Our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access, and Belonging (DEIAB) statement can be found here.
Follow Us
Thank You To Our Sponsors
Bob Nichol, Robert Mueller, and Bernhard Metzger in memory of Karen Zander
A Special Thank You to Our Supporters
We rely on donations, sponsorships, and grants to sustain our peer programs. If SCIboston has made a difference in your life or in the life of someone you love, please consider supporting us so we can continue helping others just as we were able to help you. Please consider
making a donation. You can also choose to make a one-time donation or make recurring donations. You can also check with your employer to see if they match donations.
starting a Facebook and Instagram fundraiser for SCIboston. It is simple to set up and allows your followers to contribute easily. Holding a Giving Tuesday, birthday, or injury anniversary fundraiser is a great way to give back and raise awareness.
sponsoring one of our upcoming events! This is a great way to support our programs while getting some advertising for your business or organization. Sponsor our 2026 Gala here and our Travis Roy Legacy 3x3 Hockey Classic here.
volunteering. We are always looking for volunteers to support our social and fundraising events. We are also looking for help with various administrative tasks. Reach out to molly@sciboston.org to learn more!
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.
In this newsletter, you will find:
SCIboston's Friendsgiving Recap
Upcoming SCIboston Events
*SAVE THE DATE* SCIboston's 2026 Gala
Saturday Education Series: Nutrition and Neurogenic Bowel
Travis Roy 3X3 Hockey Classic
Christmas Day Virtual Meetup
Advocacy Spotlight and Update
*Updated* Virtual Support Groups
Peer Mentor Spotlight - Nate
Calling All Volunteers With Video Production Experience
A Good Read - Designing the Power Wheelchair of the Future
SCIboston's Travis Roy Legacy Grant Program
SCI Transition Program - Do You Know Someone In A Nursing Home?
The Steven F. Riley Educational Memorial Scholarship
Community Tidbits: Catheter Alert for Medicare/Medicaid, New Perspectives on Women's Health and SCI Webinar
Este correo electrónico se puede traducir al español o al portugués utilizando el traductor de su cliente de correo electrónico, que se encuentra en la configuración de su correo electrónico. Si necesita más ayuda, podemos traducirlo por usted. Escríbanos a info@sciboston.org.
Due to the length, some email providers may cut off some of this newsletter's content. We recommend viewing it in your web browser for optimal reading.
SCIboston's Friendsgiving Luncheon Recap
Our Friendsgiving gathering this year was extraordinary, bringing together 78 wonderful people to share delicious food catered by Chef Jason, warm conversation, and a spirit of generosity. Alongside the feast, the event served a meaningful purpose as guests contributed medical supplies and equipment donations for individuals with SCIs in Zimbabwe through Erik Kondo, turning our celebration into a source of real-world impact. Laughter and excitement filled the room during the raffle, especially when the coveted Patriots-themed basket was announced, adding a fun and festive touch to an already memorable evening. We have many fun social and virtual events throughout the year, to stay up to date on whats happening next, check out our event calendar and social media account (FB/IG/Youtube/LinkedIn @sciboston)
Upcoming Events!
Flyers are Clickable
SAVE THE DATE! SCIboston's 2026 Annual Gala: The Power of Peer Mentoring Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 4:30 PM Boston Marriott Newton
We are excited to announce the highlight of this year's Gala is honoring our Peer Mentors and the incredible work they do for the SCIboston community. The Power of Peer Mentoring is a night to celebrate connection, community, and comradery within the spinal cord injury community. We will honor the power of lived experience - those who have navigated SCI themselves - offering guidance, understanding, and hope to newly injured individuals and their families. Ticket sales will begin December 16th!
Gala Silent Auction & Raffle Donations
The Gala Silent Auction & Raffle Committee is actively seeking item donations for the event. Suggested categories of popular items include event tickets, sports memorabilia, gift baskets, vacation getaways, artwork, unique experiences, and restaurant gift certificates. If you are interested in donating, please contact Diane DeRoche at diane@SCIboston.org
Advocate Spotlight: Casey Trumbower
Sometimes advocacy begins with noticing the everyday moments others might overlook. For Casey Trumbower, it was the day he spilled his coffee while struggling to open the heavy coffee shop door. That frustration made him think about how much harder the same moment can be for people using mobility devices, such as his grandfather and grandmother, and it pushed him to take action. (Read his full story here!)
Now a high school senior, Casey is committed to creating more accessible spaces for everyone. He plans to study engineering or applied mathematics, focusing on design and technology that removes accessibility barriers and improves lives. What’s especially impressive is that he began this project in middle school and has continued building on it year after year.
Casey’s willingness to notice a problem, speak up, and do something about it reminds us that advocacy can begin in small moments, with small actions. With dedication and perseverance, it can have a big impact.
Take Action:
Share your story of recovery. The United Spinal Association is looking for wheelchair users who have experience with substance use recovery to share their stories as part of a resource and guide for other wheelchair users navigating recovery from substance use. There are barriers to accessing recovery services that must be broken. If you’d like to share your story, please contact Annie Streit at astreit@unitedspinal.org.
Have you faced challenges getting your wheelchair repaired? Are you a wheelchair user living in the North End, Chinatown, Beacon Hill, Downtown Boston, the Financial District, Back Bay, the South End, or Bay Village? The Disability Policy Consortium wants to hear from you! Your experience can play a role in the push for wheelchair repair reform. Please reach out to Destiny Maxam at dmaxam@dpcma.org or (617) 804-5329.
Wives and Girlfriends/Partners of SCI Support Group
This monthly group supports women who are wives, girlfriends, and partners of a person with SCI. The group discusses the unique challenges and joys related to living life with a partner with SCI, including self care, relationships, intimacy, family planning, and more. Meets the 1st Wednesday of each month from 7:00pm–8:00pm EST and is led by SCIboston’s Community Involvement Coordinator, Heidi Estrada Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88996317238?pwd=dktWbDVQaVJ4L3YxM1EwZnY5Q3pPQT09 Meeting ID: 889 9631 7238 | Passcode: 906115 | Phone in Number: 929-205-6099 US
Thursday Women’s Support Group This monthly group supports women with SCI by providing a space to discuss relatable topics unique to women living with SCI, including women’s health, relationships, intimacy, family planning, and more.
Men’s Support Group This monthly group supports men with SCI by providing a space to discuss relatable topics unique to men living with SCI, including men's health, relationships, intimacy, and more.
Join us for any of SCIboston’s Virtual Support Groups that meet your needs as an individual or family member impacted by a spinal cord injury or disorder. Our groups offer opportunities for questions, open discussion, emotional support, resources, and more. All of our facilitators are trained SCIboston Peer Mentors who are there to structure the meeting, guide conversation, and help meet the needs of attendees. We want our attendees to feel comfortable and know that any level of participation is welcomed, even if you would just like to listen. No need to RSVP, meeting links are the same each week. Scroll down for a full list of group descriptions and zoom links. SCIboston's Support Groups (with the exception of the Nutrition Group) are open to individuals and family members living in New England, including Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. If you have any questions regarding Support Groups or want to know which group might be a good fit for you, please contact SCIboston’s Community Involvement Coordinator, Heidi Estrada at heidi@sciboston.org
SCIboston 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
We have many other virtual support groups including: Younger Adult Group - Mondays from 5:00pm-6:00pm
Grupo de Apoyo en Español - Todos los lunes a las 5:00pm–6:00pm
Monday Women’s Support Group - Mondays from 6:30pm–7:30pm Nutrition Group - Tuesdays from 12:00pm–1:00pm Significant Others’ Support Group - Tuesdays from5:00pm–6:00pm Newly Injured - Wednesdays from 4:00pm–5:00pm SCI/D Discussion Group - Thursdays from 4:00pm–5:30pm Family Groups - Thursdays from 5:00pm–6:00pm Click the button to access more information and the Zoom links!
Name: Nate Husband of an Individual with C6 Incomplete Quadriplegia Year of Partners Injury: 2022
Nate's husband, Jamison, sustained a C6 incomplete spinal cord injury from a diving accident in June of 2022. Before the injury, they had always been highly independent in their relationship. They have been successful in finding a balance in maintaining their independence while coming together to work as an amazing team. Nate found himself becoming an unexpected advocate for insurance coverage for people with spinal cord injury as well as for proper medical care, as his husband is a strong self-advocate for his own care. An optimist by nature, Nate believes in maintaining a positive can-do attitude. He has hope for the future and believes that together, they can achieve anything by advocating, staying motivated, and not settling for anything less than what they want out of life.
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 diane@sciboston.org to learn more today.
To learn more about our Peer Mentor program click here to watch our Saturday Education Series about it.
Calling All Volunteers With Video Production Experience!
SCIboston is seeking volunteers with video production, editing, or storytelling experience to help us create short, impactful videos that highlight our community, programs, and mission. These videos play an important role in sharing stories, raising awareness, and strengthening support for individuals and families affected by spinal cord injury.
If you have skills in:
Filming or videography
Editing (iMovie, Final Cut, Adobe Premiere, etc.)
Storytelling or interviewing
Producing short promotional or social media videos
…we would love your help!
Whether you're a professional, a student, or a hobbyist, your talent can make a meaningful difference.
If you're interested in volunteering or learning more, please email ryan@sciboston.org.
A Good Read
This Wheelchair User Was Just Awarded $41.5 Million to Design the Power Wheelchair of the Future
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 EquipmentorVehicle Modificationsup to $5,000.
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!
Watch Stacie and Rory tell their story at our 2024 Gala HERE.
Spinal Cord Injury Transition Program
Stacie Selfridge - TRANSITION PROGRAM LIAISON
Stacie oversees SCIboston’s SCI Transition Program, which aims to assist individuals who live in nursing homes to get back to living independently. Stacie brings twenty-plus years of knowledge and experience as an Occupational Therapist to our SCIboston community. We are pleased to announce the SCIboston Spinal Cord Injury Transition Program has had some great successes during it's first two years and we want to continue helping individuals with their independence.
Do you know someone with an SCI that is living in a nursing home? We are looking for new candidates who are motivated to move back into the community.
Please contact info@sciboston.orgfor more information or to recommend a candidate.
The Steven F. Riley Educational Memorial Scholarship
Applications are now open for the first Steven F. Riley Educational Memorial Scholarship, which will be awarded in January 2026. Thanks to the generosity of Linda and Stacey Riley, this opportunity has been created in Steven’s memory and offered through SCIboston to honor his perseverance and compassion. The scholarship supports individuals living with paraplegia or quadriplegia/tetraplegia due to spinal cord injury or disorder.
Beginning in 2026, two scholarships will be awarded each year—one in the Fall and one in the Spring semester—to help recipients pursue higher education or certified training. The deadline for this second round of applications is March 31, 2026.
For full details, eligibility, and application, click here.
Community Tidbits
From: Coloplast about HCPCS billing codes for hydrophilic catheters and expanded access to closed system catheters
We want to ensure your members are prepared for an important update that could affect their access to catheter supplies. The most important message is this: members who use hydrophilic intermittent catheters must update their prescriptions before January 1, 2026, to avoid losing access to their current products.
Beginning January 1, 2026, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will introduce new HCPCS billing codes that apply to hydrophilic intermittent catheters. HCPCS codes are the billing codes used on insurance claims to identify the intermittent catheter a user receives.
For years, hydrophilic catheters and non-hydrophilic catheters have shared the same codes. With this change, hydrophilic catheters will now have their own specific billing codes. This is an important update that differentiates the hydrophilic technology which directly impacts how hydrophilic catheters will be billed. Updated prescriptions will ensure catheter users continue to have access to the hydrophilic catheters in 2026 and beyond.
What’s important for your members:
The products themselves are not changing
Only the billing codes are being updated
If prescriptions are not updated, catheter users risk delays and/or access interruptions in receiving their hydrophilic intermittent catheter
To make it easy for you to communicate this change, we’ve created a brand-agnostic toolkit with ready-to-use materials you can share with your members:
Newsletter/letter copy
Blog article
Short blog/newsletter version
Two email templates (initial announcement + reminder)
Four social media posts
Finally, we also have created a website, www.coloplast.to/keepyourcatheter to help inform end users and help answer questions. They can also download the attached brochure from that site.
We encourage you to share these resources and remind members to update their prescriptions now by asking their prescribing clinician or supplier to include the word “hydrophilic” or their brand name/item number. Updating prescriptions now will ensure they are valid in 2025 and when the new billing codes go into effect on January 1, 2026 — helping catheter users avoid disruption and stay covered.
New Perspectives on Women's Health and Spinal Cord Injury: Addressing Unique Challenges and Advancing Care
Date & Time
Dec 2, 2025 06:00 PM in
Description
Women with spinal cord injury (SCI) face distinct health challenges that are often underrepresented in research and clinical care. This seminar highlights the intersection of women’s health and SCI, addressing urinary and sexual function, menstrual and reproductive health, pregnancy and childbirth, bone and cardiovascular health. barriers to accessing healthcare, health maintenance and well-being. Speakers will bring their perspectives as a physician and person living with SCI to discuss emerging evidence, clinical best practices, and lived experiences. The webinar will conclude with an opportunity for questions from the audience.
