Melissa suffered a spinal cord injury at the age of 27 due to a roll-over car accident, leaving her paralyzed from the chest down. She has not let her injury or the fact that she uses a wheelchair stop her from experiencing life and adventure. She was certified by the Handicapped Scuba Association (HSA) in 2014 as a basic open water diver. Melissa states, “I love being under the water; it gives me a new sense of freedom.” Shortly after getting certified, Melissa arranged for her and her instructor to do a presentation to individuals with a variety of disabilities, to share with them that life is about possibilities, not the impossible. With the help of this grant, she plans to learn advanced diving and underwater photography. She wants to dive more and continue to inspire others to participate in adventurous activities.