Cal Rehab Foundation’s Inaugural Grant Recipient

The Cal Rehab Foundation is thrilled to announce our inaugural grant recipient, Jose Nunez. Jose’s journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of community support.

On August 29, 2020, Jose’s life changed dramatically. A solo motorcycle accident resulted in a thoracic-level spinal cord injury, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down. An active individual, Jose had always found joy in running on the beach, practicing yoga, and playing soccer. The accident took these activities away from him, and the path to finding something that could give him the same physical and emotional fulfillment has been long and challenging.

Jose completed his rehabilitation at California Rehabilitation Institute, where he began to rebuild his life. Despite his daily struggles, he has shown incredible resilience and is now living independently.

A New Chapter: Handcycling

Handcycling has become Jose’s new passion, providing him with a sense of freedom and a way to stay physically active. However, transporting his handcycle has been a significant barrier. Without a tow hitch and bike rack for his car, Jose has been limited to training only on days when a friend is available to help.

Thanks to the Cal Rehab Foundation, this is about to change. We are proud to provide Jose with a tow hitch and bike rack, allowing him to transport his handcycle independently. This equipment will enable Jose to train at least three times a week and ride on weekends with his 8-year-old daughter. Jose’s goal is to participate in more competitions and riding events, including marathons and 10ks.

Words from Jose

Jose shared his thoughts on the significance of this grant:

“Having the tow hitch and bike rack will give me complete independence to ride and train as often as possible, allowing me to participate in more competitions and riding events…. I would also like to ride with my 8-year-old daughter. Before my accident, we went on a lot of hikes, and now I found handcycling as the best activity I can share with her.”

Changing Lives, One Grant at a Time

Jose’s story exemplifies the mission of the Cal Rehab Foundation: to change lives for those with life-altering injuries and illnesses. We believe that with the right support and resources, individuals can overcome significant challenges and achieve remarkable things.

As Jose gears up for his upcoming competitions and enjoys more rides with his daughter, we are reminded of the impact that our community can have. Together, we can help individuals like Jose regain their independence and continue to pursue their passions.

We are excited to follow Jose’s journey and look forward to seeing him achieve his goals, including racing in the 2025 LA Marathon. Here’s to many more rides, races, and moments of joy shared with his daughter.

Join Us in Making a Difference

The Cal Rehab Foundation is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities. Your donations and support make stories like Jose’s possible. Together, we can continue to make a difference, one grant at a time.

For more information on how you can support the Cal Rehab Foundation, visit our Ways to Give page or contact us directly at (424) 522-7554. Let’s continue to change lives and help individuals achieve their dreams.