Alex Hermanson
“Thank you for donating to the Be Perfect Foundation to enable me and others like me to pursue our individual recovery journeys.”
When Alex Hermanson describes himself, he starts with what has always defined him — an outdoor person, an adventurer, and someone who finds joy in movement. Before his injury, Alex spent his days downhill mountain bike racing, snowboarding, and embracing every opportunity to be outside. As a sophomore studying manufacturing engineering at Western Washington University, he balanced academics with the thrill of competitive downhill racing, a passion he shared with his twin brother.
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.
His journey has not been without frightening moments. At one point, he survived a severe autonomic dysreflexia episode that caused his temperature to spike to 107.6 degrees, a moment doctors warned could have been fatal. Through it all, Alex has held firmly to the belief that he is alive for a purpose, and that his story is far from over.
Today, Alex continues to pursue his Mechanical Engineering degree online, with his sights set on returning to campus in person by Spring 2026. He is also undergoing rehabilitation driving courses and working toward having his accessible vehicle retrofitted so he can drive himself independently to school. His commitment to his recovery, his education, and his future is unwavering.
Alex shares, “I feel that God has a purpose for my life, and I’m very determined to work hard to get as much function back as I can and be as independent as I can.”
Support from the Be Perfect Foundation has been a meaningful part of that mission. Until now, Alex has received two 40-minute physical therapy sessions and one 40-minute occupational therapy session per week — sessions he values but which can only address certain parts of his recovery due to insurance limitations. While grateful for the care he receives, Alex has longed for therapy that can target areas below his injury level, especially his hands. He is particularly eager to begin working with The Perfect Step and utilize technologies such as the ARC-EX, which he hopes will help improve his hand dexterity and functional independence.
For Alex, this scholarship is more than financial relief — it is access, possibility, and hope. It represents the ability to chase a fuller recovery and a more independent life. His gratitude extends to every donor who makes these opportunities possible for individuals like him.
Alex ends his message with heartfelt sincerity: “Thank you for donating to the Be Perfect Foundation to enable me and others like myself to pursue our individual recovery journeys.”
