Erin Freeman was five years old when she learned to ski with Achieve Tahoe’s winter snowsports program. Now, at 42, she is one of the program’s most involved year-round participants and credits it with much more than teaching her how to ski. Achieve Tahoe has given her the strength and confidence to live independently—and even overcome grief.
“I was very young, around five or six years old, so I don’t remember a lot,” she says about her first time on skis with Achieve Tahoe. “What I do remember is I had fun and wanted to go back!”
She did come back, again and again, thanks to Achieve Tahoe’s scholarship program, which over the years has helped with Erin’s adaptive equipment and lessons. Erin, whose big smile and loud “whooo” brings joy to every activity, is one of Achieve Tahoe’s most involved year-round participants—spending her winters on the ski hill with friends and her summers hiking, practicing archery, and taking part in Sierra Summer Sports. For her, participation is much more than recreation. It’s a pathway to confidence and a network that empowers her to live on her own.
Erin, who grew up in Truckee, California, was born with Joubert Syndrome, a rare condition that affects balance and coordination. But she has always worked on her physical and mental strength so she could live independently. She credits Achieve Tahoe for helping her do just that and moved into her own apartment, at the age of 20, after graduating from high school.
Shortly after getting her apartment, Erin lost her mother, Gail—one of her biggest boosters. Her mother’s death was devastating, but Erin leaned on the supportive circle she had built with her dad, Dennis; her brother, Matt; her women friends; and the Achieve Tahoe community.
“My life wouldn’t be as independent and successful without the help of my brother and dad. And staying active in the community through programs like Achieve Tahoe has helped me cope with my grief.”
These days, Erin continues to live independently, sharing her home with her cat, Lucy. Besides all of her Achieve Tahoe activities, she attends the Tahoe Ability Program (one of Achieve Tahoe’s closest community partners), enjoys Jazzercise, and spends time with friends—including her best friend, Michaela, who also participates in Achieve Tahoe programs. The two can often be seen skiing, hiking, and paddling together.
Through every chapter of Erin’s life, Achieve Tahoe has remained constant. “I enjoy skiing with the instructors at Achieve Tahoe because they are so nice and understanding… meeting the other participants has brought more people with disabilities into my life… it is great to see how many people with special needs are able to enjoy Achieve Tahoe sports.”
At Achieve Tahoe, everyone—regardless of financial ability—gets the opportunity to lean into health, confidence, and independence and use that network to build a better world for themselves and others. And of course, there’s one other important element to Achieve Tahoe programs. Asked to sum up Achieve Tahoe in one word, Erin flashes that big smile and answers, “FUN!”
Your generosity can help more people gain the strength and confidence to live healthy, independent lives. Please make your gift today to keep these life-changing opportunities accessible to everyone, regardless of financial ability.