On August 1, 1999, Adam went to a lake party. From that day on, his life was changed forever. It was an extremely hot summer and the water levels were low. Adam decided to go swimming and went running off the dock. Although he had done this before, this dive was different. This time he hit his head on the bottom of the lake. What he thought was safe, was only 30 inches of water. After Adam hit the lake floor, he immediately knew something was seriously wrong. Adam could not move his limbs and was lying face down. He was swallowing water and thought that he would drown. Adam heard his friends laughing and having a good time, but he could do nothing. At first, Adam’s friends thought he was joking. Adam’s “sick” sense of humor was not beyond this. But this was no joke. After realizing the seriousness of the situation, Adam’s friends scurried to get him out of the water. Fortunately and ironically, a doctor had shown up moments earlier. She was able to resuscitate Adam before the paramedics showed up. Without her efforts, Adam would not be here today. From that point, it was a dash to the hospital and the extent of the injury was still unknown. Within 2 hours of arriving at the hospital, doctors told my family that Adam would not walk again.

Adam was always a “fighter”. But since the injury, he has had to have an incredible amount of mental and physical toughness. He spent approximately 3 months after the injury at Craig Hospital in Colorado. It was there Adam used mental and physical therapy to learn the basics he would need to approach life going forward. Although Adam was tough, no one is prepared for this.

After years of improvising, overcoming and adapting to things, Adam is in a good “place”. He uses courage and humor to get through some of life’s hardest obstacles. Adam drives, lives on his own and has a productive career as a trainer in the mortgage industry. None of these things are overly common for someone with his level of injury. His resiliency is what makes him different than most. Adam understands that this is a lifelong struggle and that he needs to always be in top mental and physical shape. He is constantly working out, watching what he eats and doing “whatever it takes” to stay healthy. Adam also facilitates a support group for people with physical challenges.

The purpose of the Friends for Adam Niskar Trust is to help raise money for Adam’s ongoing medical expenses. These are the expenses that go above and beyond what his insurance company will pay. Although insurance pays for the basics, Adam needs additional things to stay in the type of shape that was discussed earlier. The money is used for things such as certain medical supplies, custom vehicle costs, fitness and many other expenses that Adam did not have to incur prior to this injury. Although there is no cure today, it is crucial for him to stay in shape because hopefully we are not too far away. When that day comes, Adam needs to be ready.

Thank you for your continued support!

Adam’s Brother