| |  | 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. Show your pride with our cool Disability Pride sticker HERE! |
| | Our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access, and Belonging (DEIAB) statement can be found here. |
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| In this newsletter, you will find: - TR24 Legacy Wiffleball Tournament Recap
- We Have a Merch Store!!!
- Upcoming Events
- Rally For Repairs
- ADA Day Celebration
- Summer Social BBQ
- Tickets On Sale! SCI Awareness Day at Fenway
- SAVE THE DATE: SCI Awareness Day at the MA State House
- Advocacy Update
- A Good Read: How Wheelchair Users' Repair Stories Moved a Congresswoman to Act
- Peer Mentor Spotlight - Ed
- Looking to Connect with a Peer Mentor?
- Thank You To Our Sponsors
- Thank You to the Cummings Foundation
- The Steven F. Riley Educational Memorial Scholarship
- Travis Roy Legacy Grant Program
- VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUPS: Women's Group, WAGS Group, and other New Groups
- SCIboston's SCI Transition Program - Do You Know Someone In A Nursing Home?
- Ways You Can Contribute to SCIboston
- Community Tidbits: KBF Adaptive Sports and Rec Survey, Empower Arts and Transit Event
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| | TR24 Legacy WIFFLEBALL Tournament Recap  SCIboston proudly hosted its third annual TR24 Legacy Wiffle Ball Tournament in Vermont on June 27, 2026. Once again, the weather was perfect, the fields were in pristine condition, and the competition was fierce. The tournament was played across four legendary replica ballparks—Little Wrigley, Little Field of Dreams, Little Yankee Stadium, and Little Fenway. Ten teams and over 100 players came together for an unforgettable day of wiffle ball, all in support of SCIboston's Travis Roy Legacy Grant Program. Through this program, SCIboston is honored to carry forward Travis Roy's vision by providing financial assistance to individuals living with spinal cord injuries so they can purchase the equipment and technology they need to regain and maintain their independence. Thanks to the incredible generosity of players, sponsors, donors, and supporters, the tournament raised more than $84,000. This was my first opportunity to witness and participate in this remarkable event, and it quickly became clear why it means so much to so many people. I met players in their twenties who had been playing in this tournament since they were seven years old. Travis's parents, Brenda and Lee Roy, were there, along with many longtime supporters who have stood behind Travis and his foundation since 1995. Their continued presence speaks volumes about who Travis Roy was and the lasting impact he made on the spinal cord injury community. This year, teams and players traveled from Texas, Arizona, New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont, making the tournament a truly national gathering of friends, families, and supporters united by a shared commitment to helping individuals living with spinal cord injuries. The playoff rounds featured some of the day's most exciting competition. The game of the tournament was a thrilling playoff matchup between tournament newcomer Dirty Water Wiffle and the BW Supers, with Dirty Water Wiffle edging out the BW Supers by a score of 3–2 to earn a spot in the championship game. Waiting for them in the final was the defending 2025 champion, Curse Lifted, captained by tournament veteran Anthony Hope. Anthony once again assembled a formidable team that demonstrated why they entered the tournament as the reigning champions. In the championship game, Curse Lifted successfully defended its title with a 6–3 victory over Dirty Water Wiffle. Leading the way was standout pitcher River Koval, whose dominant performance throughout the game earned him MVP honors. The SCIboston team returned this year with Hayden Frey and his sister, Anna Mae Frey, on the roster. Josh Keller's team, Pain in the Necks, was unable to participate this year—but for the very best reason. Josh and his wife recently welcomed healthy twin boys into their family. Congratulations to them! One of the day's biggest highlights was the Home Run Derby, with more than 40 participants stepping up to the plate. Little Fenway was filled with children eagerly shagging wiffle balls, creating one of the most memorable scenes of the day. The coveted oversized gold championship chain was won by Kirk Fontana, captain of Miami Vice, who launched six home runs over the Green Monster to successfully win the title. This year's Most Valuable Player was Henry Stowell, captain of tournament newcomer Bat Attitude. Henry committed to the tournament months in advance, leading his team's fundraising efforts while helping prepare the fields, recruit players, and ensure a full field of ten teams. He also set the tone for the day with a memorable rendition of the National Anthem during the opening ceremonies. His leadership, enthusiasm, and willingness to do whatever was needed made him a truly deserving recipient of this year's MVP award. The tournament's success would not have been possible without an incredible team of volunteers. A special thank you to Tim Gendron, who once again coordinated the volunteers, announcers, scorekeepers, scoreboard operators, and lineup runners. We are also grateful to Lisa Govini, RN, and her sister Nicole Cook, for staffing the first aid station throughout the day. During the opening ceremony, Lee Roy shared heartfelt remarks remembering John Pelky, whose craftsmanship included engraving the Rock of Champions as well as other notable works, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Hayden Frey also delivered a moving tribute to his father, Doug Frey, SCIboston's past Board President, sharing what both the tournament and SCIboston have meant to him and his family. Congratulations to this year's fundraising champions! Making an impressive tournament debut, Kezar Lake Crushers, captained by Robert Mueller, claimed the top fundraising team honors by raising more than $14,000. Close behind was returning team The Boston Beef, led by Art Page, with more than $13,000 raised. Rounding out the top three was another first-year team, Bat Attitude, captained by Henry Stowell, which raised more than $12,000. Individual fundraising efforts were equally impressive. Art Page of The Boston Beef led all participants by raising $10,921, followed by Sean Sessa of Kezar Lake Crushers with $9,059, and Henry Stowell of Bat Attitude with $4,655. Thank you to everyone who played, umpired, announced, prepared the fields, volunteered, and helped make this event another tremendous success. Special thanks to Jane O'Neil for beautifully capturing the spirit of the day through her photography. The 2027 TR24 Legacy Wiffle Ball Tournament is scheduled for June 26, 2027. We look forward to welcoming returning teams and new competitors as we continue growing this incredible tradition and honoring Travis Roy's legacy. Finally, thank you to SCIboston Executive Director Molly Sebo, whose dedication and countless hours of planning helped make this event possible. SCIboston is honored to continue carrying forward Travis Roy's vision, ensuring that individuals living with spinal cord injuries receive the support they need to live more independent and fulfilling lives. Photos and videos will be posted soon. Follow us on all our socials @sciboston and our tournament Instagram account @tr24.legacy.wiffleball.tourn |
| WE HAVE A MERCH STORE!!  GET YOUR MERCH HERE! With the help of our resident graphic artist, mentor, and group leader, Josh Keller, SCIboston now has a merchandise store on Redbubble!! Redbubble is a global online marketplace for print-on-demand products based on user-submitted artwork. Any of our logos and designs can be printed on a variety of items like t-shirts, hoodies, bottles, stickers, tote bags, and more. We hope to add more fun designs in the future. Since this is our first foray into merch on a third-party store, we would love your feedback about all aspects of the experience. |
| | | |  | 2026 Summer BBQ Social, Sunday August 9th 1-4pm Join the SCIboston community on Sunday, August 9th from 1-4pm at the Woburn Stoneham Elks Club for a catered summer BBQ social! In order to accommodate our community, we are asking all members to RSVP for no more than 2 additional guests. If you have more family members that would like to attend, please let Heidi know. Although there is no cost to attend, this event is being paid for through grant funding and SCIboston is paying per attendee. Therefore, if you cannot make the event, we ask that you let us know as soon as possible. RSVPs are requested by Friday, July 31st. Please email [email protected] with any questions or to let us know if you are requesting a vegan meal. The event will be held indoors. Venue is accessible by The Ride, has ample parking, and is air-conditioned. |
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| | |  Breaking News in the Fight for Timely Wheelchair Repair: Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley just introduced the FAST Repairs for Wheelchairs Act, a bill to end prior authorization for wheelchair repairs under Medicare Advantage. This progress stems from SCIboston advocates sharing their stories at last year’s Roll on Capitol Hill and turning that momentum into real legislative change. Now it’s your turn: Contact your reps to support this bill and share your repair challenges on social media! [Read more] Rally for Repairs: Join the Boston Center for Independent Living, the Disability Policy Consortium, and the Easterseals for a Wheelchair repair rally on Tuesday, July 14th from 11:30am to 1:00pm at South Station. (flyer above) Can’t join? You can still help: RSVP now to build momentum with us! Get Involved: Help shape public transportation! The Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization is looking for input on the public transit needs of older adults and people with disabilities. Take the survey here. Important Recent News: DOJ memo stokes fear among disability advocates of a return to institutionalization, NPR Excerpt from the article: “‘It is now the position of the United States government that people with disabilities don't have a right to be part of their communities,’ says Alison Barkoff, a health law and policy professor at George Washington University”. Read United Spinal Association’s full Roll on Capitol Hill Recap here! Additional Events: Wednesday, July 15th from 12:00-2:00pm: Join us at Boston ADA Day in Copley Square to celebrate the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act! Come say "Hi" and get some SCIboston swag! (flyer above) Thursday, July 23rd at 1:00pm: Join Disability Advocates Advancing our Healthcare Rights (DAAHR) for a virtual forum on changes and threats to Medicaid-funded home and community-based services, such as PCA services. Register here. Check out the summer advocacy roundup for even more ways to get involved! |
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| Peer Mentor Spotlight Name: Ed Injury Level: C3/C4 Incomplete Year of Injury: 2023 Ed is one of our newest peer mentors. Below, he answers some questions about his experience as a mentor: - What inspired you to become a mentor? To offer others the benefits that I've received from mentors.
- What does being a mentor mean to you? Paying back into the community gives me purpose.
- What is your favorite mentoring moment? Being invited by a parent you down with his son.
- What is the advice that you share most often with your mentees? Start with small goals.
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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 [email protected] 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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| 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 |
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| 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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| | 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! |
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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 [email protected] for more information or to recommend a candidate. |
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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. Contact [email protected] for more information about sponsorship.
- 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 [email protected] 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. |
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| | |  | Adaptive Sports & Recreation Readiness Survey |
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 | Empower SCI Pathways MFA Event Saturday, July 11
12:30 PM
Museum of Fine Arts/The Haven Our Pathways Series is back!
Join Empower SCI at the @mfaboston in Boston, where we’ll celebrate Disability Pride Month by checking out the works of disabled artists, and have the opportunity to create some art ourselves! Afterwards, we’ll take the T together out to Jamaica Plain to socialize over some appetizers at the @thehavenjp!
Click HERE to sign up, spots are limited! Reminder- all day Pathways Events are FREE! |
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| | Did you miss a newsletter? All our past newsletters can be found here: |
| | Helpful Websites For our full list of SCI resources, click here |
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| SCIboston
2 Rehabilitation Way | Woburn, Massachusetts 01801
(617) 952-5643 | [email protected] |
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