Freewheeling Kelly

Receiving the FreeWheel through the Go Hawkeye grant several years ago has had a profound and lasting impact on my independence, mobility, and overall quality of life. It remains the most utilized piece of adaptive sports equipment I own, and I rely on it daily. With the FreeWheel attached, I am able to confidently navigate uneven ground and access environments that would otherwise be inaccessible in my everyday wheelchair.

One of the biggest ways the FreeWheel has enhanced my life is in allowing me to stay active with my service dog. Every day, we walk several miles—not just on smooth sidewalks, but through wooded areas, across open fields, and along nature paths. Because of this device, he has room to explore, and I’m able to enjoy the outdoors rather than being limited by terrain.

The FreeWheel has also supported my athletic goals. I regularly use it to participate in a variety of races—from fun costumed fun runs and charity events to competitive 10K’s and triathlons. It gives me the confidence and stability I need to roll through gravel, grass, and uneven terrain that would normally stop my chair in its tracks and it allows me to go faster!

Beyond my local community, the FreeWheel has enabled me to travel and explore National Parks with my service dog. Together, we have visited the Great Smoky Mountains, Carlsbad Caverns, Hot Springs National Park, and Guadalupe Mountains National Park—experiences that would not have been possible without adaptive equipment designed for rugged environments. The freedom to continue exploring nature has been both emotionally meaningful and physically empowering.

Whenever my FreeWheel has been temporarily out of service for a repair or a flat, I feel its absence immediately. It has become essential—not only for recreation, but for access, exercise, and everyday independence.

I am deeply grateful to the Go Hawkeye Foundation for funding this equipment. Without financial support, I would not have been able to obtain the FreeWheel, and I would have missed out on the experiences, opportunities, and community it has made possible. This grant has truly been life-changing, helping me remain active, explore the outdoors, and stay connected to people and places in ways that bring joy, purpose, and confidence.

Thank you so much!