My name is Ryan Neiswender and I am from Lebanon, Pa. I was born with a disability called Congenital Distal Spinal Muscular Atrophy which prohibits the motor signals to send to my lower extremities. Growing up I struggled to compete in sports until I found wheelchair basketball at the age of 8. The freedom I felt as I moved around the court allowed me to fall in love with the game of basketball.

As I continued to grow up, basketball became an avenue to amazing opportunities! After graduating from Cedar Crest High School, I received a scholarship to play at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. During my time at the University of Illinois I was a 4-Time All-American and national runner-up. I made my first United States National Team in 2013, winning gold in 2013, 2017 and 2019 competitions.

At the University of Illinois, I met my wife, Lauren, who was a member of the womens soccer team. Throughout our time in college we found working out and being physically active as a fun hobby that we enjoyed doing together.

I have now been married to my beautiful wife for over a year and a half and we enjoy spending out time outdoors and being physically active. In the coming months, we will be moving to California. Recently, Lauren asked me if we would be able to go hiking and explore the mountains together. I have personally never gone hiking due to the rough terrain and inaccessibility.

Last month, I discovered that there were companies that made adaptive mountain bike equipment to allow me to explore rough terrain. Through the IM ABLE foundation, I was able to try out an adaptive mountain bike and have fallen in love with it! My wife Lauren even said, I am realizing more and more that with the right equipment, Ryan and I can explore the world!

The equipment is very expensive, and I am looking for your help to allow me to explore the great outdoors and cross train while out west with Lauren!

Believe its Possible,

Ryan Neiswender