Stand Strong Again (SSA) was formed in 2005, shortly after professional freeskier Lars Veen from Norway suffered a crash while overshooting a jump in Mammoth's Unbound terrain park that left him without feeling or function below his chest. Lars was 18 years old at the time. Since the accident, Lars has been focused on heavy rehabilitation and is recovering from his injuries and, in the process, showing us all what a true hero really is.
More recently, on April 3rd, 2006, Marc Andre Belliveau lost sight of his line and crashed while skiing in the British Columbia backcountry. The accident left Marc paralyzed from the waist down. In true fashion, Marc stated 3 months after his injury, "I don't think that there is anything I could do before my crash that I will not be able to do again in one way or another."
Stand Strong Again exists to help action sports participants continue their pursuit of recovery and to heal both physically and mentally through support, activity and positive lifestyle adjustments. We realized that with the proper support, these so-called "tragedies" could be turned into positive "transitions" to new and exciting lives. Currently, SSA supports treatment, recovery, and quality of life initiatives. Down the line, donations will help neurological research that will ultimately lead to a cure.
Action sports and those who participate in them share a passion for pushing the limits. As we continue to push the boundaries, the consequences of both success and failure are increasingly extreme. As a community, we all revel in each others' successes and that demands that we band together to help the fallen get back up. It is our responsibility to the action sports we all live for to ensure that everyone suffering a traumatic injury is well supported through this unexpected transition in their lives. Your participation will create a significant foundation to help those suffering traumatic injuries to get back after their passions and enjoy a lifestyle they once lived.THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT.