About
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.
Review Board
Marie is a dedicated mother of six, with children ranging from ages 4 to 22. She is serving 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 so grateful to be a part of the Dralla Foundation and have the opportunity to create as many unforgettable days as possible for children and teenagers with physical challenges! My motto is: 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.”
Becky Piper brings over 10 years of advocacy for fellow brace-wearers like herself and the disability community as a whole. She was an elite off-road triathlete and personal trainer when she was attacked in her home and left for dead. The trauma left her with a severe traumatic brain injury and left her paralyzed for life on her right side. Since that day, Becky has embraced her disability and has been supporting others like herself to “Get Back UP”.
Becky lives in the mountains of Colorado with her husband, Sam and her dog, Ralphie. In her spare time, she enjoys running, romping through the woods, and pushing the limits of her disability into uncharted waters every day.
She is thrilled to join the Dralla board and is excited to provide the unique perspective of someone with a disability. “So many friends, family, and even complete strangers have helped me in my journey - I’m excited to finally be able to be the person that helps people!”
Josh Ahlstrom brings to Dralla over 20 years of experience working in orthotics and prosthetics. “I chose the field of orthotics because I thought it was a unique blend of art and science that demands that you treat each patient as an individual, ” says Ahlstrom. “The impact that you can have on the lives of patients and families is really remarkable. I will never forget the first time I saw a patient come into the office in a wheel chair and then walk out independently. At that moment I was ‘hooked’ and knew this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.”
Ahlstrom has spent over 10 years in clinical practice, focusing solely on pediatrics. Currently, he is a Business Development Specialist with Transcend Orthotics and Prosthetics which covers central IN, western OH and northern KY. He explains that restoration and quality of life for not only the patient, but for the patients’ family is what’s most important to him. He continues to be astounded by the money and effort sacrificed by the families to care for their loved ones. He strongly believes in the mission and vision set forth by Dralla and describes his association with Dralla as a “natural fit of like minded individuals.”
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.