| |  | | Our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access, and Belonging (DEIAB) statement can be found here. |
| |  | July is Disability Pride Month Disability Pride Month celebrates people with disabilities, their identities, their culture, and their contributions to society. It also seeks to change the way people think about and define disability, to end the stigma of disability, and to promote the belief that disability is a natural part of human diversity in which people living with disabilities can celebrate and take pride. It is an opportunity for people with disabilities to come together and celebrate being themselves, regardless of their differences. It is also an opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges they still face every day in their pursuit of equal treatment. The Disability Pride flag (displayed above) has undergone several revisions to increase accessibility. Meaning of the colors: - Charcoal Grey: Mourning for ableist violence, abuse victims, people who committed suicide, and everyone who died due to a disability
- Red Stripe: Physical disabilities
- Gold Stripe: Neurodiversity
- Blue Stripe: Emotional and psychiatric disabilities
- Green Stripe: Sensory disabilities
- White Stripe: Undiagnosed and invisible disabilities
Wikipedia provided the information above. For more information about Disability Pride Month and its flag, click here. |
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| In this newsletter, you will find: - June Event Recaps
- TR24 Legacy Wiffleball Tournament Was a Huge Success!!
- Young Adult Social Event
- Roll On Capital Hill
- Upcoming SCIboston Events
- BBQ Social at the Woburn Stoneham Elks
- SCI Awareness Day at Fenway *Tickets For Sale*
- ADA35 Boston March and Rally
- SCI Awareness Day at The State House
- Peer Mentor Spotlight - Abby Swain
- Virtual Support Groups
- Thank You to Our Sponsors and Supporters
- SCI Transition Program - Do You Know Someone In A Nursing Home?
- Resources
- Community Tidbits
- Caregiver Retreat
- Empower SCI Teen and Young Adult Intensive Summer Program
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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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| 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 was thrilled to host the 2025 TR24 Legacy Wiffleball Tournament in Jericho VT on June 14th. The weather was ideal; the fields were in impeccable condition and the competition was fierce. Almost $40,000 has been raised from this event which honors Travis Roy and the proceeds will support SCIboston's Travis Roy Legacy Grant Program which provides durable medical equipment and vehicle modifications to spinal cord injured individuals to improve their quality of life. The were 8 teams competing including teams from MA, NH and VT. Home run hitting powerhouse Curse Lifted of VT beat Miami Vice, also of VT, in the final, convincingly 14-3. Two teams represented SCIboston; the Pain in the Necks and the SCIboston team. The Pain in the Necks, coached by Josh Keller did not have the same success as last year when they won two of three qualifying games. They went 0 for 3 but put a big scare in the #1 seed Middlebury Express in the playoffs by stranding the tying runner on base in the top of the 9th. Several members of the SCIboston team had directional issues, were late, and the team had to enlist Board Member Tom Parlon and his wife Deirdre to play. They were much better than expected, but the team lost their first two games. They won their first game ever, unfortunately against Pain in the Necks in a romp. SCIboston ran into a very good pitcher and lost a 1-0 heartbreaker in the playoffs. A new Little Yankee field was available and, it's hard to say it, but it is beautiful. Little Fenway, Little Wrigley and Field of Dreams were also in fabulous shape, thanks to Larry Riegert and his crew. Larry also coordinated a fantastic group of college/high school level umpires. We were very fortunate to have Tim Gendron coordinate all the volunteers including very entertaining announcers, scorebook and scoreboard keepers, and lineup runners. Tim helped with the Travis Roy Tournament for years and his expertise and recruitment of volunteers was invaluable. Dr. Steve Hale and his assistant Jodi provided medical support. Both Brenda and Lee Roy attended the event. Lee spoke at the Welcome Ceremony and talked about the importance of this event for over 20 years to Travis and the Travis Roy Foundation to fund needed medical equipment for people with spinal cord injuries. He shared his love for the tournament and a few cherished memories of the event and of Travis. Highlighting Travis’s true reasons for the event were to have fun, raise money, and build a sense of community with family and friends. He encouraged everyone to consider how to grow the event and to have fun and thanked all who fundraised for this great cause. The leading fundraising team was BW Supers of Brookline MA, followed by SCIboston and the Middlebury Express. The leading individual fundraiser was Jacob Gurtin of BW Supers, followed by James and Will Spidle of the Bad Larry's Thank you to all who donated, played, umped, announced and prepared the fields. The 2026 TR24 Legacy Wiffleball Tournament is scheduled for June 27th, 2026. Please mark your calendars. We plan to expand to 12 teams. Thanks to Molly Sebo, our Executive Director, who worked tirelessly to make it all happen. Thank you to all who played, umped, prepared the fields, announced, helped and to J. Kennedy O'Neil who took some great pictures to capture the spirit of the event. Special thanks to property owner Jeff Kolok and Dan Pion of SLAMT1D and to Tim and Ron Rose for all their help and suggestions. SCIboston is honored to be a part of this great event to honor Travis Roy's legacy. To view the gallery of pictures from the tournament CLICK HERE! |
| SCIboston's Travis Roy Legacy Grant Program 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 $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! |
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| | What an unforgettable day at the Young Adults social event!
The weather was perfect, and we were treated to stunning views of the harbor in Seaport.
Inside the Institute for Contemporary Art Museum, the art exhibits were nothing short of spectacular, adding a vibrant touch to the whole experience.
Thank you to everyone who joined us!
Scroll down for upcoming events and follow us on Instagram @sciboston for updates! |
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| | | ROCH Took Place This Month – And It Was a Huge Success! We’re proud to share that ROCH (Roll on Capitol Hill) was a tremendous achievement, with more than 100 people from across the nation gathering to meet with their elected officials.They spoke up for critical issues affecting our community, including: protecting Medicaid from harmful cuts, wheelchair repair reform, and improving accessible parking and paratransit services. A heartfelt thank you to our amazing SCIboston delegation — Donna King, Caitlin Reilly, and Pam Daly — who represented us with passion and determination in Washington, D.C. Their advocacy made an impact, but we need your voice, too. Help us ensure our legislators continue to champion these essential initiatives, by taking just a few minutes to tell your legislators: Take action – Hands Off Medicaid Take action – Improve Accessible Parking & Paratransit Take action – Reform Wheelchair Repair Together, we can keep the pressure on and push for real, lasting change. Check out some amazing photos from the event below! |
|  | | Upcoming Events
For a full calendar of our events, visit our events page here |
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| | SCIboston Summer BBQ Social
Sunday July 27th, 1-4pm at the Woburn Elks Join the SCIboston community for a catered Summer BBQ Social at the Woburn Elks, in Woburn, MA on Sunday, July 27th from 1-4pm. Bring your family and friends to enjoy summer food favorites! (A vegan option will be available.) This event will be held indoors. The venue is accessible by the RIDE, has ample parking, and is air conditioned. There is no cost to attend, however RSVPs are requsted by Monday, July 21st. Please email heidi@sciboston.org with any questions or to let us know if you are requesting a vegan option. Click here to RSVP A Continued Opportunity to help individuals with SCI in Zimbabwe at our Summer Social If you are attending the social, please consider bringing unused medical supplies to donate to people with SCI living in Zimbabwe. SCI Community member, Erik Kondo, has been sending medical supplies and wheelchairs to people with SCI in Zimbabwe. Due to the poor economic situation for SCI there, many lack the money to afford basic needs. Some don't even have wheelchairs. Here are items that are most needed and easy to ship: catheters, leg bags, bandages, tape, gloves, lubricating gel, sterilizers, nutrition powder, and suppositories. Please avoid any bulky items, such as single use trays, disposable briefs, and chucks, as they are difficult to ship. If you have anything to contribute to the next shipment, please bring it to our social on July 27th so Erik can receive it. For more information on where these supplies are sent and whom receives them, go to: Send a Suitcase: https://jackiempofu.com/send-a-suitcase/ To contact Erik Kondo directly, send him an email - erikkondo@gmail.com |
|  | 2025 SCI AWARENESS DAY AT FENWAY PARK This SCIboston favorite is back! Please join us in raising awareness for spinal cord injury at the Red Sox vs. Miami Marlins game on August 17th at 1:35pm, for Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day at Fenway Park! *Tickets are on sale now!!!*
*ADA seating is limited - please only purchase 1 Wheelchair accessible seat and up to 2 companion seat when purchasing the ADA tickets. For the rest of your friends and family, please use the Regular Seating link.
ADA SEATING HERE
REGULAR SEATING HERE All Attendees receive this year's official event hat!  |
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| | SCIboston is proud to be a partner in ADA35 Boston, a special event honoring the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This landmark law protects people with disabilities from discrimination in employment, government, public spaces, transportation, and more. Celebrating the ADA anniversary is more than just marking a milestone—it’s a tribute to the advocates who paved the way, a recognition of the progress we’ve made, and a reminder of the work still ahead. We must continue to advocate for disability rights and ensure that the ADA—and other critical protections—are upheld and strengthened. Now more than ever, it’s vital to raise our voices, demand equality, and keep pushing for a more inclusive world. Join us as we come together with nearly 50 other organizations to recognize this important anniversary and recommit to the fight for justice and accessibility for all. Event Schedule: -
12:00 pm: Disability Flag Raising on Boston City Hall Plaza -
12:30 pm: March and Roll to Boston Common -
1:00 pm: Rally at the Embrace Monument Everyone is welcome – please bring your friends, family, neighbors, and fellow advocates – and spread the word! We know it can be difficult to attend an in-person event, but it is important for us to show up and demonstrate that disability rights are worth fighting for! Feel free to join us for as much of the event you are able to attend. Registration for ADA35 Boston is encouraged, but not required. There will be free SCIboston swag to those who also RSVP to SCIboston by emailing Vita, at vita@sciboston.org! Want to march with others? A group from SCIboston will gather in front of the Government Center MBTA station at 11:45 AM. Bring a sign and a friend! If you’d like a sign made by SCIboston to carry during the march, just let us know when you RSVP. This is a rain-or-shine, outdoor event. Please come prepared to be outside. The entire route will be wheelchair accessible. Cooling buses, water-bottle refill stations, and accessible portable bathrooms will be available. ASL and CART will be provided. Interpretation, translation, and disability accommodations are available at no cost. If needed, please contact Andrea Patton at andrea.patton@boston.gov or call 617-635-3682. Flyer Alt. yesText: Disability Rights are worth Fighting for! ADA35 Boston and SCIboston Advocacy on July 23rd, 2025. 12:00 pm: Flag Raising on City Hall Plaza, 12:30 pm: March and Roll to Boston Common, 1:00 pm: Rally at the Embrace Monument. Learn more at: www.boston.gov/ADA35. SCIboston is proud to be a partner in ADA35 Boston, a community celebration honoring the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Bring your friends, family, neightbors, and fellow advocates! Free SCIboston swag for those who RSVP to vita@sciboston.org. Registration (optional but encouraged): www.boston.gov/ADA35. This is a rain or shine, outdoor event. Accommodations include: Cooling buses, water-bottle refill stations, accessible portable bathrooms, ASL and CART. For additional interpretation or disability accommodations please contact andrea.patton@boston.gov or call 617-635-3682. |
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| | Mentor Spotlight Name: Abby Parent of an Individual with T4 Complete Paraplegia Year of Son’s Injury: 2019 Abby’s first career was as a caseworker on the spinal and head injury floor of a rehabilitation hospital in Louisiana. In 2019, she re-entered the world of spinal cord injury when her 24-year-old son sustained a T4 complete injury in a skiing accident. Inspired, educated, and supported by the SCIboston volunteers she met at Spaulding, Abby decided to give back to the organization. She joined the Board in 2021 and became a family Peer Mentor. Additionally, Abby is active on the disability and pedestrian committees in Brookline, where she and her family have lived for 30 years. She loves nature, board and word games, and logic puzzles. Although her son is very independent, Abby enjoys researching solutions, lending a hand when needed, and cheering him on in his love for adaptive sports. |
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| 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. |
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| Update to SCIboston’s Support Groups: As part of our ongoing effort to strengthen and better serve our local community, SCIboston will be limiting participation in our virtual support groups—with the exception of the Nutrition Group—to residents of New England (Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Connecticut). SCIboston’s mission is to Reach, Inspire, Support, and Empower individuals living with spinal cord injuries across Massachusetts and New England. Our virtual support groups have become a cornerstone of that mission, offering meaningful connection, community, and support. Originally expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic to reach individuals in new ways, these groups have since grown into a vital and enduring part of our programming. As we continue to evolve, we’ve recognized the importance of focusing our support group efforts on individuals and families within our service region. This allows us to direct resources more effectively and foster deeper regional connections among participants. The Nutrition Group will remain open to all participants, regardless of location. We want to emphasize that current participants who reside outside of New England are warmly welcomed and encouraged to continue attending. Your presence and contributions have become an essential part of the SCIboston community. The relationships we've built together are deeply valued, and we look forward to your continued involvement. If you have any questions regarding support groups please reach out to heidi@sciboston.org Virtual Support Groups 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 support groups offer opportunities for questions, open discussion, 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. Younger Adult Group Women's Group Newly Injured Spanish Group Family Groups SCI/D Discussion Group And Nutrition Group Click the button to access more information and the zoom links! |
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| Thank You To Our Sponsors Silver Sponsors Bronze Sponsors A Special Thank You to Our Supporters |
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| |  | Watch Stacie and Rory tell their story at our 2024 Gala HERE. |
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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.org for more information or to recommend a candidate. |
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| Resources Page Our resource page was curated by our staff with information provided by our mentors, group leaders, and other members of the SCI community that includes information about: Caregivers
Getting Back to Work
Housing, Sports & Recreation
Complex Rehab Technology
Transportation
and so much more! Click the button below to check them all out! |
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| | |  | CAREGIVER RETREAT
OCT 9 - 12, 2025 Now more than ever it is important to give back to those that have given so much. We are so excited to offer a Caregiver Retreat, in partnership with Brutally Beautiful! The Retreat will take place at the Adaptive Outdoor Education Center in Carrabassett Valley. Our Caregiver Retreats are an intentional nature-based healing program. Activities include daily modalities, hiking, forest baths, and more! Caregivers will learn self-care strategies and the positive impact time in nature can have on their mental, physical, and emotional health. For more information, click here! |
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 | Empower SCI Teen and Young Adult Intensive Summer Program | We wanted to give you the update that our Teen and Young Adult Program is filling up, but there are a couple of spots left, and we'd love your help to get the word out about it! Applications close for our 2025 program on July 5th at 5PM, and we will have one final info session on Wednesday July 2nd, open to any teen/young adults with a spinal cord injury, their family or caregivers, or any clinician or medical professional who works with this population. | | Resources for teens and young adults with spinal cord injuries can be difficult to find, and the beauty of our program, is once participants travel to our space in Rhode Island, we have a TON of resources available for the week-- from recreation to clinical specialists, to peer mentors, and most importantly, other young people who have been through a similar experience. | | Please join us for our FINAL Empower SCI Teen / Young Adult Info Session Wednesday July 2nd- at 7:30 PM EST- to learn about our 2025 TEEN AND YOUNG ADULT PROGRAM with Program Director, Gaby! Join here on Wednesday at 7:30 PM EST.
Meeting ID 4527748526
Questions? Email Gaby at gficchi@empowersci.org | | Please help us spread the word to anyone you know who would benefit from knowing about our program- teens/young adults with SCI, caregivers, medical professionals, friends... and hope to see you there! Thank you! Carrie | |
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| | | Did you miss a newsletter? All our past newsletters can be found here: |
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| SCIboston
2 Rehabilitation Way | Woburn, Massachusetts 01801
(617) 952-5643 | info@sciboston.org |
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