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If your recreational pursuits don’t include some form of deep diving into an ocean (and that’s somewhere around 99% of the population), it can seem exciting, scary, exotic, cool—pick an adjective or use them all. It’s definitely not the norm for landlocked states like Colorado. But Denver Adaptive Divers have carefully put together expert instructors and medical personnel to make the sport available for those who might appreciate it the most. Imagine the joy of breaking free from a motorized chair…or even overcoming post-traumatic stress disorder. The possibilities are endless.

Kasandra and Ryan Strong with their pride and joy

On Saturday, Sept. 6, supporters headed downtown to The Curtis Hotel for DAD’s 9th annual fundraising dinner. At the Four Square Ballroom, guests began the evening with an outdoor reception and silent auction before a delicious plated dinner. DAD co-founder (with Janine Melberg) and Executive Director John Sherman spoke to the crowd about recent successes, followed by keynote speaker EB Forst, whose personal story touched on a number of aspects the crowd could easily relate to.

EB is an athlete-turned-physical therapist. In her late 30s, a dive into a backyard swimming pool caused spinal injuries that changed her life. She spoke about her emotional journey and the practical concerns involved with her first dive as a quadriplegic in Mexico. With a procedure that called for her literally to be thrown head-first into the water on a day when the seas were decidedly rough, the dive crew wasn’t as well equipped for adaptive diving as most. Even hotel rooms were without bathrooms built for power wheelchairs. But her experience resulted in changes for all—the hotel even added rooms with specialized bathrooms. After EB’s riveting talk, the evening ended with a live auction run by dive instructor Steve Art.

Denver Adaptive Divers co-founders John Sherman and Janine Melberg

From DAD: The gala is DAD’s only public fundraising event each year and plays a big part in securing the donations and support that allow us to continue to grow our program. We’re thrilled that this year’s guest speaker is EB Forst: doctor of physical therapy, celebrated author, adaptive diver and advocate for preventative healthcare models.  Learn more about EB.

Denver Divers was founded in 1961 by one of the first pioneers in the scuba business and the store has thrived to become one of the largest in the state. Our rich history and love of the ocean has continued to inspire us to send you, our customers and “family,” from the mountains to the sea through education, travel and retail support for all things scuba, snorkeling, freediving and swimming. For more information, go to: https://www.denverdivers.com/denver-adaptive-divers.htm .