Amanda Boxtel of Basalt in voting for CNN’s ‘Hero of Year’ campaign

Staff reports

Amanda Boxtel Executive Director of the Bridging Bionics Foundation speaking at a private reception In March 2017 to benefit the foundation which is a charitably funded program to help locals with neurological impairments regain mobility and walk. For more information visit www.bridgingbionics.org.
*Anna Stonehouse/The Aspen Times |*

Amanda Boxtel has been named one of CNN’s Top 10 Heroes for 2018 and is in the online voting campaign for “Hero of the Year” and a $100,000 for her foundation, the network has announced.

Boxtel, founder and executive director of the Bridging Bionics Foundation, was honored earlier this year as a CNN Hero in April. A Basalt resident who became paralyzed in a ski accident at Snowmass 26 years ago, Boxtel has been part of a year-long initiative that honors “everyday people doing extraordinary things to change the world,” according to CNN’s website.

Each of the heroes received $10,000, and the Hero of the Year will receive an additional $100,000 for their cause. The winner will be picked through online voting at CNNHeroes.com.

In the case of Bridging Bionics, $100,000 would help fund 1,333 therapeutic mobility sessions for clients with neurological impairments, according to a statement. Boxtel started the Basalt-based nonprofit in October 2015 to help fund, educate and advance the research and development of exoskeletons and bionic technology.

Boxtel said she was honored to be recognized and appreciates the awareness it brings to the foundation.

“Our success so far has been in witnessing improvements with our clients who have various neurological impairments, and maintaining wellness through the gift of mobility,” she said in a news release.

An awards show in New York on Dec. 9 will showcase the top 10 honorees and will be aired live on CNN.

Local

There’s hope for reducing delays, cancellations of airline flights at Aspen airport

A recent investment in technology by the airport serving Sun Valley could provide a blueprint for Aspen-Pitkin County to reduce airline flight delays and cancellations.

City of Aspen to add two free-market condos to employee housing inventory

‘Aspen Rocks’ competition back for round two at the Wheeler

Aspen Music Festival review: Fleming’s voice soars in Puts’ Georgia O’Keeffe song cycle

Photos: The old-fashioned Fourth of July parade returns to Aspen

Support Local Journalism

Readers around Aspen and Snowmass Village make the Aspen Times’ work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism.

Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.

Each donation will be used exclusively for the development and creation of increased news coverage.

Start a dialogue, stay on topic and be civil.
If you don't follow the rules, your comment may be deleted.

User Legend: Moderator Trusted User