PossAbilities Members Take Top Two Spots in LA Marathon Men’s and Women’s Hand Cycling Races by Briana Pastorino - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ JULY ►
S M T W T F S
28 29 30 01 02 03 04
05 06 07 08 09 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31 01
View Events
Submit Events
directory

PossAbilities Members Take Top Two Spots in LA Marathon Men’s and Women’s Hand Cycling Races

By Briana Pastorino, Community Writer
March 3, 2016 at 01:00pm. Views: 104

Loma Linda University Health PossAbilities members Jenna Rollman and Chris Sproule placed in the top two in the Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon hand cycling races in the women’s and men’s divisions, respectively, on Sunday, Feb. 14. Rollman placed first, completing the 26.2-mile race in one hour, 1:53.44 – a 22-minute improvement from her first place time in 2015; and Sproule finished second, finishing in one 1:26.16. Sproule, 39, competed against 30 other hand cyclists in the marathon, which is just one of about 40 races he has competed in since 2013. A Las Vegas firefighter, Sproule was paralyzed in an accident 2003. He took up hand cycling a few years later, but only recently decided to take the competitive route. “I began to see hand cycling,” Sproule said, “as a way to regain my independence, my identity as the lifelong athlete that I had been, and perhaps, to serve as an inspiration for others to move ahead and beyond the challenges that life can throw at you.” Sproule hopes to join the U.S. Paralympic team in Tokyo 2020. Since 2014, he has been invited to participate in three U.S. Paralympic Training Programs, just one more step in his quest to make the U.S Team. “To be invited to these Training Camps, I had to meet strict Paralympic time standards, which I achieved,” Sproule boasted. “To put the speed of these hand cycles into perspective, my fastest downhill speed is in excess of 50 miles per hour at only two inches off the ground.” As for Rollman, riding bikes has always been a part of her life – even as a child. She started riding bikes competitively in 2009. While on a training ride in Chino on the morning of Feb. 1, 2013, she came around a turn on a straight highway and unknowingly closed in on a parked work truck at 25 miles per hour. “Paralysis was instant and I was completely aware of this,” she recalled of the accident, “knowing I had just experienced my last moments of cycling, walking, running, jumping and able-bodied life as I had known it.” Rollman was airlifted to Loma Linda University Medical Center. She spent two weeks in the intensive care unit and the remainder of the time at inpatient therapy at LLUMC East Campus hospital. Rollman, now 29 years old, started hand cycling in July 2014 and attributes who she is to her cycling journey. “Cycling has helped me through the darkest time in my life. I do not see this as an accident—more like this is exactly where I am supposed to be because this is how I can make the biggest impact on those who need it the most.” Both Sproule and Rollman are part of Loma Linda University Health’s PossAbilities, which is a free, non-profit, community outreach program. Powered by Quest Diagnostics, PossAbilties’ goal is to provide those with permanent physical disabilities support and resources to stay active and healthy in life.

Related Articles

Downtown San Bernardino's Small Business Momentum Signals a New Chapter for the City's Future
Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT.

By Sadie Collins, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 691

Pedestrians walk past locally owned shops and outdoor cafés in a vibrant downtown district, illustrating how small businesses contribute to economic growth, community pride, and a welcoming environment in San Bernardino.

Blue Mountain Continues to Inspire Outdoor Recreation and Conservation in Grand Terrace
Photo Courtesy of: MapQuest

By Sadie Collins, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 660

Hikers enjoy scenic trails and panoramic views from Blue Mountain Open Space in Grand Terrace, one of the city's most treasured natural landmarks and recreational destinations.

Grand Terrace Library's Summer Programs Inspire Young Readers and Bring Families Together
Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Grant Walker, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 471

Families and children participate in educational activities at a public library, reflecting the Grand Terrace Branch Library's commitment to lifelong learning and community engagement.

Growing Greener Together: How Loma Linda's Trees, Trails, and Open Spaces Shape a Healthier Future
Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Grant Walker, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 579

Residents enjoy a tree-lined walking path and community park, reflecting Loma Linda's long-standing commitment to healthy outdoor living.

Building More Than Businesses
Photo Courtesy of: AllEvents

By Nolan Hayes, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 579

Local business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members gather for a networking luncheon focused on economic development and collaboration.

Healthy Communities Begin With Healthy Conversations
Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Sadie Collins, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 604

Healthcare professionals lead a community wellness program designed to educate residents about healthy living and preventive care.

Summer of Discovery: Loma Linda Library Helps Turn School Break Into a Season of Learning
Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Caleb Foster, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 552

Children and families gather at a public library to enjoy story time, browse books, and participate in educational activities during the summer.

Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Honored with National Quality Award
Photo Courtesy of: Totally Kids Rehabilitation

By William Cortez, Community Writer

June 26, 2026 at 07:56am. Views: 1318

Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital’s pediatric subacute program has become the only program
of its kind in California to earn the Bronze Commitment to Quality Award from the American
Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living

Highland GLO MedSpa Celebrates Grand Opening, Bringing Advanced Medical Aesthetics to the Highland Community
Photo Courtesy of: Highland Glo MedSpa

By Highland Glo MedSpa, Contributing Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 1481

Claudia Torres, Aesthetics Consultant, Mairah Angulo, Aesthetics Consultant, Jill Ali, FNP-C (Provider), Dr. Namita Mohideen, MD, CEO, Dr. Kelly Jeu, MD, Provider, Dr. Jose Arciniega, DO, Provider, Ilsse Castillo, Office Manager, Alexia Sanchez, Office Manager

The Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California Proves Its Relevance in a Changing America
Photo Courtesy of: The Civil Rights Institute

By Carl M. Dameron, Contributing Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 1360

Photo caption: The Civil Rights Institute Board of Directors and the community celebrate the Woman of Achievement Awardee. Photo L to R: Ken Gutierrez, The Civil Rights Institute Board Member; Kathy Wright, Community Leader; Sabrina Gonzalez, Civil Rights Institute Executive Director; Launa Wilson, The Civil Rights Institute Board President; Q'Vinc Asberry, The Civil Rights Institute Board Member; Irma Asberry, Community Leader/Retired Judge, Superior Court of Riverside County.

Turning Grades into Goals: San Bernardino Students Honored for Academic Triumphs
Photo Courtesy of: Chris Sloan

By Carl M. Dameron, Contributing Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 984

Valdez Educational Services President Aaron Valdez, SBCUSD ETSA Wil Greer, Ionatauna Asu, Student, Equity guest teacher Fernando Tanioka, then Equity Counselor Francine Blacksher, celebrate Asu’s achievement, taking his grades from a low F to a high A, at An Evening of Excellence.

Colton Chamber of Commerce New president

Photo Courtesy of: Christina Gaitan

By Chamber Inducted new President , Community Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 1083

left to right -Nelky Rodriguez ( secretary) - Arnise Dejohnette ( board member)- Anna Juarez (board member) David Toro (Council member) Belen Cordero(Board member) - Javier Gomez (treasurer) City Manager -Mayor Frank Navarro- Brian Childstrom (Emeritus) Christina Gaitan (Coordinator) Shelley Burnach ( Vice President ) Lesley Stevens ( Board member) Frank Aguliar (president ) Matthew Hernandez (board member) Councilman Dr. G - Chief Vega Colton Police Department .

--> -->