On September 01, 2007 America’s most prominent female mountain bike racer suffered a horrific crash and soon realized she was paralyzed from the waist down. The WTB-sponsored rider and 2006 downhill national champion was airlifted to Denver’s Health Hospital where she underwent a seven-hour back surgery. Although Tara’s doctors reported that she might never walk again, she has been attacking her physical therapy with the same enthusiasm and positive attitude that made her such a popular—and successful—bike racer.
It has been four short months since her life-changing crash and Tara is already proving the doctors wrong by moving her legs. After spending months as an inpatient at Denver’s Craig Facility, Llanes is finally back at home, but she still has a long way to go. The medical costs attributed to this sort of tragedy are almost as crippling as the injury itself. Our support means a lot to Llanes. If you would like to contribute emotional or financial support please visit Tara Llanes Road to Recovery.