Hi, my name is Ryanne Jackson and I am an adaptive golfer. Although I excelled in sports (such as basketball and golf) growing up, I always believed that there was something unique about the way my body functioned. It was not until I was a freshman in college that I was diagnosed with scapuloperoneal muscular dystrophy - a neuromuscular disorder that affects the shoulders and lower legs. The timing of my diagnosis came at the end of my first year of college, and my symptoms were starting to be more apparent to me. This understanding forced me to decide whether it was time to put away my clubs and walk away from a sport I had been playing since I was 3 or find a way to continue competing at the college level. It did not take long for me to realize that I was not about to give up after all the hours I had put into my game. With the help of family, friends, and coaches, I was able to successfully petition the NCAA for golf cart usage. This allowed me to continue competing at the collegiate level. Since running out of college athletic eligibility, I have participated in the Inaugural US Adaptive Open (Overall - 2nd; Neurological Category - 1st) and the 2nd US Adaptive Open (Overall - 1st) hosted by the USGA. I desire to continue participating in adaptive golf tournaments, which means travelling outside of the state and, in some cases, out of the country. I plan to participate in European Disabled Golf Association tournaments with the goal of becoming the No. 1 ranked female disabled golfer. I know this goal is not obtainable without outside help, which is why I am asking for financial assistance. This would include travel expenses, tournament entry fees, housing accommodations, etc. Participating in these events has altered my perspective on golf. The goal every time I tee it up is to compete to the best of my ability, but I have a deeper understanding of the social impact adaptive golf can have. Golf is ultimately a game that everyone can play, despite physical appearance, and it would be an honor to be able to represent and encourage those who have been diagnosed with neuromuscular disabilities on a global stage.
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