Community Corner: Harrybbb’s Niece takes Gold

first place at the first-ever Paraclimbing National Championships, held in Atlanta late last month. This particular competition was a preliminary for the finals, which will be held in Spain this coming September. Christa will be competing with fellow lower leg amputees.

From the left, this photo shows the womens lower extremity amputee finishers: Christa Brelsford (1st place), Bonnie Denis (2nd place) Savannah Shanton (first place in youth), Lisa Aguilar (3rd womens), and Kareemah Batts (4th womens).

For those of you not aware, Christa was injured in the 2010 Haiti earthquake and she needed to have her lower right leg amputated. Since then, she has been on a whirlwind. She has started a family, and she strives to challenge herself physically and mentally.

“For me, the competing in the Paraclimbing World Championships is a celebration of what I am still capable of. I also know that this opportunity to excel comes from a place of great privilege, one not afforded to most of the people still living with the direct effects of the Haiti earthquake,” said Christa in her message to Harry. “Their world changed on January 12th, 2010, and unlike me, many of their dreams are constrained by lack of access to the education and resources necessary to accomplish them.”

Christa is currently working to raise $5000.00 for education and community development in Haiti, particularly for the Haiti Partners Children’s Academy and their partner schools.