update.  Really not much to report around here, just the usual summer activites.  Jenna has been home since May and is now on her way back to school in Idaho.  Kip has been enjoying life without classes!!  We did manage to get away for a week of camping on the Snake river.  LIfe continues at Project Walk, with new clients joining all the time.  We have now outgrown the facility, and the push is on to find a new home that is suitable for all.  PW has gone from a few clients and one trainer just a year ago, to around 30 clients and 6 trainers, with more clents calling all the time. It is so exciting to see the progress being made by all.

The 2007 "Run Walk and Roll" is Project Walk Portlands inaugual fund raising event.  Next Sunday, August 12th, will be the event. It will incorporate three divisions open to runners, walkers and "rollers" of all ages.  The distance will be a 5K, in hopes of attracting all ages and abilities for the clients, their families and friends.  In addition, the Prject Walk Certified SCI Recovery Specialists will be on hand to answer questions regarding the Dardzinski Method and modalities of recovery.   Money is being raised from the $35 entry fee to the race (Project Walk is a non-profit organization). The funds generated from this event will stay here at the Portland sight, going towards new equipment and training for the trainers. Also, the first 100 entries will receive a free shirt.

Please join us on August 12th at 8:00am to celebrate the progress made by the clients, they will be out there pushing right along side the walkers and the runners!  The event will be held at the Project Walk facility, 9923 SW Arctic Dr, Beaverton OR 97005.  You can also call if you have questions, 503-352-0177

There is also a blog being entered with Oregon live concerning the event. The link to that is http://blog.oregonlive.com/runoregon/2007/08/a_5k_worth_appreciating.html 

There will be another blog entry sometime this week as the event gets closer.

Would love to have a large showing, so come out and enjoy the morning with us.

June 6th

For Kip to continue on with his training means ongoing fundraising on our part. Insurance at this point does not cover the cost of the training, hopefully some day it will help with some of it, but I really doubt it ever will.  So, we must be continually fundraising to cover the cost.  As I said before, Kip is committed to this and knows it means years of hard work. Right now he works out 7 hours a week at $100 an hour!  Kip has a non profit account with NTAF, you can go to the link at the top of this page, it will get you to NTAF and also Kips page.  This allows Kip to raise money and the people who are so generous to help are able to get a tax credit.  There are some who are donating every month through either their banks automatic withdrawal system or through a credit card. Once it is set up with NTAF, it is a monthly donation and ongoing.  To those of you out there who are helping in this way, we can not thank you enough. At this point we are just trying to stay ahead of the money running out.  If you would like to get started with NTAF and have some questioins about it, please don't hesitate to contact us.  Also, if anyone would like to go along and see what these guys do every day during their workouts, you are more than welcome. It is such a positive environment,  I guarantee you will be pleased with what you witness. Kip works harder now than he ever did as an able bodied athlete!

June 1st

Welcome to Kips website. If this is the first time you have visited the sight here is a quick overview.

Kip was injured in December of 2003 from a skiing accident. He suffered a very severe spinal cord injury at the C5-6 level, with extreme swelling up into C2. He then spent the next month in the Trauma Intensive Care Unit at Emanuel Hospital, fighting many battles. After that he went to the step down unit for a week then onto the Pediatric Rehab floor. At this point he had a Tracheotomy and was on a ventilator for just about 2 months. After spending the next 2 months on the rehab floor he was finally discharged from the hospital. At this point in his recovery he was a very thin, weak young man, having lost over 60 pounds.

Kip was fortunate to be accepted by Shriners Hospital in Sacramento CA. This facility specializes in Spinal Cord Injuries and also burns. So we spent time traveling back and forth to Sacramento for two years, until Kip was 21, and no longer eligible for their services. The very best thing that came out of this experience at Shriners was that Kip was able to receive a service dog through them. His name is Frank, and he is with Kip always.

Ten months after the injury Kip was invited to attend a Portland Pounder Quad Rugby practice.  Then life really changed for him, he now had a new purpose.  He was fortunate enough to go to a tournament in San Diego just a month later, and his life was opened up to an entirely new world.  The sad part is, they have a season and then an off season. Right now is the off season, so they aren't practicing.  Kip would prefer to practice year round!

Right after returning from the first Rugby tournament, Kip then became involved with an Intense Exercise Based Recovery program for Spinal cord injuries.  This too was life changing for him, and continues to be now.  So his life revolves around working out with trainers who are specialized in recovery for Spinal cord patients. The improvement is ongoing, all the time! This is something that Kip feels very passionate about and will be a part of his life always.  He has very specific goals, and he realizes it will take years to attain these goals. In the meantime he always improves in strength, stability, health and wellbeing. So many of the troubles that most Quadriplegics experience in their every day lives are not even an issue for the guys involved with this type of recovery.