The Project Athena Foundation

Supporting Survivors from Setback to Comeback

The Project Athena Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit foundation dedicated to helping survivors of medical or other traumatic setbacks achieve their adventurous dreams. Project Athena was founded by Robyn Benincasa, a 2014 CNN Hero, San DiegoFirefighter, ten-time Ironman Finisher, World Champion Adventure Racer, three-time Guinness Endurance Paddling World Record holder and the proud owner of two bionic hips. After suffering her own medical setback, Robyn founded The Project Athena Foundation to help other survivors realize that it’s not about the setback, it’s about the comeback!

Project Athena

“Motivation is for now,
inspiration is forever.” -Robyn

“It’s not about trying to get back to what you were,” explains Project Athena Founder and World Champion Adventure Racer, Robyn Benincasa. “It’s about trying to be the best of what you’re capable of today, this minute. The most gratifying thing is the moment when you see someone realize they’re going to make it, when you see the fear disappear and they realize how awesome they truly are!”

Project Athena provides travel expenses, coaching, equipment, and incessant encouragement to make the life-affirming transition from Survivor to Athlete. There are currently four yearly Project Athena adventures that offer mental and physical challenges in a supportive, non-competitive environment. From paddling the Florida Keys to hiking the Grand Canyon rim to rim, Project Athena is about overcoming trauma through teamwork.

Whether you’re a Survivor, or you want to join us as a Fundraising God or Goddess, we’d love to share the adventure with you!

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