About Freedom Trippers Founders

My name is Galen, I am 23 years old and I have cerebral palsy. Having a disability isn't easy sometimes, and I have overcome a lot of obstacles in my life. Setting goals is one of my major strengths and has become significantly easier over time. 

Through pure determination and non-stop practice, I learned how to walk when I was 13 years old, which was my biggest goal in life. I now love hiking on trails and being in nature where I live in Santa Cruz, California.

People would describe me as a funny, inspiring, motivated, friendly dude. 

I like to be social, riding my power chair around town every day, practicing Spanish and having major laughing attacks with my friends. I've gone over hundreds of miles off-road exploring (even once having to call the fire department to come rescue me!). I enjoy family, community and making new friends with awesome people. I even have a ski rope attached to my power wheelchair so that I can tow skateboarders and roller skaters, which is another fun way to connect. 

I am currently creating artwork at Claraty Arts, a program for artists with disabilities. My favorite medium is polymer clay and I enjoy designing random, weird, funny and creepy sculptures. I enjoy cruising around my hometown of Capitola and Santa Cruz, California, with my brother and our friends. You can often find me “giving rides“ to skateboarders with my electric wheelchair.  

I also enjoy spending time with my dog Buddha, and I am a foodie!

My next biggest goal is traveling the world!

My name is Gigi Hard and I was born and raised in beautiful Southern California.  I live with several conditions that have affected my physical abilities my entire life. They include Charcot Marie Tooth Syndrome, Severe Cervical and Spinal Stenosis, Spondylitis Myelopathy, Failed Neck Surgery Syndrome, Degenerative Disc Disease, Osteoarthritis, and Avascular Necrosis.  As a result, I cannot walk very far anymore without a wheelchair and the progression is so much that I just got a powerchair as well. 

My family and friends would describe me as hard working, spontaneous, funny, empathetic and inspiring.  I enjoy writing,singing, fishing, photography, snorkeling, people watching, being of service but most of all… Traveling!  This passion has led me to take four cross country “Trips To Nowhere“, where I just get in the car and go, no destination in mind, just to make sure I land before sunset.  My goal is to travel worldwide and help others with limited mobility issues to be able to do the same.