What is PROJECT MARCI v3.0?
Marci's two months in Mammoth are almost over (March 5, 2011 she is supposed to go home). She doesn't want to leave!! We don't want her to leave!! She has made a life for herself, and intends to go to college and get a part-time job. She has changed her residency to CA, just got a 760 cell phone #, and dare I say... a Mammoth PO Box!!! HELP us HELP Marci - She just needs a little more lovin' from great folks like you!! This is life-changing stuff here... I've seen her mature & gain optimism for life... She's smiling, sitting tall, making friends, achieving goals- Make's me wanna scream from the mountain tops-- "Anything is possible!!!" ... Help make these changes permanent!!!
Who is MARCI?
Marci is a spunky, feisty, inspired 19 year-old young woman. She is of the Sicangu Lakota Tribe, living on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. In May of 2009, she was involved in a drunk driving accident and is now paralyzed below her fifth thoracic vertebrae (a "T-5"). In layman's terms, her spine was broken between her shoulder blades, and she has lost all use of her body below that area.
What was the original PROJECT MARCI?
We raised $5,000 and SUCCESSFULLY brought Marci and her mom Crystal, from Rosebud, South Dakota to L.A. & Mammoth Lakes, California, because:
#1- We lined up a Dream Team of medical experts to examine her, and offer care that she was not able to receive before. She saw Dr. Spoonamore (Head Spinal Surgeon at USC), Dr. Will (Neurologist in Mammoth), Dr. Karch (Orthopedist in Mammoth) and a couple top notch Physical Therapists in Mammoth.
#2- Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra (DSES) sponsored activities such as wheelchair basketball, a pontoon boat ride on Convict Lake, horseback riding with Freedom In Motion, and a group handcycle ride in Bishop.
Click here to view the DSES Photo Album on Photo Bucket!!
Click here to see the Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra website!!
What did MARCI gain from this experience?
With the help of DSES and the wonderful doctors, Marci went home with new-found optimism, and a focus on independence. Although her disability is permanent, she now reaizes how much she CAN DO. The support and camaraderie helped her to realize that even in a wheelchair, she still kicks ass!! (and has a pretty wicked b-ball shot, too :).
What was PROJECT MARCI v2.0?
Marci decided to stay in Mammoth for 2 months from Jan-Feb, 2011- and with generous donations and support from DSES and the Town of Mammoth, we made it happen!! She travelled solo this time. With the blessing of her family, and the trust in her new friends at DSES, she is well on her way to achieving her goal of 100% independent living!! During her stay, she has finished High School online (Yipee!!), been nordic skiing, mono-skiing, hand-cycling, volunteering, doing bi-weekly physical therapy, and wants to register for college classes. She has embedded herself in Mammoth, and is officially "A Local" . Of course, none of this could happen without your generous donations... Thank You SO MUCH!!
Why should I donate to MARCI?
Basically, this is a "Marci Scholarship Fund" so finances won't hinder her quest for the independent and productive life she strives for. Marci is proof that DSES changes lives, and if she wants her life to be in Mammoth, we NEED your donation to keep her here!! She's made so many dear friends, tackled so many challenges... her motivation has infected a whole community!!! Let's keep here in Mammoth!!!
What is my tax deductible donation going towards?
100% of ALL donations go directly to PROJECT MARCI: transportation, housing, meals, winter clothes, etc.-- everything a typical out-of-town college student would need. Any money left over will stay with Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra so they can continue to change lives!!
THANK YOU!!! - You are changing Marci's life forever!! Be proud of your generous spirit!!
Please forward this page to everyone.
Help your brother's boat across, and your own will reach the shore. ~Hindu Proverb