Local non-profit helping adaptive athlete hike Pikes Peak is searching for more volunteers

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - A Colorado-based non-profit is searching for more volunteers to help an adaptive athlete ascend Pikes Peak next weekend.

The Lockwood Foundation helps adaptive athletes tackle their goals, like 12-year-old Bryson Ponstein, who has Spina Bifida and splits time between a wheelchair and crutches.

Bryson has always dreamed of hiking the big mountain he lives in the shadows of, America's Mountain that is.

He already has quite the adventure resume.

“I started skiing when I was 9 years old,” Bryson told us. “I’ve done horseback riding, paddling.”

Bryson has driven up Pikes Peak and taken the cog. Now, he wants to conquer that mountain himself.

He’s bored with the easy trails.

“I just want to do a longer hike,” Bryson said.

Brian Ponstein is a proud dad to say the least.

“He doesn’t let things get a hold of him. He continues to strive, he continues to persevere,” he told our KRDO crew.

This wild adventure wouldn’t be possible without Jeffrey Lockwood and his Lockwood Foundation.

“The mountains are for everyone,” Jeffrey exclaimed. “We all have a place in the mountains, we all have differing abilities, and we have to create space for everyone to create memories.”

His help–giving families like Bryson’s hope.

“There are options, there are ways to continue doing things, it’s just going to look different,” Brian assured others attempting to overcome similar hurdles.

That’s as if Bryson doesn’t already embody hope himself.

“I kind of want to inspire other wheelchair users,” he told us.

“I’m really excited to tell my friends,” Bryson grinned. “I feel like I’m going to feel really accomplished.”

After this, what’s next?

“That’s a good question,” Brian said. “It could be almost anything.”

Jeffrey told KRDO they’re still searching for volunteers for part of the trek.

They need help carrying gear and pushing and pulling Bryson’s trail wheelchair up to Barr Camp on Saturday, Aug. 16.

If you want to lend a hand, you can find the Lockwood Foundation’s contact information here.

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