March 21st was an unforgettable night! We’re so grateful to have hosted another successful annual fundraising gala. If you were there, you felt the connection, community, and comradery of the spinal cord injury community that filled the ballroom. This special event not only celebrated our mentors but also raised critical support for SCIboston’s programs that empower individuals with spinal cord injuries and their families. Below are a few special moments we shared together as a community.

To view the full gala gallery and video taken by Ben Flanders of Timeless Focus, CLICK HERE!

Thank you to our mentors

Pictured above - From left to right: (Front Row) Kesava Kalluri, Mary Cooper, Ryan Walters, Jerry Donovan, Rey Grandoit, Caitlin Reilly, and Donna King. (Middle Row) Jonathan Hobbs, Faith Keresztessy, Stefan Ghelli, Will Good, Ed Newell, David Estrada, Thalita Teixeira, Sindy Cruz,Linda Riley, Juan Carlos Ramirez-Tapia, and Derek Baillie. (Back Row) Sara Fargo, Nate Boonisar, Janice Brodil, and Abby Swaine.

Not pictured - Melanie Carlsen, Thomas Smith, Danny Levesque, Alan Colpas, Pam Daly, Thomas Jimino, Chris Johnson, Matthew Klos, Joe Brogan Murphy, Mark Perry, Mark Race, Joe Rohling, Julia Sikut, Alejandra Taco, Jake Thibeault, DJ Bishop, Brian Beek, Timothy Brown, Ryan DeRoche, Michaela Devins, Jack Gerard, Rob Hazen, Tony Horne, Josh Keller, Kyle Kennedy, Maria Matos, Eileen McNamara, Barbara Rivero, Brendan Shea, Dianne Vitkus, Ethan Wang, Sue Bishop, Judi Downey, Liz Johnson, Mary Pecoraro, Diane DeRoche, and Heidi Estrada.

We are deeply grateful to our peer mentors for the time, experience, and encouragement they so generously share with individuals and families navigating life after spinal cord injury. By drawing on their own lived experiences, they provide guidance, inspire hope, and remind others that no one has to face this journey alone.

Congrats to our awardees…

Elmer Bartels Leadership Award: Donna King and Caitlin Reilly

SCIboston is honored to recognize Donna King and Caitlin Reilly as recipients of the 2026 Elmer Bartels Leadership Award. This award celebrates individuals who reflect the leadership, resilience, and advocacy of Elmer Bartels, a pioneer of the independent living movement.

Both Donna and Caitlin have dedicated decades to peer mentoring, offering guidance, encouragement, and hope to individuals and families navigating spinal cord injury. From supporting newly injured patients at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital to advocating on a national level, their impact is far-reaching and deeply meaningful.

We are proud to celebrate Donna and Caitlin for their extraordinary contributions and their unwavering commitment to our community.

Larry Brennan Compassion and Commitment Award: Jerry Donovan

We are honored to recognize Jerry Donovan as the 2026 recipient of the Larry Brennan Compassion and Commitment Award. This award celebrates individuals who go above and beyond in supporting the SCI community.

Since his injury in 1999, Jerry has been a dedicated peer mentor and active member of SCIboston, offering encouragement and guidance to newly injured individuals and their families. He is also a passionate advocate for adaptive sports, co-founding GOLFFORALL and helping expand access to adapted golf.

Jerry’s generosity, positivity, and commitment to others truly reflect the spirit of this award.

Thank you to the volunteers and Gala Planning Committee

A sincere thank you to our incredible Gala Committee and volunteers whose hard work and dedication made this year’s event such a success. Your dedication and countless hours of work helped bring our Power of Peer Mentoring theme to life.

Thank you to our sponsors

Thank you to our incredible sponsors whose partnership helps power SCIboston’s mission. Your support not only made this year’s gala a success, but also ensures that individuals and families impacted by spinal cord injury have access to the resources, community, and peer mentoring they need.

Looking to Connect with a Peer Mentor?

Are you or a family member looking to connect with one of SCIboston'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. SCIboston's mentors also lead many of our virtual support groups, as well as attend them to provide support to others. SCIboston Peer Mentors have completed SCIboston and United Spinal Association Peer Training Program, completed HIPPA training, passed background checks, and are, in many cases, certified Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital volunteers. If you'd like to hear more about the program or wish to connect with someone, please contact SCIboston's Peer Mentor Coordinator, Diane, at [email protected] to learn more today.

To learn more about our Peer Mentor program click here to watch our Saturday Education Series about it.

Interested in Captaining a team? 

SCIboston is looking for team captains to lead teams of ten players. This fun and competitive tournament raises funds for our Travis Roy Legacy Grant Program which provides Quality of Life grants to individuals living with spinal cord injuries. Contact Molly at [email protected] or register as a captain here!

Volunteers Needed: TR24 Legacy Wiffleball Planning Committee

SCIboston is seeking volunteers to join the TR24 Legacy Wiffleball Tournament Planning Committee for the 2026 tournament on June 27 in Essex Junction, Vermont, at Little Fenway. Committee members help with event planning, logistics, outreach, and day-of coordination.

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to get involved behind the scenes, we’d love to have you join us in honoring Travis Roy’s legacy and supporting the SCI community. Contact Molly at [email protected] to learn more.

There’s a lot happening right now! Make sure you’re signed up to our advocacy email list to get the full scoop delivered straight to your inbox.

Act now: We have a few urgent advocacy actions that need your voice today – see below!

1. Prevent cuts to the MassHealth PCA program! Use this link, prepared by 1199 SEIU to send a message to your legislators!

2. Massachusetts Office of Fair Housing needs to hear from people with disabilities! The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities has an online survey to share your challenges with fair housing in your region. Please complete the anonymous survey ASAP.

Important information to know about upcoming changes to Medicaid (aka MassHealth): Check out this fact sheet on how H.R. 1 impacts people dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid by Justice in Aging. This applies to anyone that has Medicare and MassHealth, whether that is MassHealth Standard, MassHealth CommonHealth, or a One Care program. It also covers changes to Medicaid for immigrants. Find the fact sheet here.

Upcoming Events:

1. The MassHealth PCA Union, 1199SEIU’s, Homecare Community Forums to tell legislators why PCA services are so vitally important.

   1. Lawrence, April 6, 5:00, Public Library, 51 Lawrence St., Lawrence

   2. Boston, April 7, 5:00, Grove Hall Public Library, 41 Geneva Ave., Dorchester 

   3. New Bedford, April 9, 5:00, Labor Council, 560 Pleasant St., New Bedford 

   4. Springfield, April 9, 5:30, PVP Church, 45 Maple Str., Springfield 

   5. Brockton – date and time to be determined 

2. Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council’s (MDDC) April Policy Committee Meeting on Tuesday, April 14th, from 3:00-5:00pm (ET), online via Zoom.

3. The United Spinal Association’s Advocacy Live, on Tuesday April 21st, from 1:00-2:00pm (ET), online

The Steven F. Riley Memorial Educational Scholarship

SCIboston is proud to offer the Steven F. Riley Memorial Educational Scholarship, created to support individuals with spinal cord injuries as they pursue educational and professional goals. This scholarship honors Steve Riley’s legacy by investing in opportunity, independence, and lifelong learning. Funds may be used for tuition, books, certification programs, or other education-related expenses that help recipients move forward with confidence.

Thanks to the generosity of Linda (our spotlighted Peer Mentor below) and Stacey Riley, this opportunity has been created in Steven’s memory and offered through SCIboston to honor his perseverance and compassion.  

Apply here — https://www.sciboston.org/sfreducationalscholarship

New Virtual Support Group!

We are pleased to announce the addition of a new SCIboston Virtual Support Group! Our "new" Newly Injured Support Group meets on Tuesdays from 4:00–5:00 PM. This group is specifically for individuals who are within the first three years of a spinal cord injury. We are thrilled that Josh Keller (C4 incomplete SCI) will facilitate this group, in addition to his role as Thursday Support Group Leader.

As SCIboston continues to grow and reach more individuals throughout New England, we remain committed to evaluating and meeting the needs of our expanding community by creating additional opportunities for connection and support. We hope this additional group will help make space for new attendees. Please note the following updates:

•  The Tuesday Newly Injured Support Group has begun and meets Tuesdays from 4:00–5:00 PM.
•  The former Wednesday “Newly Injured Group” is now open to individuals at any stage of their spinal cord injury.
•  The Thursday SCI Support Group will remain unchanged.

We encourage you to review the updated group descriptions (click the button below) to determine which group best fits your needs. 

Also, check out SCIboston's Facebook Group: SCIboston has a Private Facebook Group for members of our community to stay connected and engaged with one another. You can also post items for sale and share local events. Here is the link to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3404016333192937

Please let us know if you have any questions and how we can best support you! 

The Community Needs Survey is here! If you’re connected to the SCI community, take a few minutes to share your insights. Your responses are confidential, they’ll help shape community support, and you could win a $100 Amazon gift card! See flyer below.

Take the Survey Now