Gavin Martin’s journey began in July 2017 when, at just eight years old, he was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumor known as ATRT. His childhood quickly shifted into a series of surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and repeated rounds of treatment after the tumor returned. As a result of the tumor and everything required to fight it, Gavin experienced lasting neurological effects, including significant loss of strength, limited use of his left hand, challenges with balance, and partial vision loss on one side. Despite these obstacles, Gavin continues to face life with determination and a quiet strength that reflects his resilience.

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On August 3, 2025, Eric Mascho’s life changed in an instant. While racing dirt bikes at Glen Helen Raceway — a sport that had always been his passion — he suffered a devastating accident that left him with a spinal cord injury spanning levels C5 through T2. In a single moment, the active, hard-working antenna installation technician known for his energy and drive was faced with one of life’s toughest challenges: learning how to rebuild both body and spirit.

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In the fall of 2025, Alex and his brother flew to Asheville, North Carolina, after saving up to compete in the prestigious Monster Pro Downhill Race. What began as an exciting step forward in his racing career changed in an instant. During the second day of practice, Alex collided with a tree and was airlifted to Mission Hospital. He spent three and a half weeks in the ICU, underwent three surgeries, and learned that he had shattered his C6 vertebra and fractured C5 and C7. The accident left him with no sensation below his nipples, resulting in quadriplegia — yet even in those early days, Alex’s determination was unmistakable.

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On January 16, 2025, Mary Navarro’s life took an unexpected and dramatic turn. The day began like many others, with Mary waking up to bright sunshine and attending her regular Pilates class—an activity she enjoyed almost daily. However, after returning home, she suddenly collapsed and was transported by ambulance to the hospital, where she underwent emergency spinal surgery.

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Erick Flores’ life changed forever on August 13, 2022, when, at just 16 years old, he was struck by a drunk driver while riding his mini bike. The accident left him a complete C4-C5 quadriplegic with multiple broken bones. After three months in a coma, Erick woke up to a new reality and a long road of recovery ahead. Since then, The Perfect Step has played a pivotal role in his journey, helping him regain mobility and rebuild hope. Through their specialized therapy, Erick has achieved milestones such as feeding himself again—an accomplishment that has given him confidence and motivation for the future.

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On December 11, 2021, Albert Ontiveros’ life was forever altered when a bullet struck the right side of his brain, causing a traumatic brain injury so severe that doctors placed him in a medically induced coma. His family faced the devastating decision of whether to keep him on life support, unsure of what his future might hold. With little certainty but deep faith, they chose to fight for his life. After undergoing a life-saving craniotomy, Albert’s chances of survival began to improve, and in what his parents call a true Christmas miracle, he woke up on Christmas Day. That moment marked the beginning of a long and challenging journey, one filled with uncertainty but also with an unwavering determination to prove the doctors wrong.

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In January 2010, at just one year old, Karina Navarro sustained a T10 spinal cord injury. Because she was so young and her mother has chosen not to share the details, Karina has grown up without knowing exactly how her injury occurred. While the cause remains unknown, the impact has shaped her life from the very beginning. Over the years, she has learned to navigate the physical and emotional challenges that come with her injury, building resilience and independence along the way.

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Steven Lawrence Sanchez’s story is a powerful reminder of the fragility of health and the strength of the human spirit. On November 25, 2024, Steven suffered a life-altering stroke, the result of unmanaged diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol issues, conditions that went untreated largely due to financial hardship. But his health challenges began long before that. In December 2024, he underwent brain surgery on the left side of his brain, a procedure that left him struggling with limited mobility. The road to recovery has not been easy, and Steven is now preparing for another brain surgery on June 9, 2025, as part of his continued fight to restore movement and function.

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Jerry Robin has spent his life chasing speed, precision, and performance. As a professional supercross racer, he knew the risks of the sport he loved. But nothing could prepare him for the moment that would alter his future. While racing in New Jersey, a minor miscalculation sent Jerry over the front of his bike. The impact left him folded beneath the weight of the crash, resulting in a traumatic T5-T6 spinal cord injury. In an instant, the world he knew changed, but the fire inside him to fight, rebuild, and rise again never flickered.

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Samuel Gallegos was just 16 years old when his life took a dramatic turn. On April 10, 2022, he suffered a spinal cord injury in a car accident that left him paralyzed from C4 to C6. A passionate athlete in the middle of his high school baseball season, Samuel’s active lifestyle came to a sudden halt. The devastating injury brought significant challenges as he faced the long and difficult road to regain strength and independence.

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On June 1st, 2019, Haley Newman and her father set out for what they thought would be a memorable day hike in Cabazon, California. That memory turned into a moment that would redefine her life forever. While hiking near a waterfall, they both lost their footing and fell 30 feet onto the rocks below. Miraculously, her father walked away unharmed. Haley, however, sustained a traumatic spinal cord injury at the L1 level. She was airlifted to a nearby hospital where she underwent emergency spinal surgery to decompress her spinal cord.

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Following a life-altering motor vehicle accident in 2016, Rogelio Santibañez sustained a complete spinal cord injury at the C5 level. Compounded by neurogenic bowel and bladder, a colostomy, neuropathic pain, spasticity, and other serious medical complications, Rogelio’s road to recovery has required not only exceptional care but also unwavering support.

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On September 1, 2017, Alexis Monahan’s life changed forever when she sustained a C4 spinal cord injury in a motorcycle accident. Despite the challenges that came with her injury, she has remained committed to maintaining her health, strength, and independence. Through the support of the Be Perfect Foundation, Alexis has been able to continue her adaptive exercise therapy, which has been a critical component of her recovery journey.

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On May 20, 2019, Chelsea B.’s life changed dramatically when she fell 40 feet, sustaining a C7 incomplete spinal cord injury. Despite the tremendous challenges that followed, Chelsea has remained determined to regain her independence and stay active on her recovery journey.

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Collin Bosse’s journey took an unexpected turn on April 8, 2023, when he sustained a C5/C6 spinal cord injury during a diving accident in Mission Bay, San Diego. Since then, his determination to regain independence and lead an active life has been unwavering.

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Jeffrey Balencia's life took an unexpected turn on July 4, 2017, during a day at Laguna Beach. While enjoying the ocean, Jeffrey dove under a wave and struck a hidden sandbar beneath the water. The impact instantly broke his C5 vertebrae, leaving him paralyzed. Despite this life-altering injury, Jeffrey’s resilience and determination have driven him to rebuild his life and achieve extraordinary milestones.

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Andy Groebner sustained a T10 spinal cord injury on December 23, 2023, due to a fall while on a family vacation in Mexico. Just one year post-injury, Andy is proud to say that he is nearly able to function independently—a milestone he attributes to his commitment to daily physical activity, whether working out, using his standing frame, or playing adaptive golf. Golf has played a vital role in Andy’s recovery, providing him with not only physical and mental benefits but also a way to stay socially connected and avoid the isolation often associated with a life-changing injury.

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Casey McGinnis, a 38-year-old stroke survivor, faced significant challenges after a severe stroke on September 6, 2024. The stroke occurred during surgery to remove a brain tumor, leaving Casey with left-sided weakness, limited use of their left arm and hand, and slight movement in their left leg. After spending six weeks in a critical rehabilitation hospital, Casey returned to live with their parents in a home that was not wheelchair accessible, presenting further barriers to recovery and independence.

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Belkacem Terki's life changed dramatically on the morning of October 18, 2020. While traveling to university with friends in Algeria, the car they were in veered off course, resulting in a serious traffic accident. Inside the car, Belkacem flipped over, sustaining a spinal fracture and a T8 spinal cord injury. He was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery, where doctors explained the extent of his injury and the long journey of rehabilitation he would need to walk again. After beginning motor rehabilitation in Algeria, he made progress but realized he needed more advanced treatment. In 2024, after completing his university studies, Belkacem applied for a medical visa to the United States and began therapy at The Perfect Step Clinic, where his condition improved significantly.

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John F. Buckley sustained severe compression of his spinal cord at the C3 to C5 level, a condition possibly exacerbated by previous military injuries. His injury, which occurred on January 10, 2022, has presented significant challenges, but with the support of the Be Perfect Foundation, John has made remarkable progress in his rehabilitation at Journey Forward, a spinal cord injury recovery center. The specialized therapists at Journey Forward have been instrumental in helping him regain strength, coordination, and balance over the past year and a half.

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