 | | Spinal Cord Injury Transition Program Do you know someone with an SCI that is living in a nursing home? We are pleased to announce that the GBC has a Spinal Cord Injury Transition Program which assists individuals with SCI in transitioning out of nursing homes to living in the community. This program was started in December 2021 and is led by Occupational Therapist, Stacie Selfridge. 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. |
| | | | Girard Anthony Plante Friday, December 4th, 1959 - Wednesday, February 15th, 2023 Girard Plante was on the Greater Boston Chapter of United Spinal Association Board of Directors from 2002 to 2004 and 2008 to 2011. He was an active advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, especially those using wheelchairs. He will be missed by all who knew him in our community. Rest peacefully Girard. |
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| In this newsletter you will find: - Upcoming Events
- Annual Report
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Advocacy Update -
Looking to Connect with a Peer Mentor? -
GBC YouTube (NEW VIDEO: SCI and Bladder Management) -
Support Group Information -
For Sale/Donations -
Grant Program - Community Tidbits: United Spinal, KBF, and Boston Self Help Center
- Thank You To Our Sponsors
- Event Flyers
- Helpful Websites
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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. The Greater Boston Chapter of United Spinal Association 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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| | | Please join us for An Evening of Celebration and Live Storytelling to Support the SCI Community, on Saturday, April 1st 2023 at 5:30pm for the GBC/SCIboston Gala at The Hilton in Dedham, MA. |
| | We are looking for volunteers to serve on planning committees, as well as the night of the gala. Please click the SignUpGenius link to let us know that you’d like to volunteer. Specific committee descriptions are outlined in the sign up. Sign-up Here! Please let us know if you have any questions or how we can best support you! To enable us to confirm meal count, please RSVP before Friday, March 10, 2023 |
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| | Saturday Education Series: Returning to School After SCI March 18th 2023 11:00am-12:30pm Hear from members of our SCI community who’ve returned to school or went back to further their education and explore new career options after a spinal cord injury. The panelists, with varying levels of SCI, will share their personal experiences and the process, adjustments, and adaptations that enabled them to successfully return to school. Q&A to follow. Join Zoom Meeting: Meeting ID: 854 6618 9726 Passcode: 870800 |
| | Annual Report 2022 We are excited to announce that we have published our Annual Report 2022! Click the button to read the report in it's entirety. |
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| |  March 1st, 1:00pm Rally to Support PCAs 26 West Street, Boston Union Hall 32BJ SEIU Click the button below for this months advocacy update where you will find news and updates from United Spinal on seat elevators for wheelchairs, their advocacy webpage and Advocacy Live. Interested in getting notifications about our advocacy efforts or being an advocate on the state or national level? |
| | | Looking to Connect with a Peer Mentor? Are you or a family member looking to connect with one of the GBC'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. The GBC's mentors also lead many of our virtual support groups, as well as attend them to provide support to others. If you'd like to hear more about the program or wish to connect with someone, please contact the GBC's Peer Mentor Coordinator, Jessika, at jcoromel@partners.org to learn more today. |
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|  | Our YouTube Channel Have you missed one of our recent Saturday Education Series Presentations or one of our virtual community events? Did you know that we upload them to our YouTube channel? We have presentations on: Bladder Management (New) Adaptive Driving Returning to Work After SCI Accessible Travel SCI Awareness Month Playlist And so much more! Click the button below to check them all out! |
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 | Virtual Support Groups Join us for one or more of our virtual support groups that meet your needs as an individual, family member, or significant other affected by a spinal cord injury or disorder (SCI/D). Our many virtual groups offer opportunities for open discussion, support, and resources. Women's Group Newly Injured Spanish Group SCI/D Discussion Group And many more! Click the button to access more information and the zoom links! |
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|  | For Sale/Donated Are you looking for or do you have Durable Medical Equipment, Assistive Technology, Adapted Vehicles or an Accessible Home for sale or donation? This month we have: Hoyer Lift Shower Chairs Therapy Table (FREE) Kia Soul Ramp Vehicle Duet Basic Bicycle Concept Rower And so much more! Click the button below to check them all out or submit your item! |
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 | GBC Grants 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 $4,000. 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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| |  | Kelly Brush Foundation A Night to Inspire: Boston Thursday, March 30, 2023 6:00 – 9:00 pm 100 W. 2nd Street Boston, MA 02127 Enjoy a night of cocktails, meaningful conversation, hearty hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment, and chances to challenge your friends to some friendly competition on adaptive sports equipment. We’re excited to share our mission to inspire and empower people with spinal cord injuries to lead active and engaged lives. We hope you can make it! The support of the KBF from Boston over the years has made a huge impact on our ability to provide adaptive sports grants to people with spinal cord injuries. We have high hopes that this year’s event will double that impact. For any ticket questions please contact Sam Burrington at: samuel.u.burrington@gmail.com |
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 | Betty Commerford 5k Memorial Run, Roll, Walk on April 8, 2023 at Artesani Park in Brighton, Massachusetts, 1255 Soldiers Field Road, 02135. Organized by the Boston Self Help Center, this event is not only a fun and active way to support a great cause, but also a celebration of the life and legacy of Betty Commerford, a lifelong Mission Hill advocate and longtime supporter of adaptive sports and recreation.
Whether you're a runner, a walker, or a wheelchair participant, all are welcome to participate. Sign up now and invite your friends and family to join in on the fun.
See you at the start line! |
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 | United Spinal Association’s Access and Care Coalition Webinar: Access to Catheters 101 March 8, 2023 – 1:30-3:00pm ET Tune in to United Spinal Association’s Access and Care Coalition Catheter 101 Webinar to learn how catheters are covered by insurance and how catheter users can advocate for themselves when requests are denied by insurance. Hear from catheter users, clinicians and catheter suppliers and manufacturers for best practices and tips on how to best manage your catheter supplies. |
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| | | | Thank you to our sponsors! |
|  | Support also provided by the Lenny Zakim Fund and the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation. |
| | | | | Did you miss a newsletter? All our past newsletters can be found here: |
| | | | | | Greater Boston Chapter of United Spinal Association
2 Rehabilitation Way | Woburn, Massachusetts 01801
(617) 952-5643 | info@sciboston.org |
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