|  | | Chapter Name Change We are excited to announce that we have transitioned our Chapter’s name from the Greater Boston Chapter of United Spinal Asspciation, to SCIboston. We will continue to be a chapter of United Spinal Association and offer the same support and services to individuals and families impacted by spinal cord injury in Massachusetts and the New England area. We are making the change to simplify and shorten our name and to be consistent with our website, social media and email addresses. |
| | | | Kevin Gibson Kevin Gibson passed away Friday, March 10, 2023. Kevin was a GBC/SCIboston staff member for many years and then a volunteer. He provided accounting and other support for years and was our chapter historian. He was the nicest, most unassuming, self-deprecating guy you could ever meet, He just wanted to help. Our condolences to all who knew and loved him. Rest in peace, Kevin. |
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| In this newsletter you will find: - 30th Anniversary Gala
- Upcoming Events
- Spinal Cord Injury Transition Program
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Advocacy Update -
Looking to Connect with a Peer Mentor? -
GBC YouTube (NEW VIDEO: Returning to School After SCI) -
Support Group Information -
For Sale/Donations -
Grant Program -
Event Flyers - Thank You To Our Sponsors
- Helpful Websites
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We rely on donations, sponsors and grants to fund our peer programs. If we made a difference in your life or that of someone you love, consider a donation to allow us to continue to assist others as we assisted you. SCIboston is recognized by the IRS as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Your donation is tax deductible to the full extent of the law. |
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| | | We had an absolutely wonderful night on Saturday celebrating our 30th anniversary at the Hilton in Dedham, MA. Thank you to everyone who came to support our mission. Thank you too Brett and Emmett for telling your stories. Thank you to Health Story Collaborative for helping Brett and Emmett with their stories. Thank you to the Gala Committee that put in countless hours to make the event a success. Thank you to our silent auction donors and to the winning bidders. Thanks to the raffle items donors and to those who bought tickets. And thank you to our sponsors, your generosity means so much to our organization. Congratulations to Megan and Olivia, who received the Larry Brennan Compassion and Commitment Award for donating your time to run our Tuesday Nutrition Group for the last two years. Congratulations to Trent Theroux on your Lifetime Achievement Award for your epic swims over the last 10 years to raise money for our grant program. The three of you have enriched our community immeasurably. Thank you for all you do! More photos and video will be released soon! If you have any photos from the evening that you would like us to share with the community you can send them to ryan@sciboston.org If you couldn't make it and would like to make a donation click here! |
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| | | | Saturday Education Series: Nutrition and Metabolic Changes with Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder April 15th 2023 11:00am-12:30pm EST You Are What You Eat: Nutrition and Metabolic Changes with Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder Nutrition with a spinal cord injury/disorder can be a major learning curve. Join Spaulding dietitians Megan and Olivia for a crash course on nutrition basics, metabolic changes, common nutrition challenges, and strategies to meet your nutrition goals. We will discuss the pros/cons of popular diets, as well as diets we recommend to SCI/D patients. The session will feature some guest food diaries as well as time for questions and answers. Olivia and Megan whole-heartedly believe you can have your cake, and eat it too- join us to learn how! Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 879 4910 3372 Passcode: 039879 One tap mobile: +16469313860 |
| | Spinal Cord Injury Transition Program Do you know someone with an SCI that is living in a nursing home? We are pleased to announce that SCIboston has a Spinal Cord Injury Transition Program which assists individuals with SCI in transitioning out of nursing homes to living in the community. This program was started in December 2021 and is led by Occupational Therapist, Stacie Selfridge. We are looking for new candidates who are motivated to move back into the community. Please contact info@sciboston.org for more information or to recommend a candidate. |
| |  Click the button below for this months advocacy update where you will find news and updates from Disability Policy Consortium, Massachusetts Office on Disability, and United Spinal. You'll read about the president's budget, service dogs in the work place, and funding for Model Systems among other things. Interested in getting notifications about our advocacy efforts or being an advocate on the state or national level? |
| | | Looking to Connect with a Peer Mentor? Are you or a family member looking to connect with one of the GBC's trained peer mentors? Many people find it helpful, reassuring, and hopeful to talk to a mentor about adjusting to life after a spinal cord injury. Topics of conversation could include getting back to work or school after a sci, adaptive sports, relationships and intimacy, bladder and bowel management, and more. We match individuals with peer mentors based primarily on gender, injury level, age, interests, and family life, amongst other considerations. The GBC's mentors also lead many of our virtual support groups, as well as attend them to provide support to others. If you'd like to hear more about the program or wish to connect with someone, please contact the GBC's Peer Mentor Coordinator, Jessika, at jcoromel@partners.org to learn more today. |
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|  | Our YouTube Channel Have you missed one of our recent Saturday Education Series Presentations or one of our virtual community events? Did you know that we upload them to our YouTube channel? We have presentations on: Returning to School After SCI (New) Bladder Management Adaptive Driving Returning to Work After SCI SCI Awareness Month Playlist And so much more! Click the button below to check them all out! |
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 | Virtual Support Groups Join us for one or more of our virtual support groups that meet your needs as an individual, family member, or significant other affected by a spinal cord injury or disorder (SCI/D). Our many virtual groups offer opportunities for open discussion, support, and resources. Women's Group Newly Injured Spanish Group SCI/D Discussion Group And many more! Click the button to access more information and the zoom links! |
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|  | For Sale/Donated Are you looking for or do you have Durable Medical Equipment, Assistive Technology, Adapted Vehicles or an Accessible Home for sale or donation? This month we have: Shower Chairs Therapy Table (FREE) Kia Soul Ramp Vehicle Duet Basic Bicycle Concept Rower And so much more! Click the button below to check them all out or submit your item! |
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 | GBC Grants Our Grant Program assists individuals with a Spinal Cord Injury or Disorder (SCI/D) who demonstrate a financial need. These grants can help assist with obtaining either Durable Medical Equipment or Vehicle Modifications up to $4,000. Examples of Eligible Items: Upgrade and maintenance of wheelchairs, home ramps and lifts, computers, commodes, standing frames, shower chairs/benches, vehicle hand controls, wheelchair locking systems, and more. To learn more about the eligibility requirements, what our grants cover, and to fill out the application click the button below! |
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| | | | | Thank you to our sponsors! |
| | | | | | Individual Bronze Sponsors: Bob Nichol, Linda Riley, Bernard Metzger in memory of Karen Zander |
| Support also provided by the Lenny Zakim Fund and the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation. |
| | | Did you miss a newsletter? All our past newsletters can be found here: |
| | | | | | SCIboston
2 Rehabilitation Way | Woburn, Massachusetts 01801
(617) 952-5643 | info@sciboston.org |
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