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For Kolstad, is no longer just something she can enjoy. It’s a resource she can utilize to help patients get back on the mountain and introduce them to something that might feel impossible. 

“TRAILS helps open patient’s eyes to what is possible,” she said. “Just because you have a new disability and a new way of life, it doesn’t mean you are limited. It’s just going to look different.” 

Thanks to TRAILS, spinal cord patients can still participate in the activities they enjoyed before their injury. Kolstad’s favorite part of her role is seeing hope come back into people’s eyes when they realize this. 

“I see a lot of patients come in and there’s just not a lot of hope—especially with a spinal cord injury,” she said. “To see things finally start to click and to see the hope in their eyes again is huge for me.”

Every once and a while, Kolstad has the rare opportunity to see that hope in action on the mountain. 

“Crossing paths with a former patient on a mountain bike trail or ski run is very cool,” she said. “I love seeing them succeed and enjoying new activities after their injury.” 

Kolstad continues to bring hope and opportunities to those around her everywhere she goes. 

She recently returned from Atlanta, Georgia, where she was the keynote speaker at the 19th Annual Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita Support Inc. (AMCSI) conference. 

Kolstad worked with TRAILS and three other adaptive sports agencies from across the country to provide an adaptive sports event including wake surfing, mountain biking, and rock climbing. This was a first for the conference that has been held annually for nearly 20 years. 

“It was a huge success,” said Kolstad, who has already been invited back for next year’s conference. “I spoke to over 500 people and introduced adaptive sports to 400 people with a very complex disability.” 

The experience was life-changing for everyone—including Kolstad. 

“This conference was probably the best week of my life, just because of all the life-changing experiences I saw happen for those that were there,” she said. 

One attendee told Kosltad multiple times that going wake surfing for the first time was the best day of his life. 

“Getting involved with adaptive sports has helped me realize that the sky is the limit,” she said. “I want everyone I interact with to know that nothing is impossible and there is always hope, even after a serious injury.”

Kolstad continues to enjoy the outdoors through various adaptive sports. During the winter, she skis as much as possible. Her favorite summertime activities are mountain biking and wake surfing.