about born to adapt

A Mendocino Movement Project & 501C3 NON-PROFIT

OUR MISSION

To expand societal awareness around disabilities and to foster spaces where everyone can have access to the transformative power of movement, community, and the great outdoors.

Meet Zach

& The Story Behind Born to Adapt

“I’ve been disabled for over 38 years and have encountered firsthand the challenges of navigating the world with a different ability. When I moved to Northern California, away from my support network, I was hit with the reality of how hard it can be to access healthcare and get a new prosthetic. Months spent on crutches due to a lack of resources shifted my perspective, highlighting the privilege I once had.

These transformative experiences, combined with the start of my professional running career, ignited a deep desire within me to create opportunities and open doors for disabled individuals, regardless of their circumstances or abilities.” – Zach Friedley

Meet OUR AMAZING VOLUNTEERS

Evan Staley, Videographer

Julie Angel, Good vibe event MC

Katy Pieri, Timer & super supporter

Jiro Tulley, All around helpful

HERE IS HOW WE CHANGE LIVES

“Born to Adapt has provided our son Shaun with a true sense of community and belonging. Shaun feels supported by his peers and that drives his passion to push beyond his physical limitations. His enthusiasm inspires us and Born to Adapt has allowed him to inspire others and promote inclusion.”
— Frank & Jennifer Wahl (Shaun’s parents)
“He's happy to be a participant and glad that he can use his wheelchair and that no one laughs at him.”
—Words from Shaun

“I’m a double above knee amputee and traumatic brain injury survivor since 2018. In 2022, I met Zach at EmpowerFest and he described the Born to Adapt event as a celebration of remarkable resilience and adaptability, bringing people together who embrace an active, fun, and adaptive lifestyle.
Born to Adapt recognizes the importance of inclusivity, and through their generous sponsorship, I was able to experience this event and can now share it with others. Hosted by Luis Escobar at an idyllic ranch just outside Santa Barbara, CA, Born to Adapt shows off incredible achievements by athletes, both adaptive and not. This inspirational event brought people together who embrace adaptive living and helped me become more independent and enjoy life.”
— Roman Leykin

“I obtained my brain injury back in 2009. I was riding my bike and I got hit by a car. I was put in a coma for 3 weeks. Born to adapt felt really special because it gave me a chance to be with others with simular life experiences. At born to adapt, I was able to be myself without judgment from others. I appreciated the feeling of "Do what you can", there was no expectation of having to accomplish set standards put up. Like you have to do this or that. I was able to be free. Born to adapt is important because it provides opportunities for disabled individuals to show what they are capable of. So many people look down on disabled people and they count us out. Born to adapt gave me the confidence to be comfortable in my own skin.”
— Victor Hugo Hernandez Jr.