Humble beginnings…
See the highlights below of the amazing SHRED'ers for 2022 and other families SHRED has helped.
SHRED began as a humble skate event to benefit Gabe Ospina who was born with Spina Bifida. Despite being in a wheelchair, Gabe was determined to defy medical expectations and do everything possible to live one kick butt life!
In 2011, Vic "The Chili Man" Werany and the Ospina's were neighbors. Vic learned of how the Ospina's struggled both financially and emotionally throughout navigating Gabe's complex medical needs, including two stem cell therapy treatments costing $48k+.
Shortly thereafter, an idea was hatched from a 13 year old who wanted to use skateboarding as a way to help his community. Vic got to work with the Ospina's to create the first SHRED event at a skatepark in Rockhill, NC.
The event was a blast and a darn good time with "kids helping kids" and connections that they made through sport.
In year two, Gabe's friend, Luke Rainwater who was also born with Spina Bifida, came out to a SHRED event. Luke was in his glory as some of the bigger skaters pushed him, in his wheelchair, up and down the ramps. After seeing that joy and Luke and Gabe's friendship, both Vic and the Ospina's agreed that benefiting as many families as possible with an annual event only made sense.
SHRED is a 501(c)(3) registered organization with a 2022 goal of $40k and beyond!
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Gabe Ospina
Age: 11 years
Gabe eats up every chance to go fast, whether it's in his chair, a skateboard, or on waterskies. Gabe is our in-event jokester and comedian, so you may want to watch your back with his wit.
This year Gabe was on the Charlotte Rollin' Hornets basketball team, in his first musical (…and was a total natural), and his favorite sport to play is sled hockey. Gabe recently got a device that turns his wheelchair into an adapted 12-mile per hour scooter…so watch out world! Be sure to also say hello to Kristin and Chad Kennedy at the event, Gabe’s mom and step dad.
Gabe and another SHRED’er, Jenna, met at Camp Carefree. Check it out or Victory Junction.
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Luke Rainwater
Age: 11 years
Don't let Luke’s size fool you, he is LARGE and IN CHARGE! And what a talker! Born with Spina Bifida, hydrocephalus, scoliosis, and syrinx of the spinal cord, Luke has endured in his years what most kids and their families could never imagine, yet Luke is always full of life and has an amazing family that make sure he can live to his fullest.
Luke loves to dance, is very funny and loves a good joke. Chat Luke up about anything and everything related to Marvel and DC, as he owns an action figure of nearly every character. Wow!
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Tray
Age: 10 years
Debbie Sarich is a single mother of seven adopted children have been a part of the SHRED family for years. They travel everywhere, participate in everything, celebrate all the things and amaze all who really see them. Tray, one of Debbie's sons, came on board with SHRED with his need for an amputation and continued need for prosthetics as his body grew. Tray recently was able to get himself a prosthetic running blade, so he can compete in the Paralympics as a runner and not a wheelchair sprinter.
April 24th, Tray completed the Houston Kids Triathlon - swimming, biking, and running.
Go Flash!
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Elias Aycock
Age: 5 years
Vic’s Cheese to his Ham recently had surgery on March 18, 2022 as surgeons took a piece of cartilage from Elias’ ribs to sew it into his windpipe. This awesome little dude cannot speak for four weeks following the procedure….talk about roughhhhh. We’re all sending Elias’ positive vibes for his trach being permanently removed and onto the next chapter of recovery and livin’ life to the fullest.
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Joshua Bridgewater
Age: Oldest skateboarder in the world with spina bifida
Hobbies: Skateboarding, surfing, snowboarding, photography, and hanging out with his beautiful wife Shawna and their emotional support dog, Tiger
After 40+ surgeries, Positive.Mental.Attitude is how Josh continues to approach life. Rather than allowing himself to be bogged down by depression and thinking of the past, Josh is focused on the future and what he can do tomorrow to make this life more rad with what he chooses within himself and his abilities.
The Bridgewaters have taken Jenna, Gabe, Luke, and their homie Bryce on multiple skatepark adventures!
Josh is passionate about teaching and mentoring others with disabilities to skate or find a sport that they love.
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Jenna
Age: 11 years
Favorite band: Mötley Crüe; Favorite color: PINK
Jenna, the Queenly Queen of SHRED! Despite any recent procedure or cast, Jenna is a rock star spitfire who will race toward you at full speed, only to stop and give you the best and most genuine hug. Jenna also has Spina Bifida and has been skating with Josh, Gabe and SHRED-friends for years.
Jenna loves crafting and bringing the sassssssss. A lifetime favorite moment for her was cheering with the Sharks Cheer team. Her form was perfect, while her smile lit up the stage.
Jenna lives in Asheville, NC with her parents, Troy and Robyn.
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Noah
Age: 5 yrs
Noah is an adorable meatball that keeps it goin’ and thrivin’, despite any obstacles life has tossed his way. Noah has had a whirlwind of surgeries, but his big sisters keep staying as strong as his little energy always does! Recently Noah was the ring bearer at a wedding and did it up in STYLE with a bowtie and mini-driving car, even with his trach!
Meet who else SHRED has helped…
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Riley “RiRo” Rose
Age: 4 yrs
Due to complications from bacterial meningitis, RiRo needed to have her legs removed below the knee at 2 years old. In all her little glory, RiRo is still living her best life and proving that with strong family and support nothing is out of reach! We fear for all the other players out on the ice and how awesome this gal is!
