Ryan Straschnitzki’s latest role is serving as an ambassador for Vecova, a society in Calgary that provides services and advocacy for the disabled.
Author of the article:
Postmedia News
Bill Kaufmann
Published Jul 28, 2023 • Last updated 7 minutes ago • 3 minute read
Vecova announced the appointment of Ryan Straschnitzki as their first-ever ambassador. He will support Vecova in its mission to advocate for individuals with disabilities and foster a more inclusive community in Calgary. Photo by Darren Makowichuk /Postmedia
Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor Ryan Straschnitzki may still be focused on his own recovery, but he’s also expanding his efforts to helping others.
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The now-24 year old, who was paralyzed from the chest down in the April 6, 2018, highway collision between the junior hockey team’s bus on a semi-truck on a Saskatchewan highway, has become a prominent face of recovery across the country following the collision that killed 16 and injured 13 others.
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His latest role is serving as an ambassador for Vecova, a society in Calgary that provides services and advocacy for the disabled.
“My entire schedule has changed,” said Straschnitzki, who in his role of accessibility consultant and specialist will include advancing wheelchair sports.
“Being there is a wonderful opportunity — I might try swimming but for now I’ll be working on my wheelchair basketball game,” Straschnitzki said, adding that he’s “willing to do anything I can to promote Vecova and work toward a common goal.”
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WORKING TO REGAIN USE OF LEGS
Five years in a wheelchair, he said, has made him keenly aware of the needs and challenges of the disabled community and a perfect fit for the ambassador role.
His experience since the crash has illustrated the need to “get more adaptive athletes involved, to raise awareness for people to reach the goals they’re aiming for.”
Vecova CEO Kelly Holmes-Binns said Straschnitzki is a role model whose “journey of resilience and advocacy is an inspiration.”
Straschnitzki continues to work toward regaining the use of his legs.
Along with physical therapy, he’s been a five-day-a-week fixture around training facilities in Calgary playing sledge hockey, and he often golfs in the city.
He had an epidural stimulator implanted in his spine in Thailand in 2019. The device, which resembles a smartphone, sends electrical currents to the spinal cord to try to stimulate nerves and move limbs.
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A planned upgrade — complete with mapping of the complex interaction between nerves and muscles — was delayed for two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic but was provided in early 2022.
Since his Thailand surgery, he’s been able to stand on his own and take a few steps with a walker.
“I’m still working to connect the neuropathways to get more function for my legs,” he said.
“I’m taking care of my legs so they don’t atrophy . . . technology advances every day and we don’t give up.”
MANITOBA CRASH REVIVED GRIM MEMORIES
Earlier this year, he said he’s setting his sights on making Canada’s para hockey squad for the 2026 Paralympics.
Straschnitzki is no stranger to advocacy.
Last year, the Airdrie native restarted the Straz Strong Foundation that helps those facing a journey of rehabilitation. He’s also spearheading a fundraising golf tournament.
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Though the incidents appear to have some differences, last month’s horrific, fiery collision between a bus carrying seniors and a semi-truck near Carberry, Man., killing 17 people, revived grim memories of his own ordeal, said Straschnitzki.
“We can relate,” he said of him and others affected by the Humboldt Broncos’ tragedy.
“The important thing is to make the changes that are needed.”
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