| |  | | Our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access, and Belonging (DEIAB) statement can be found here. |
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| In this newsletter, you will find: - Update to SCIboston's Support Groups
- Upcoming Events
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"TR24" Legacy Wiffleball Tournament -
Young Adult Social Event - Institute of Contemporary Art Tour -
BBQ Social at the Woburn Stoneham Elks -
SCI Awareness Day at Fenway *Tickets For Sale* - Advocacy Update
- The Resilient Leader's Journey Podcast featuring Doug Frey
- Peer Mentor Spotlight - Jerry Donovan
- Thank You to Our Sponsors and Supporters
- SCI Transition Program - Do You Know Someone In A Nursing Home?
- Resources
- Community Tidbits
- Get Your Disability Pride Red Sox Jersey
- Strength and Support: A Networking and Resourcing Sharing Event
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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. |
| | Glenn Thompson 4/23/1954-5/19/2025 Due to a tragic work accident resulting in a spinal cord injury. Glenn pursued recovery with a passion that led him to participate in adaptive sports programs, with an avid love for sled hockey and skiing, and ultimately became Vice President, then President, of the NSCIA Boston Chapter (now SCIboston). He was also an inspirational peer visitor and was involved in high school prevention programs Click here for the full obituary |
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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 After Dark Groups *Relaunched* Family Groups SCI/D Discussion Group And Nutrition Group Click the button to access more information and the zoom links! |
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| Upcoming Events
For a full calendar of our events, visit our events page here |
|  The second SCIboston “TR24” Legacy WIFFLEBALL Tournament will be held on June 14, 2025, and will continue to benefit SCIboston’s Travis Roy Legacy Grant Program. The grants are used for durable medical equipment not covered by insurance and vehicle modification costs. These grants aim to positively impact the quality of the lives of people with spinal cord injuries. From 2001 until 2021, the Travis Roy Foundation WIFFLE BALL Tournament was held at the Little Fenway Complex in Essex Junction, Vermont. Over the years more than $7.5 million was raised and provided support to thousands of paralyzed survivors of spinal cord injuries. In 2022 the Tourney was relaunched to benefit a charity Travis Roy was very involved in during his lifetime -- SCIBoston. SCIboston is excited to carry on Travis’ legacy and host the SCIboston “TR24” Legacy WIFFLEBALL Tournament. To donate to the Travis Roy Legacy Grant Program and learn more about this awesome event, click here!!! |
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| SCIboston's Travis Roy Legacy Grant Program SCIboston is excited to announce the continuation of its quality of life grant program for individuals with a spinal cord injury or disorder and has renamed it The Travis Roy Legacy Grant Program. To read the full press release click here! 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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|  |  | 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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| | | Join the Disability Policy Consortium for a Legislative Briefing on Wheelchair Repair Reform on June 10th from 11:15 to 1:30 pm in the House Members Lounge at the Massachusetts State House. Register here! Protect Medicaid! Tell your US Senators to oppose any cuts to Medicaid! Take action with the United Spinal Association – this is a new alert, so feel free to send it in again! Also, please consider sharing your Medicaid story! Submit to United Spinal’s Medicaid Story Bank. Sign up for Medicaid Phone Banking! Join Health Care for All in calling constituents in critical Congressional Districts, urging them to ask their representatives to oppose any and all cuts to Medicaid! Sign up here! Did you miss the latest SCIboston Saturday Education Series: Getting Started with Grassroots Advocacy? Check out the recording by clicking on the video below!
Save the Date! The ADA35 Rally and March will be on Wednesday, July 23rd, 12:00 pm at City Hall Plaza, Boston in honor of 35 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)! Join us in showing appreciation for the advocates who have come before us and carrying their legacy forward as we advocate for our rights! This is a rain or shine event – cooling buses will be available. SCIboston's Peer Mentors and Advocates, Donna King and Caitlin Reilly, will be attending Roll on Capital Hill (ROCH) with United Spinal Association this year. We are excited that they will be representing us in Washington. Here is some more info about ROCH from United Spinal. 13th Annual
Disability Advocacy and Empowerment Event
June 22-25, 2025
The Mayflower Hotel, Washington, DC United Spinal Association’s 13th annual signature policy and advocacy conference, Roll on Capitol Hill (ROCH), will be held in-person in Washington, DC. The sweeping four-day agenda offers high level engagement for our corporate allies to advocate alongside United Spinal members and stakeholders to champion vital issues that advance the advocacy, empowerment and independence of more than 5.5 million U.S wheelchairs users, and the larger disability community. With over 100 wheelchair users in attendance, corporate partners will be invited to be part of over 200 scheduled Capitol Hill meetings, attend welcome and congressional awards receptions, as well as priority meetings that speak to our shared agendas. This event strengthens the voice of our community and ensures all people with disabilities are engaged in policies that impact their quality of life and independence. To learn more about ROCH click here. |
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| The Resilient Leader's Journey
Ep. 146 Doug Frey, Board Member, SCI Boston  Doug Frey, SCIboston's Board President, was a guest on Trent Theroux's podcast, "The Resilient Leader's Journey," discussing his journey from a career in finance to his experiences living with a spinal cord injury and his involvement with SCIboston. Trent Theroux has been a long-time supporter of our organization through his simming events, raising over $200,000 for our Quality of Life grant program. The full podcast is available on Trent's YouTube Channel here! |
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| Mentor Spotlight Name: Jerry Injury Level: T4 Complete Year of Injury: 1999 Jerry sustained a spinal cord injury in 1999 due to a motor vehicle accident. As a father of two and a peer mentor for over two decades, Jerry leads by example with his positive attitude and dedication to helping others. He is highly active in the golf community and was one of the first individuals to own a Paramobile—an all-terrain wheelchair designed to assist individuals with disabilities to stand, swing, and navigate the golf course. Jerry's commitment to mentorship and passion for adaptive sports have made him a remarkable figure in the community. |
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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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| 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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| | |  | The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities invites you to: Strength in Support: A networking and resource-sharing event with employed youth & young adults with disabilities, personal care assistants, job coaches, and inclusive workplaces Date: Monday, June 23rd, 2025
Time: 12:30pm to 2pm
Format: Hybrid
In Person at the MA State House Room 428 and on Zoom Registration link here Hosted by our Disability Employment and Workforce Supports subcommittees, this event will bring together employed youth and young adults with disabilities, personal care assistants (PCAs), and job coaches to share success stories, reflect on challenges in the workplace, and explore actionable strategies to advance disability-inclusive employment. The event aims to foster connection, elevate lived experience, and highlight opportunities for building a more inclusive workforce across Massachusetts. We are pleased to be joined by community organizations and state agencies, including Partners for Youth with Disabilities, MassAbility, JVS Boston, Institute for Community Inclusion, the Federation for Children with Special Needs, the PCA Council, The Arc of Massachusetts, Commonwealth Corp., Boston Center for Independent Living, Work Opportunities Unlimites, and others committed to advancing inclusive employment. Learn more here! |
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 | Celebrate Inclusion with the Red Sox Disability Pride Celebration Jersey 2025 Giveaway The Boston Red Sox are proud to honor the disability community with this Red Sox Disability Pride Celebration Jersey 2025 Giveaway. Designed to promote inclusivity and awareness, this unique jersey blends the classic Red Sox heritage with meaningful design elements that represent disability pride. A standout feature of this jersey is the Braille patch on the sleeve, making it a powerful statement of accessibility and inclusion. Additionally, the shoulder showcases a custom disability pride logo, reinforcing the message of empowerment and representation. The jersey’s button-up front and relaxed fit ensure it’s perfect for game days, casual wear, or as a collector’s item. Available in multiple sizes, it’s designed to be worn with pride by all fans. For more information or to purchase a jersey, click here! |
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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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