In 2019, Amy Macdonald's life changed dramatically when she experienced a hemorrhagic stroke, leaving her with no use of her left arm and limited function in her left leg. As she adjusted to these changes, she began exploring adaptive sports, which became an important part of her life.

Amy now actively participates in adaptive kayaking, skiing, rock climbing, and even ice climbing. “All of them are great but I find that the ones that work best for me are things that I never did before the stroke because there’s no comparison”.

Adaptive sports have had a profound impact on her life. "They help me stay physically fit and mentally just getting out of the house," she said.

 Beyond just participating, Amy has been working to build a community for adaptive rock climbing. "We have built some outdoor routes [with Crag-VT] and even had one outdoor adaptive climbing festival so far [hosted by Petra Cliffs]," she shared. Of all the activities she’s tried, climbing has become her favorite. "Before my stroke, I did a lot of hiking, gardening, and dance - things that combined meditation and movement. That’s what climbing feels like to me. You get up on the wall, forget about everything, and focus on your movements. It’s a way to clear my mind for a while... Adaptive sports have truly saved me."

When asked if participating in adaptive sports has changed the way she views her disability, she didn’t hesitate."I can do a lot more than I thought I could. It has made me feel much stronger, both physically and mentally."

For those nervous about trying adaptive sports, Amy offers simple but powerful advice: "Just try it and see what happens. It’s scary at first, but once you start, it’s a lot of fun."

Amy hopes to find and grow a stronger community for individuals who are newly disabled, offering them the same sense of empowerment she has found through adaptive sports."I would love to support anyone who has questions or needs someone to talk to about becoming disabled. I didn’t have that kind of support, and I would love to be that person for someone else."

To be put in contact with Amy, please email cynthia@greenmtnadaptive.org with subject title "Mentor contact request - Amy"

Nikki Juvan never expected to become an expert on strokes, neuropathy, and the complex realities of the healthcare system- but when her husband, Trent, experienced his first diagnosed stroke in October 2018, followed by two more in March 2019 and March 2022, her world shifted dramatically.

Now navigating life as Trent’s full-time caregiver, Nikki has taken her lived experience and transformed it into a mission: supporting other caregivers who, like her, may feel overwhelmed and isolated.

One of the resources that brought joy back into both their lives was discovering adaptive kayaking through their local stroke support group. “It’s honestly a highlight of the summer for us,” Nikki shared. “Trent used to canoe before his strokes, but kayaking gives him a way to be out on the water again—independently. The volunteers are amazing, and the program is so well-organized.”

They’re even considering trying adaptive sailing next. For Nikki, these outdoor experiences are more than just recreation—they’re lifelines. “Adaptive sports are such a great outlet for people who’ve had a major life change...there are people figuring out how they can continue doing what they love.”

As someone who’s had to figure out so much on her own, Nikki knows the value of centralized, easy-to-access resources. To further support this effort, Nikki has created a stroke awareness and resource website, aiming to make essential information more accessible to caregivers and families navigating recovery.

Beyond sharing information, she emphasizes the importance of connection. Nikki is helping launch a stroke caregiver support group at the University of Vermont to offer a space for sharing, connecting, and encouragement. 

Through it all, Nikki remains honest about the toll caregiving can take. Balancing the emotional weight and daily responsibilities of caregiving is tough, and support for caregivers themselves is often lacking. Nikki has found healing in community, in time outdoors, and in meeting others who truly understand the journey. Her goal now is to be that source of support for someone else-because no caregiver should have to walk this path alone.

To connect with Nikki, please email cynthia@greenmtnadaptive.org with the subject line "Mentor contact request - Nikki."