SCI-FIT 10th anniversary party becomes an evening of fun and bonding
NorCal SCI founders Nick and Franklin were invited to Pleasanton-based SCI-FIT's 10th anniversary party this past Saturday and what a great time we both had during our four-hour stay there.
There were about 200 people that attended the afternoon event and made for an opportunity to meet old friends as well as create new ones. SCI-FIT co-founders, Dan and Jerry, truly spared no expenses with all the food, drinks and music that everyone was enjoying. The margaritas got high marks from those consuming them.
The two of us met numerous family members and friends who have had their loved ones utilize SCI-FIT's services. We not only had a chance to share and update what we've been doing with NorCal SCI but also learned some new tips and tricks on how people with SCI are managing their lives.
A group of participants at SCI-FIT's 10th anniversary celebration
For example, on our way out, we met Krystina Jackson who suffered a spinal cord injury about 15 years ago. She was there with her sister, Robyn, who provided the entertainment for the crowd. They were about to leave when we noticed a curious thing. Krystina uses a Whill power wheelchair. Their car was an SUV and was quite clear that she could not transfer into the car by herself, nor did she have a transfer board. We asked them how they're going to get Krystina and the wheelchair into the car. What we witnessed was comical and amazing. Comical in the sense that Robyn literally hugged her sister out of the wheelchair and swooped her into the passenger seat in one motion. That was an amazing trick. Then came the storing of the wheelchair into the back of the SUV. Robyn pulled out two fold-up ramps, attached them to the back of the car and maneuvered the wheelchair up the steep ramp and into the SUV. Kudos to the sisters but what's even more amazing is the fact that they also volunteer their time at area nursing homes by taking their singing talent and sharing it with the elderly.
We also had a chance to catch up with the Molnars. Their son, Myles, suffered a SCI as a result of an accident during a wrestling match. We first met them while Myles was at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center for his rehab. Myles looked so much more mobile and stronger than we first met him, pushing his manual chair independently. They shared their high and low points during their journey since his accident and are beginning to put the pieces together toward a more "normal" life for the whole family.
From left to right: Nick, Franklin and Dan
Dan and Jerry were spending the entire time making sure everyone was welcomed and were enjoying themselves. They've also been busy working on the opening of their third location in Fresno. Dan hoped to have it open by January which would be great news for the Central California communities.
NorCal SCI would like to congratulate SCI-FIT on the occasion of their 10th anniversary and look forward to following the continuous progress they'll be making.