Wishes for Wheels – Corey Mazinke

Corey has been a wheelchair user since 2019, after he was in a diving accident which resulted in a complete C5 Spinal Cord Injury. Before his injury, he lived a very active lifestyle, playing competitive sports, exploring the outdoors, and partaking into countless hobbies. That drive to stay active hasn’t changed.

Today, he keeps the same spirit alive through wheelchair rugby, adaptive golf, lakeside outings, and strolls with his wife, family, and friends. His wheelchair is central to every activity he does. It’s more than mobility, it’s freedom, and an extension of himself.

This is exactly what motivated Corey to apply to the Wishes for Wheels Program. He believed that receiving a lighter, sleeker wheelchair he would be able to keep doing the things he loves, stay active in his community, and embrace every opportunity that comes his way.

Of course we had to do a follow up with Corey to see how things are going with his new APEX Carbon Fiber Rigid wheelchair and to learn more about his experience with the Wishes for Wheels Program!

Interview:

Motion Composites: In your application, you mentioned being a mechanical engineer. You understand how things work and like thinking about ways they can be improved. With that perspective, what made you feel that the APEX C would be the right wheelchair for you?

Corey Mazinke: As a C5 quadriplegic, upper-body strength is always something I have to consider. Every bit of weight makes a huge difference when propelling myself in a manual chair. What really stood out to me about the APEX C was how light and rigid the frame is, you can feel that it’s engineered for performance.

I was using a dual-tube aluminum chair before, which was fine, but switching to the APEX C made a noticeable difference. The lighter, rigid carbon frame makes it easier to move around the house or tackle small inclines. That extra efficiency translates directly into greater independence, and that’s a big deal for me.

MC: And now that you’ve had some time to use it, how has the APEX C measured up to your expectations?

CM: I’m not disappointed at all. I expected it to perform well, and it definitely has. The chair fits me properly, everything works smoothly, and I have no complaints. I’m really happy with it.

MC: How did you first hear about the Wishes for Wheels?

CM: I first heard about the Wishes for Wheels Program back in 2019 when I was in inpatient rehab at the HSC in Winnipeg. My occupational therapist thought I’d be a great candidate and encouraged me to apply. I did apply once before, but at the time, I was still too weak to safely use a manual chair, so I wasn’t able to receive one. Then COVID happened, and the program was temporarily paused.

I kept following up over the years, but it wasn’t available. Then I ran into a Motion Composites representative at a trade show, and they told me the program had just started again. I applied and was selected. It was really exciting!

It’s amazing to see it come full circle. There’s really nothing else like it out there. Being self-funded, I would never have been able to afford an updated chair. The program gave me access to something that has made a huge difference in my independence and daily life. I feel very fortunate to have been selected.

MC: Can you share with us your experience applying for the Wishes for Wheels program? What was the process like?

CM: The application was very straightforward and easy. There were quite a few questions, but I understand why. They want a complete picture of the applicant, their lifestyle, and their needs. Everything was easy to follow and answer, so I can’t complain.

MC: How has receiving the wheelchair from Motion Composites impacted your daily life and the one of your wife (caregiver)?

CM: Any added independence helps my wife, who is my main caregiver. Even small things, like wheeling on my own, going up hills, crossing thresholds, or feeling more stable, make a noticeable difference. It gives me more confidence in the community and reduces the need for her assistance, which really helps our family.

MC: What features of the wheelchair do you find most beneficial or useful?

CM: One big improvement from my previous chair has been the frog-leg suspension casters. At first, I didn’t think they would make much difference; I even thought they might add weight, but they absorb bumps incredibly well. Even small pebbles that would normally stop me just roll right over. It’s super smooth.

Another major difference is the backrest. The one I have now is two inches higher than my previous chair. I’m pretty tall with a long torso, so I hadn’t realized my old backrest wasn’t supporting me properly. The higher backrest gives me much more leverage to push and makes the chair feel far more stable. Those two features have been really beneficial for me!

MC: How did you feel when you found out you were selected as the recipient of the wheelchair?

CM: When I found out I had been selected, it felt like winning the lottery. I honestly didn’t expect it, so I was absolutely thrilled. I told all my family and friends, and everyone was excited with me! It was a really fun experience!

MC: What advice would you give to others who might be considering applying to the Wishes for Wheels program?

CM: My advice is simple: just apply. Don’t overthink it. Be honest, open, and give it a shot.

MC: Any last comments?

CM: I’m very grateful to Motion Composites for creating this program. Wheelchairs are expensive, and this program gives people access to the independence they might not otherwise have. I would encourage anyone eligible to apply! It’s an amazing opportunity.

We want to thank Corey once again for the time that he took to meet with us and share his experience with the Wishes for Wheels Program and the APEX C. We are looking forward to seeing all the adventures that he will embark on with his new Motion Composites wheelchair!

We also want to take this opportunity to congratulate him and his beautiful wife on their recent nuptials. On behalf of everyone at Motion Composites, we wish you the very best in this new chapter in life.

If you or someone you know uses a wheelchair and could benefit from a high-end ultralightweight manual chair, but don’t have the means to obtain one, we encourage you to apply for the Wishes for Wheels Program. The application is simple, straightforward, and can be completed entirely online.

Learn more about the Wishes for Wheels Program or apply today!