Dralla Foundation was founded by Peter Allard, President of Allard USA, manufacturer of a range of orthopedic devices designed to improve physical function and enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

The testimonials of the wearers of these devices inspired Peter to give back to individuals with physical challenges and start Dralla Foundation. Dralla will award grants to other organizations who share their mission.

Marie Holmstedt is a dedicated mother of six and serves as President and Grant Administrator of Dralla Foundation, bringing over 20 years of experience with the Red Cross and other nonprofits to support children and young adults facing mental health challenges. Previously, Marie served as Chairman of the Board for an organization supporting survivors of domestic violence. With her background as a Speech Pathologist and work alongside stroke rehabilitation specialists, Marie has gained a deep understanding of the need for individuals with physical challenges to experience joy throughout their journey. Her mission is to inspire others to live with purpose, helping people find passion and fulfillment in their lives.

"I am incredibly grateful to join the Dralla Foundation and contribute to creating more fun and unforgettable events focused on kids and teens with physical challenges. My motto has always been: All things are possible!" 

Wendy Garrett spent most of her life involved in gymnastics and is now a gymnastics coach.  She was always very active until an injury almost derailed her in 2011.  While living and coaching in Bermuda, she was riding her motorized scooter to work when she was hit by a car and pinned under the scooter. Garrett found herself unable to control her left leg and could not stand on it without external support. After seeing many doctors, she finally learned she had an incomplete spinal cord injury at L4, a spinal syrinx in her neck and additionally a diagnosis of foot drop, paralysis of the foot and ankle.  With that diagnosis, she was prescribed an Allard ToeOFF® AFO.  Since then, not only has she become active again, but in 2018, she completed the Abbott World Marathon Majors, a series of 6 of the most prestigious marathons in the world.

Garrett is an asset to the board, providing the perspective of someone with a mobility challenge.  “I am extremely honored to be joining Dralla Foundation as a board member.  I’ve been the recipient of support and assistance from various organizations that helped me gain confidence in my disability and allowed me to live my life to the fullest.  I am so grateful for this opportunity to pay it forward! My passion is helping others and reminding everyone that we can do hard things. Dralla Foundation creates unforgettable memories and I’m extremely grateful to be a part of that.”    

At ten-years-old, Meaghan Cusack was diagnosed with Osteogenic Sarcoma. Despite undergoing chemotherapy and having two major limb salvage surgeries, when she was 12 she was forced to have an above the knee amputation. She struggled to adapt to her new lifestyle, but found that she was particularly passionate about climbing. She participated in many adaptive sports programs in Chicago, including the Chicago Bladerunners, Dare2Tri, Adaptive Adventures, Adaptive Climbing Group, and GLASA. She began training and competing in 2021 and competed at nationals for the past 4 years, representing team USA in the international competitions in California, Austria, and Switzerland.

As described by Meaghan, "I struggle with anxiety every single day. Climbing for me has always been my release. I love coming to the gym full of my daily stress and allowing myself to let it go and leave it on the wall." 

After deciding that she wanted to pursue a career in mental healthcare, Meaghan completed her undergraduate studies with a double major in Psychology and Speech Language Hearing Sciences at the University of Colorado, Boulder. She now works as a clinical psychologist at a private practice in Chicago. 

"My participation in adaptive sports and the support I have received from organizations helped me to gain a sense of confidence in an area of my life I have never felt, even before becoming disabled. I am excited about the opportunity to give back to an organization that provides this same feeling to other people." 

Darla Clayton is a Clinical Psychologist that spent many years working in pediatrics and she is currently employed in a nursing home.  She brings a unique perspective to the Dralla Foundation Review Board as a parent of a child with a physical challenge.  Her son, Trent, has suffered a few strokes since he was a baby, causing him to be diagnosed with right side hemiparesis. Although he has had many challenges, he is very active, participating in National Junior Disability Championships, breaking records and even helping start an adaptive track and field team.  

Visit Get Back UP Today to learn more about Trent and you will realize the contribution Darla and her husband have made to help him have many “unforgettable” days.  “I am excited about serving on the Dralla board because Dralla helps some amazing organizations provide incredible experiences and that’s a pretty special thing to be a part of!”  

Clayton serves on the board for Adaptive Track and Field USA and formerly served on the board for Travelling Awareness Bears.  She has volunteered with Adaptive Sports USA, PA Center for Adaptive Sports, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, has been a volunteer peer mentor for Angioma Alliance, and volunteered for the Western PA Hemophilia Society.