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:
*LAST DAY TO GET TICKETS* SCIboston's 2026 Gala!!!
Community Needs Survey - Please Help Us Serve Our Community Better
The Steven F. Riley Educational Memorial Scholarship
Peer Mentor Spotlight - Linda
Boston Marathon Runner Update with Jackie!
Go Foward! 2026 Announcement
*NEW VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUP*
Advocacy Update
SCIboston's Travis Roy Legacy Grant Program
Did You Miss It? WATCH NOW Saturday Education Series: Transcutaneous Spinal Stimulation
SCIboston's SCI Transition Program - Do You Know Someone In A Nursing Home?
A Good Read - Without the Wheelchair, There Is No Whitecoat
Community Tidbits: Discovery SCI Lecture Series, Empower SCI Applications
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***Today is The Last Day to Get Tickets!!***
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.
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.or
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.
The Steven F. Riley Memorial Educational Scholarship
*Applications for the Fall 2026 semester are due March 31 and will be awarded by May 1.*
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.
Linda sustained a spinal cord injury in 2004 at the age of 52, which also resulted in partial facial and eye paralysis due to a motor vehicle accident. She is a dedicated advocate for individuals and organizations focusing on disability and accessibility, with a keen interest in accessible design. Linda enjoys solving puzzles, volunteering, and participating in her church groups. Her education background is in business and finance, and she is knowledgeable in spinal cord injury-related topics such as colostomy, adaptive driving, and supra-pubic tubes. Linda's advocacy work and expertise make her a valuable resource in the disability community.
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.
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.
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.
New Support Group!
We are pleased to announce the addition of a new SCIboston Virtual Support Group!
Beginning March 10, 2026, we will offer a **Newly Injured Support Group** that 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** begins March 10, 2026, 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 click the button below to review the updated group descriptions to determine which group or groups best fit your needs.
What’s New in Advocacy – Updates and Opportunities:
Local:
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. Then sign up to attend the Disability Policy Consortium’s Wheelchair Repair Legislative Briefing. This hybrid event will take place on Thursday, March 12, from 12:00–2:00 PM, either in person at the Massachusetts State House (Hearing Room B1) or online.
Save REquipment from devastating cuts! REquipment is facing a proposed $500,000 cut in the FY27 budget that would effectively end the statewide reuse program. Please contact your state legislators today and urge them to protect REquipment. Take action here.
PCA Program Changes to Watch in the Budget: The Governor’s FY 2027 budget includes proposed reductions to the PCA program, which could total over $100 million in spending limits. Potential changes include reducing the weekly overtime cap from 66 to 60 hours and limiting meal-prep time to 7 hours per week. These are not final, so join BCIL for a PCA rally to make your voice heard on March 19th at the Massachusetts State House at 12:30pm.
Apply to be a LEND Fellow at the E.K. Shriver Center/UMass Chan Medical School! This program provides Fellows with the knowledge and skills needed to drive meaningful change within institutions, organizations, and communities. LEND coursework can be credited towards a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Suffolk University at reduced tuition. Apply here.
National:
Join United Spinal’s Virtual Advocacy Day! Registered advocates are invited to meet virtually with Congressional offices on March 19 to advance key policy priorities. This year’s focus includes opposing federal competitive bidding for catheters and ostomy supplies and protecting full funding for Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems. Space is limited – register here to secure your spot. Not a registered advocate yet, but want to attend? Sign up to be a registered advocate here, first.
Urge your Senators to vote ‘no’ on the SAVE America Act! The SAVE America Act would add new proof-of-citizenship requirements for voting, creating added barriers for people with disabilities – particularly for mail voting. Mail-in voting is essential for many disabled voters, who rely on it due to accessibility, transportation, and health considerations, making any new restrictions especially impactful. Read the full statement from the American Association of People with Disabilities and click here to send a letter to your Senator.
Submit a Public Comment on Universal Changing Stations Standards! The U.S. Access Board is developing technical standards for universal changing stations at airports and is looking for public feedback. For more information and to submit your comment, click here.
Passionate about parking? Share a short video clip with the United Spinal Association on your challenges with accessible parking! Your story can make a difference. Share your clip he.
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 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.
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.
Thank You To Our Sponsors
Bob Nichol, Robert Mueller, and Bernhard Metzger, in memory of Karen Zander
Thank You to Our TR24 Legacy Wiffleball Tournament Sponsor
In a recent Change of Shift essay published in Annals of Emergency Medicine, Steven Ferro, DO, and Sakina Sojar, MD, share a powerful reflection on life after spinal cord injury and the journey to becoming an emergency medicine physician.
After sustaining a complete T4 spinal cord injury at age 22, Dr. Ferro describes the long and difficult process of rebuilding independence, identity, and purpose. His essay highlights both the resilience required to navigate life after SCI and the barriers people with disabilities continue to face—particularly within health care. As a wheelchair-using physician, Dr. Ferro brings a unique depth of empathy and understanding to his patients, demonstrating how lived experience can strengthen care.
At the heart of his story is the role of community and support. As Dr. Ferro writes:
“I believe a sense of purpose each day is a prominent marker of success in life. Although this is an ongoing journey, not a destination, it starts with a recipe of intrinsic motivation and external forces of support. The former is often celebrated, but the latter is even more substantial. I wouldn’t have found the level of meaning in my life without the persistent support of family, friends, and healthcare professionals involved in my personal recovery and career.”
We encourage you to Click Here to read the full article. Dr. Ferro’s journey is a powerful reminder of what is possible when individuals with SCI are supported, believed in, and empowered.
Community Tidbits
'Where do I go from here?': Improving Hospital to Community Transitions in Rehabilitation
When: Thursday, March 19, 2026 11:45 AM-12:15 PM. Where: Virtual Link Presenter(s): Carla Tierney-Hendricks, PhD, CCC-SLP
Bio: Carla Tierney-Hendricks, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an Instructor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School and serves as Director of Health Systems and Implementation Science at the Rehabilitation Outcomes Center at Spaulding (ROCS). She is also the Principal Investigator for the Advancing Rehabilitation Outcomes through Implementation Science and Engagement (ARISE) laboratory at Spaulding. As a licensed speech-language pathologist and clinician scientist, Dr. Tierney-Hendricks has over 15 years of experience in the assessment and treatment of acquired cognitive-communication disorders, with a primary research focus on improving long-term outcomes for individuals with aphasia and stroke-related impairments. Her program of research leverages implementation science, community-engagement and mixed methods approaches. Specifically, her current NIH- and foundation-funded research aims to improve transitional care services for rehabilitation populations.
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!
