Kip Johnson, a Barlow High star ski athlete, was practicing with his team on Mt. Hood in December 2003 when he sustained neck, back, and rib fractures. Kip, his parents, his sister, and his entire family never gave up hope. They rallied together, refusing to utter the word “no” at any time during his treatment and rehabilitation.

Following his rehabilitation, Kip and his family traveled to Project Walk, a spinal cord injury recovery program, for five months, where he gained 30 pounds of muscle. Now Kip enjoys playing rugby for the Portland Pounders and has found new meaning in life as he “runs into other quads while playing rugby.” He is currently enrolled at Mt. Hood College with plans to complete business school. He looks forward to working with a therapy dog. Kip is a mentor to many, including other young men with spinal cord injuries.