On September 26, Trent Theroux is going to attempt to swim 40 miles around Aquidneck Island to benefit RISE Above Paralysis.
As the crow flies, Aquidneck Island has a circumference of 37 miles. However, because of the shifting tides and navigational requirements the swim will be closer to 40 miles. The swim will start at historic Fort Adams at 7:00am and complete approximately 1:00am the following day.
Trent who is from Bristol, Rhode Island now calls Barrington, Rhode Island.
In September 2002, Trent Theroux was the victim of a boating accident in which the propeller carved into his back four times severing all the major muscles on the left side of his back and cutting into five bones in his spinal column. During my time in the hospital he made a list of items he wanted to achieve during the balance of his life. The first on the list was to walk. Also on the list was to lift his young children and return to his job. Then, he got a little crazy and included running a marathon, racing up the stairs of a skyscraper and completing the Ironman. Following an extensive period of rehabilitation he was able to achieve all those items on my list. The last item on my list was to complete an unprecedented ocean swim.
Trent was inspired by the mission of RISE Above Paralysis. Through his “Back To Block” swim three years ago, he raised $50,000 to be used as grants for durable medical equipment. These funds have made it possible for individuals to access much needed medical equipment that they would not have been able to obtain otherwise.
Now Trent is “Back to Newport” to raise funds and used vehicles for those with a spinal cord injury. Without access to modified transportation, it is highly unlikely that those with paralysis can leave home. They are unable to get back to employment, attend school events with their children or even go to a doctor’s appointment. Accessible transportation means independence, enhanced self-esteem and a greater involvement in everyday life doing the things that most take for granted.
Trent’s goal is to raise $50,000, 100% of money raised will be used towards adaptive motorized vehicles, for those whose lives changed as quickly as his did.
Fundraising efforts have currently raised $19,850.00.
DONATE TO THE CA– USE
All donations go directly to RISE Above Paralysis (GBC, NSCIA) — a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowable by law.
