"I am constantly inspired by all of humanity" ~ Korg

Roy Tuscany, Founder, High Fives Foundation:

Roy Tuscany was born and raised in the “802” or in layman terms Vermont, the ski industry was introduced to him through working at Vermont North Ski Shop in Waitsfield. Throughout college, he pursued a professional skiing career by representing Dynastar, Lange, Look, Smith Optics, Obermeyer, Drop Gloves, Sugarbush, and Vermont North Ski Shop. Travelling around the country to compete in events, photo shoots and the most important thing skiing with John Egan and the Vermont North Pro Team. After graduating from the University of Vermont in 2004 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering degree he headed out to California to coach the freeride team at Sugarbowl Academy under childhood hero Eric Deslauries. In 2006, he suffered a life-altering injury at Mammoth Mountain and his pursuit of a professional skiing career ended but his personality became extremely positive. Wanting to return the support that he received from multiple communities and his amazing parents, his days in the hospital were spent focusing on rehab and the idea of a non-profit. Now 3 1/2 years later, High Fives non-profit Foundation was formed to raise money and awareness for athletes that suffer a life-altering injury while pursuing a dream in the winter action sport community. He lives in Truckee now, and holds positions with the Mountain Forge, Smith Optics, Cleverminds tutoring service, and operates High Fives.

Aaron Baker, Co-Founder, CORE Center:

My name is Aaron Baker, and I am a recovering quadriplegic. Prior to my injury I was a professional motocross racer. May 26, 1999 I crashed while practicing, breaking cervical vertebras 4-5-6 in my neck. Lying there in the dirt motionless and completely aware of my plight brought forth a life altering realization of my place in life. No longer a professional motorcycle rider, or skate boarder, surfer, snowboarder, mountain biker, or even a simple fisherman made me realize that I am destined to do far greater things in my life than winning championships aboard a motorcycle. Things that affect peoples lives. I can help people through my own adversity bringing hope and inspiration to those without.

While in the hospital my neurosurgeon diagnosed me as a complete quadriplegic, having only a one in a million chance of regaining any function below my level of injury. However, through my intense desire to optimize the quality of my life, through eternal optimism and exercise I have been able to focus my mind and energy resulting in a slow tedious return of function and strength.

From the moment I hit the ground I knew I was to embark on a journey of almost unimaginable power, for to overcome an injury of this magnitude takes more than just the fire inside me. I am blessed with a family and friends that have united to embrace each other turning tragedy into triumph. With the selfless support of these amazing people I have been able to set and achieve many goals for my self on my long road to complete recovery and independence.

I am an athlete, mentally, physically, and emotionally. I choose to face my challenges and to rise above and overcome with excellence! I am committed to inspiring not only through my words but my actions. I am of the philosophy that “what the mind can conceive and believe you truly can achieve”.  I am honored to have the opportunity to share my experiences and to influence people in the world of spinal cord injury and disability.  

Laquita Dian Conway, Co-Founder and President, CORE Center:

Laquita has nearly 30 years experience in personal training and fitness, including eleven years as the primary caregiver of an individual with a high level spinal cord injury. Laquita trained under Clinical Exercise Physiologist and former Professor of Kinesiology, Taylor-Kevin Isaacs to aid and assist her son, Aaron Baker, and other high level spinal cord injured clients with their exercise and stretching regiments at the Center of Achievement, California State University, Northridge.  In 2007 and 2008, with her son, Laquita organized, directed, executed, and rode in two unprecedented, history making cross country bicycle tours, The Rise Above Tour, which showcased and promoted the benefits and necessity of ongoing therapeutic exercise.  Their extraordinary story was presented through public speaking engagements in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, VA hospitals, universities, Assisted Living Centers.  Laquita’s expertise and guidance is sought after by injured/chronically ill individuals and their families.