Triumph Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Santa Clarita, begins its annual Christmas Care Basket Outreach visiting a dozen hospitals and rehabilitation centers throughout Southern California to bring resources, mentorship, and a message of hope to people that have spinal cord injury. Triumph plans to deliver 100 of its Care Baskets to individuals and families that are spending their holiday facing tragedy.

The Care Baskets are full of necessary information to help someone with their new beginning after injury to enable them to live life to the fullest potential. In addition, Triumph Foundation includes gifts and goodies that will bring cheer to its recipients who are newly paralyzed. The organization is requesting donations to support its efforts.

Triumph Foundation’s founder, Andrew Skinner understands firsthand how being in the hospital on Christmas feels. Mr. Skinner suffered a spinal cord injury in November 2004 in a snowboarding accident. “Being in the hospital is never easy, but it is especially difficult for people that suffer a spinal cord injury during the holiday season,” said Mr. Skinner. “I spent my Christmas in the hospital so it’s near and dear to my heart.” Mr. Skinner has made a remarkable recovery, and wants others with similar injuries to triumph like him. “I have come so far from where I was initially. Now I am living the American dream, despite of my physical impairment. I want to help others do the same.”

Triumph Foundation’s Care Baskets are like a tool-kit to help someone rebuild their life after becoming paralyzed.

“There is no instruction manual on how to live life using a wheelchair,” said Kirsten Skinner who was with her husband when he got injured and has stayed with him every step of the way, “when someone becomes paralyzed, their injury affects everyone around them; family, friends, loved ones, and the entire community.”

Triumph is seeking donations of cookies, treats, gift items, and other goods to include inside the baskets. In addition, it is holding a fundraiser on December 3, 2014 at the Route 66 Classic Grill located at 18730 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, California 91351. Monetary donations can also be sent to Triumph Foundation 17186 Hickory Ridge Court, Santa Clarita CA 91387.

Contributions will ensure Mr. Skinner and Triumph Foundation can continue to provide critical support services needed in the Spinal Cord Injury community. All donations are tax deductible.

About Triumph Foundation

Founded in 2008, Triumph Foundation’s mission is to help individuals with spinal cord injury to triumph over their disability and to inspire them to move forward with their lives by pushing themselves to get better every day. In addition to its Care Basket Outreach, Triumph Foundation’s programs also include providing grants to help obtain necessary equipment, supplies, and services; assisting with home modifications for wheelchair accessibility; leading SCI support groups; and sponsoring wheelchair sports teams and adaptive recreational programs to support disabled athletes.

Every year 10,000-20,000 people suffer spinal cord injuries in the United States. There are over 1.2 million paraplegics and quadriplegics living in America today. The disabled population is the fastest-growing minority that anyone can become a part of at any time. No one plans ahead for a devastating injury that causes paralysis, because no one thinks it could happen to them. When something tragic does occur, people are not prepared to deal with the challenges. Triumph Foundation assists these individuals to triumph over the obstacles they face.

To date the organization has touched the lives of over 2,500 individuals with disabilities; given $80,000 in assistance to people with inadequate medical insurance; performed eight home and bathroom remodels; provided wheelchair accessible vehicles to three people who did not have the means to purchase one on their own; handed out well over 1,000 Care Baskets to newly injured people; and regularly visits 12 area hospitals and rehabilitation centers throughout Southern California.