In July 2020, Dianne's life changed forever when she fell from a 12-foot ladder while enjoying a sunset on her apartment roof. The accident left her paralyzed from the chest down with a C6 complete spinal cord injury.

As a surgical Physician Assistant and former D1 lacrosse player who had run her first marathon just 8 months before her injury, Dianne was determined to find ways to stay active. Through adaptive sports, she has worked to maximize her functional return, focusing particularly on cycling, rowing, skiing and sailing.

A Victory Scholarship allowed Dianne to receive a Stricker Lipo Smart Tetra, a handcycle with power assist that gives her the freedom to experience the joy of movement again.

"Your donation gave me my sense of self back. Since my injury 4 years ago, I haven't found an active lifestyle that has been consistent, stable and reliable. Running was always that for me, it provided me with an outlet for my stress and put my mind at ease. This scholarship will give that all back to me. Popping the striker on my manual wheelchair will give me legs to run for miles once again."