A gorgeous view during a hike at Yosemite National Park. Photo courtesy of Army Maj. DJ Skelton
Some vets think they can’t do things like that again, but they can. That hike specifically, through Yosemite National Park, was completed by several disabled vets through a nonprofit adventure organization called Paradox Sports, which offers backpacking, mountaineering, ice climbing and other pretty extreme trips to any disabled person up for the challenge.
For vets, it helps them regain their sense of self and brotherhood, not just with other vets, but also with civilians, many of whom are also disabled. Those civilians understand the veterans’ struggles and don’t cut them a whole lot of slack.
(Left) Veteran Chad Jukes, who lost his right leg in 2006 in Iraq, doesn’t let his disability stop him from making the extremely difficult climb up El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. Photo by Cheyne Lempe
“[It helps vets] realize they’re not alone – that there’s this whole other population out there that knows exactly what it’s like,” said Army Maj. DJ Skelton, who co-founded Paradox Sports.
Skelton spent years in recovery after being severely injured in the 2004 Battle of Fallujah in Iraq. He loved the outdoors growing up, but because of all his injuries, he got used to doctors and therapists telling him of all the things he would never be able to do again.
Some civilians, however, convinced him otherwise. “It was that intervention and concept of community that shattered all the don’ts,” Skelton said.
(Right) Army Maj. DJ Skelton relaxes at the top of Tenaya Peak at Yosemite National Park to catch an amazing view. Photo courtesy of SkeltonEventually, Skelton worked his way back into doing outdoor activities. In 2007, he, well-known climbers Malcolm Daly and Timothy O’Neill and a few others started Paradox with a trip to an indoor rock climbing gym in the Washington, D.C., area. Several disabled vets turned out for it.
“We had patients who were blind, missing one or two limbs, burn victims, paraplegics, people with muscular and joint issues,” Skelton said. “That day was incredible – just the energy was something I’ve never experienced before. It was painful, it was emotional, people cried and screamed, but everybody laughed and succeeded in their personal goals.”
(Left) The first Paradox Sports event was held at Sportrock Climbing Center in Alexandria, Virginia. Lots of disabled vets turned out for the climb. Photo courtesy of DJ SkeltonIn the years since, Paradox has blossomed into climbing trips at Yosemite, Mount Whitney, the Grand Tetons and other places. They’re difficult trips, but they’re also peaceful and rewarding – a kind of recreational therapy.
“A lot of people never go rock climbing, ice climbing or mountaineering at all, so to have these people coming back with injuries, maybe thinking those things aren’t possible for them anymore, it’s pretty empowering,” said Paradox operations manager Shelley Brook.
And clearly beautiful, too. Take this view, for instance:
(Right) Army veteran Kristen Cassarini smiles from a stunning viewpoint at Yosemite National Park, where she joined in on a Paradox climb. Photo courtesy of Kristen CassariniIt’s one Army veteran Kristen Cassarini probably wouldn’t have gotten to see if it wasn’t for Paradox. Cassarini wasn’t sure if she’d ever get to climb again after a traumatic brain injury led to left-side weakness, impaired balance and issues with grip. But she joined a veteran trip to Yosemite last year to give it a try, and she’s so glad she did.
“I was really able to push myself and learn a lot of new things,” she said of her successes. “I can still climb – just differently. It may not be pretty or the same as I did before, but I can still work hard and will my way up the rock.”
(Left) Cassarini, despite having left-side weakness, impaired balance and grip issues, succeeds in a difficult climb at Yosemite. Photo by Kristen CassariniThe physical experience wasn’t the only thing she got from the opportunity. The natural tranquility and camaraderie were a huge part of it.
“I really enjoyed climbing with people with various physical abilities and learning from them,” she said. “It was great to just interact with others and share stories and experiences with people who you know understand what you are going through.”
(Right) A group of hikers work their way to the top of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park in 2013. Photo courtesy of Army Maj. DJ SkeltonSkelton likes to remind vets that they shouldn’t let a traumatic event define them – instead, he said they should incorporate it into their lives. It looks like lots of vets are taking that advice!
Reaching the summit of Yosemite’s Half Dome on Sept. 11, 2013, never felt so good! Photo by Army Maj. DJ Skelton
To learn more about Paradox Sports or to join one of their 11 annuals trips, visit their website at the link above.
Source: DoD
