Adapted Van Giveaway Contest

Back in April, Triumph Foundation launched an essay contest to select a person with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) to receive a donated wheelchair accessible van. There are many individuals with SCI that cannot afford a modified vehicle to go to work or school, regain family unity, and simply reintegrate back into the community. Triumph Foundation's Adapted Van Giveaway Contest sought to find an individual who can most benefit from receiving the adapted van to help them reclaim their freedom and independence. Maira applied and told us her story of getting injured when she was 10 years old, right out front of her house in South Central Los Angeles when she was an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire between rival gangs. She was shot and suffered a SCI at T-2 and forever her life was changed. Currently, she volunteers at Rancho Los Amigos Rehabilitation Center by being a mentor to the community there; she volunteers at SCRS in Downey, an Independent Living Center that assists all people with disabilities maximize their own independence and quality of life leading a women's support group; and now she plans to volunteer for Triumph Foundation by being an ambassador for the organization. Maira just graduated from Cal State Dominguez Hills with her Bachelors in Social Services. Her dream is to be a Social Worker. Having this accessible van will allow her to secure and maintain employment, begin and complete a Master's degree program, and help her family as she is the first one to own a vehicle. Triumph Foundation is proud to award Maira this van and applaud her efforts to serve the disabled community, pursue her dreams, and to live life to its fullest. We are honored to have her as our newest Triumph Ambassador.