Our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access, and Belonging (DEIAB) statement can be found here.
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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
donating. 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 birthday 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!
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:
In Memory: Doug Frey and Bernie Metzger
Community Needs Survey - Please Help Us Serve Our Community Better
9th Jr. Beanpot High School Hockey Tournament Recap
Upcoming SCIboston Events
*TICKETS ARE ON SALE* SCIboston's 2026 Gala!!!
Go Foward! 2026 Announcement
Meet Our Marathon Runner - Jackie
The Steven F. Riley Educational Memorial Scholarship
A Good Read - NPR's Article About Unaccommodating Hotels
SCI Transition Program - Do You Know Someone In A Nursing Home?
Community Tidbits: KBF Active Project Live, Empower SCI Applications, Safer Homes, EmpowHer Camp Applications, The Arc MA State Budget Webinar
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It is with very heavy hearts that we share the news that Doug Frey, SCIboston Board President and beloved member of our community, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025
A few years after his injury, Doug became a peer mentor himself and later joined the SCIboston Board of Directors. In 2017, he was selected to serve as President of the Board, guiding SCIboston with confident leadership and unwavering commitment. Doug played a pivotal role in the organization’s growth, helping to expand services, programs, and extend SCIboston’s reach within the community. He was deeply committed to the people we serve and to advancing SCIboston’s mission.
Beyond his role on the Board, Doug was a familiar and supportive presence within our community; attending support groups, serving as a peer mentor, and an ever-present participant in social and fundraising events. His generosity of time, spirit, and leadership touched countless lives.
SClboston has lost a leader, a friend, and a strong supporter. Our hearts are heavy. We will honor his legacy by continuing the work he did to reach, inspire, support, and empower individuals with spinal cord injury and their families.
It is with sadness that we share news of the passing of Bernhard Metzger. Bernie was a cherished member of the SCIboston Family and Significant Other Groups, and supporter of the SCIboston community. He was thoughtful and generous, always eager to support other family members on their journey with SCI. Bernie was a loving and dedicated husband to his late wife, Karen Zander. If you would like to read a little about Bernie, you can click this link to see an IG post by his daughter. https://www.instagram.com/p/DTRGW59jUjs/
You can also watch a beautiful performance of his "Ramblings" composition here.
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.
On January 16-17, four high school hockey teams competed in the 9th Junior Beanpot Tournament to raise funds for SCIboston's Travis Roy Legacy Grant Program. The players of the Brookline Warriors, Lexington Minutemen, Newton North Tigers, and Cambridge Rindge & Latin School Falcons have raised $4,700 toward their $5,000 goal and need your help to close the gap. Click here to donate!
Congratulations to the Brookline High School Warriors on their big win!!!
Thank you to Julie Lacey, the Gurdin family, all the players, and their families for making this another successful Jr. Beanpot to honor Travis' memory. If you want to watch the whole tourney, it's available on YouTube. Watch the final gamehere!
Upcoming Events!
Flyers are Clickable
Get your tickets while they last!! Click the button below 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 that 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. Get your tickets before they sell out by clicking the button below!
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
SCIboston is proud to announce our participation in Go Forward! 2026, a national charitable hockey initiative led by the NHL Foundation U.S that brings together the hockey community to support individuals and families affected by spinal cord injuries and neurological disorders.
As part of this exciting, two-city fundraising campaign, SCIboston is honored to be selected as one of only five beneficiary organizations nationwide. All proceeds go to the NHL Foundation U.S. 2026 Go Forward!campaign benefiting SCIboston's Travis Roy Legacy Grant Program and other organizations advancing research, recovery, and accessibility for individuals living with paralysis and neurological conditions.
SCIboston has taken an active role in fundraising for this event and is proud to acknowledge our participants who will be traveling to Tampa Bay, Florida, to compete in the Travis Roy Hockey Classic.
The Travis Roy Hockey Classic is an annual charity hockey event held to honor the life, legacy, and inspiring impact of Travis Roy, a college hockey player who was paralyzed just 11 seconds into his first collegiate game in 1995 and went on to become a nationally known advocate for spinal cord injury survivors.
You can support these participants by donating to their Go Forward! 2026 Fundraising pages and clicking on the buttons below their names.
This partnership reflects the shared values of SCIboston and the NHL Foundation U.S: advancing inclusion, amplifying lived experience, and investing in programs that help individuals move forward with confidence and independence after injury.
January 30 - February 1, 2026: Tampa Bay Events
All proceeds go to the NHL Foundation U.S. 2026 Go Forward! campaign benefiting SCIboston's Travis Roy Legacy Grant Program and other organizations advancing research, recovery, and accessibility for individuals living with paralysis and neurological conditions.
Meet Jackie Benjes! SCIboston's 2026 Boston Marathon Runner
"It is surreal to me that it is now my turn to be a participant in the race, and I am beyond thrilled to be running for SCIboston...Thank you so much in advance for any support."
We are very excited to announce that Jackie Benjes will be running the 2026 Boston Marathon in support of SCIboston's mission to reach, inspire, support, and empower individuals living with spinal cord injuries and their families. Her family has long-running ties to the Boston Marathon, and she is ready to continue that course.
To read more about her and to donate to her campaign, click here!
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.
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!
Passionate about parking? Share a short video clip with the United Spinal Association on your challenges with accessible parking! The goal is to document violations and challenges, without compromising the privacy of individuals. Please keep it safe, respectful, and focused on the problem. Your story can make a difference. Share your clip here.
Help to push through wheelchair repair reform! Contact your Senators about S. 2662 and House Representatives about H.4358 to share why timely and reliable wheelchair repairs matter to you and your community. Find your legislator here.
Prevent healthcare discrimination against people with disabilities! The Disability Policy Consortium is planning a virtual community meeting in the second week of February to strategize around passing H.1360/S.869. This bill would protect disabled people against discrimination in our healthcare system. If you would like to participate in the upcoming community meeting, receive general updates about the healthcare anti-discrimination bill and/or get involved with the campaign, please reach out to Sam Fein (sfein@dpcma.org) or Emma Gelbard (egelbard@dpcma.org).
Wednesday, February 25th: Disability Policy Consortium’s Annual Legislative Briefing from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. You can attend virtually, or in-person at the Massachusetts State House, Room 428. Please register here.
As always, if you want advocacy opportunities right at your fingertips. Sign up for Advocacy Emails to be delivered right to your inbox.
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 molly@sciboston.org to learn more.
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.
Peer Mentor Spotlight
Name: Ethan
Injury Level: C3-5 Incomplete
Year of Injury: 2019
Ethan sustained his injury from a swimming accident when he was 20. Ethan is able to ambulate using a walker and also uses a manual wheelchair. He has limited hand function but is able to use devices and grab and carry items. Ethan’s interests include a love for sports and reading. He is a big Boston sports fan and enjoys reading fantasy and sci-fi books. He is a graduate of BU and also completed a paralegal certification course there. He has experience in getting back to school after an injury as well as with adaptive sports equipment and managing muscle tightness and spasms. Ethan has a kind and compassionate demeanor about him that is sure to make anyone feel heard and understood. He has been in a long-term relationship with his girlfriend, loves hanging out with his dog, and is a big fan of coffee.
Update to SCIboston’s Support Groups:
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!
Bob Nichol, Robert Mueller, and Bernhard Metzger in memory of Karen Zander
A Special Thank You to Our Supporters
A Good Read:
NPR: 35 years after ADA, people with disabilities still find hotels unaccommodating
Caitlin Reilly of Hingham, Mass., fell when trying to get into a hotel bed that was too tall. The hotel called the fire department and paramedics tried to charge her health insurance. - Lucy Lu for NPR
Some respondents told NPR of falling from tall beds, sometimes being injured. Jack Conway Jr. of Dunmore, Pa., broke his collarbone trying to lift himself out of his wheelchair onto a tall bed. Dana Liesegang of Grand Junction, Colo., has spent nights sleeping in her wheelchair when she couldn't reach the bed. When Caitlin Reilly, of Hingham, Mass., fell, she says the hotel called the fire department to help her up — and paramedics asked for her health insurance information so they could send her a bill.
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.
Community Tidbits
Kelly Brush Foundation Active Project Live
Is this your season to start adaptive skiing?
Join an upcoming Active Project Live session on February 3 at 5:30 PM EST for a virtual discussion via Zoom focused on how to get started with adaptive skiing. Hear from program experts, individuals with SCI who are just beginning their ski journey, and experienced adaptive skiers who love welcoming newcomers to the sport.
If this feels like a conversation for you, we encourage you to join and learn more about equipment options, where to participate, and what to consider when getting started. Family members, friends, and support partners are all welcome.
What is Active Project Live?
Active Project Live is a biweekly Zoom series focused on adaptive sports and recreation. Each session brings together experts and community members to share insights, build connections, and spark excitement for what’s possible.
EmpowHer Camp, a yearlong multi-stage skill-building, empowerment, and mentoring program for disabled young women and feminine aligned people including a week-long wilderness camping trip, a 10 month self-led community impact project, and a Washington, D.C. reunion trip the following summer. Applications are open now and close on February 18, 2025 at 11:59pm ET. This is an incredible opportunity for a young disabled person to build the confidence and skills to be a leader, however the application is rather involved so a nudge from someone they know and trust (like you) may be the encouragement they need to take the leap. Feel free to watch and share our recent camp recap video or reshare a Facebook or Instagram posts with someone you think should apply.
Applications for Empower SCI 2026 Summer Intensives are OPEN for participants, peer mentors, clinical specialists, and residential aides!
Empower SCI is a residential program catered to individuals who have had an injury to their spinal cord. The program focuses on peer mentoring, rehabilitation counseling, and informal knowledge-sharing between individuals who are going through similar experiences and challenges in addition to formal physical therapy, occupational therapy, and recreational therapy.
Spots are limited so get those apps in! Applications for ALL programs are due March 15th!
PROGRAM DATES: ADULT WEST in Missoula, MT: June 7-4th TEEN/YOUNG ADULT in East Greenwich, RI: JUL 26-AUG 1ST
ADULT NORTHEAST in East Greenwich, RI: AUG 9-16TH
How to Make Your Home Safer for Someone With Mobility Challenges
If someone in your home uses a mobility aid or struggles with balance, you're going to want to follow some of these tips to keep them safe By Regina Beach
Why the State Budget Matters and How You Can Help: A Two-Part Webinar Series
Monday, February 2 @ 12:00PM
The state budget isn't just a list of numbers; it’s a reflection of our Commonwealth’s priorities and it funds the services that support the IDD and autism communities. This year, the stakes are higher than ever, as the budget is where we will see the impacts of federal cuts and changes most acutely. Join The Arc of Massachusetts for a two-part webinar series to go behind the scenes of the budget process and learn how to make your voice heard.
Part One: Demystifying the State Budget: Understand the budget and the process. We’ll walk through the timeline, key line items, and show you where advocate intervention makes the biggest difference.
Part Two: The Governor’s Proposal & Next Steps: Shortly after the Governor releases her budget, we’ll break down what it means for you. We will share our top priorities and give you a clear roadmap for advocacy in the months ahead.
