Tough Mudder for United Brachial Plexus Network

Hi! I’m Hannah, and I have a paralysis condition in my left arm and shoulder called Erb’s palsy caused by an injury to my brachial plexus. I’ve fallen in love with athletics, and I want kids with my disability to get every chance to do the same.

Close to three years ago, I was inspired on a whim to do a Tough Mudder, a messy and fun, but pretty intimidating obstacle course. I trained and finished a 5K event. This year, I'm taking on a 10K, doubling the distance from three miles to six. I'm so excited that it's also an opportunity to support the United Brachial Plexus Network. UBPN supports families in seeking medical care for kids with Erb's palsy, educates doctors, and runs a camp where kids with Erb's palsy can rock climb, zipline, swim, do archery, and more. It seems fitting that my athletic adventure will help support more Erblings in their athletic adventures!

For weeks after my first Tough Mudder, I couldn't stop saying, "I still don't understand how I did that."

One moment that sticks out in my memory was an obstacle called Everest, a 12-foot tall half-pipe where, in front of a crowd of hundreds, we each took a running start, ran/jumped as high up the curved wall as we could, grabbed ropes and teammates' hands, and scrabbled to the top. Once I was upright again, I found myself crying, engulfed in arms and delighted screaming from my teammates. Apparently, in reaching for their hands, I'd somehow pulled my entire body weight up the rope with the strength of my paralyzed arm.

It was just one sparkling moment among many. I loved getting and giving help from my wonderful team and countless friendly strangers. I loved that it wasn't a race or a competition, but it was scary and challenging and messy. I loved that it was designed for all types of bodies to work together and carry each other through.

I think all these attributes embody athletics at their best, and the experience helped me realize that athletics is for everyone.

If I hit my goal of $1,000, I get to do my next Tough Mudder for free, although, of course, I'll be hitting the mud either way. I just want to make as big of a donation as I can in doing so. Please consider showing your support by making even a donation of a few dollars and/or sharing this link with others. And please try something new and scary this year, something you aren't sure whether you'll be able to finish. I bet you can, and I bet you'll love it.