Freedom For Life-FD-0809b
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being in the wilderness that he eventually began riding in it. After his injury in the service, paralysis prevented him from mountain biking for 12 years, so he picked up skiing and ski jumping instead. Ultimately, Kubacz discovered the One-Off, an all-terrain hand cycle, and he was soon freely riding again in the mountains he had always loved. More recently, he has also become hell-bent on helping others with disabilities find opportunities and adventure, founding the nonprofit organization Freedom For Life, which aims to create opportunities such as service projects, experiential learning and wilderness expeditions for people recovering from physical or emotional trauma. Kubacz believes that being outdoors and staying active are necessary elements for everyone to experience to gain the confidence, trust and self-esteem to be healthy contributors in life. Always aiming for the adrenaline rush, Kubacz pushes what might be considered the typical limits for someone in his physical situation. As if to prove that point to the most extreme, his first major mission for his newly formed organization is to spearhead the Uhuru Ascent, a unique expedition featuring veterans with disabilities summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, one of the world’s highest mountains at 19,341 feet. The vets will be accompanied by about 20 able-bodied climbers and support staff. The highest point on Kili is named Freedom Peak, or
Uhuru (pronounced a-who-roo) in Swahili, thus giving the expedition its name. If the team is successful, Kubacz with be the first person with paraplegia to summit the great peak completely unassisted. “No one will push me, no one will pull me and no one will carry me,” he emphasizes. The Uhuru Ascent represents an important and lofty goal in the lives of the veterans, who see themselves as redefining the perception of what it means to have a disability. The climb is no gimme—the success rate for able-bodied climbers is often low, and the conditions and technical aspects of the climb result in unpredictable situations that can impede any climber’s progress. Other climbers using wheelchairs have attempted the climb and reached the summit, but all have required assistance. The community of climbers and veterans with disabilities has been waiting to see who will be the first to accomplish the rare feat of climbing to the summit unaided. “Typically, disabled veterans are viewed with pity or sadness from well-intentioned and compassionate people,” Kubacz says. “Freedom For Life is now allowing veterans with disabilities to be a strong symbol of freedom, showing empowerment and choice in improving their lives.” Because he is paralyzed from the chest down, Kubacz ABILITY 29