| |  | | Our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access, and Belonging (DEIAB) statement can be found here. |
| |
|
| In this newsletter you will find: - SCIboston Receives Grant From Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
- Upcoming Events
- The Power of Art Gala Photo Gallery
- Congrats to SCIboston's 2025 Marathon Runners and Recap Video
- Advocacy Update
- Looking to Connect with a Peer Mentor?
- Support Groups
- Thank You to Our Sponsors and Supporters
- SCI Transition Program - Do You Know Someone In A Nursing Home?
- Resources
- Community Tidbits - Help Hope Live, Empower SCI Pathways, M.A.R.C. NETWORK, NCHPAD Mentor Program
|
|
|
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. |
| | |
|
| | |  SCIboston RECEIVES $50,000 QUALITY OF LIFE GRANT FROM THE CHRISTOPHER & DANA REEVE FOUNDATION FOR TRANSITION PROGRAM Woburn, MA – April 16, 2025 – SCIboston is proud to announce that it has been awarded $50,000 as part of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) 2024 Priority Impact Cycle Quality of Life grants (22 grants for $824,289). The Quality of Life Grants Program supports nonprofit organizations that empower individuals living with paralysis. Since the Quality of Life Grants Program’s inception, more than 3,990 grants totaling $46 million have been awarded. Funding for this program was made possible through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living (ACL grant#90PRRC0006-04). The Reeve Foundation’s National Paralysis Resource Center has several grants under the Quality of Life program awarding grants in different category areas, varying in different amounts. The Priority Impact grants program funds organizations to support a wide range of projects and activities that will impact individuals living with paralysis and their families. “These awards are about restoring independence to our constituents,” said Dan McNeal, Director of the Quality of Life Grants Program, Reeve Foundation. “Our work and number one goal are to enhance the quality of life of people living with paralysis. It is our honor to continue to collaborate with so many dedicated organizations, which have selflessly given their time and efforts to ensure that accessibility and inclusivity remain embedded in the fabric of their programs.” Since 1992, SCIboston (formerly the Greater Boston Chapter of United Spinal Association and RISE Above Paralysis) has assisted thousands of people-injured and family members alike who have been affected by traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCIs). From the moment of injury, we offer hope through support groups and one-on-one support, understanding, and guidance. Our peer mentors and compassionate community show that rich and fulfilling lives are possible in the aftermath of injury. “Receiving this funding means our organization will be able to continue to offer assistance to the most vulnerable in our community with the fewest resources. Individuals with spinal cord injury who do not have the support to return to living at home or in the community following their injury” Molly Sebo, Executive Director, SCIboston. SCIboston will use the grant to continue to support our Transition Program. Our Transition program assists individuals with spinal cord injuries that are in skilled nursing facilities to return to living in the community. Our program offers one-on-one support to assist in finding accessible housing, navigating complex insurance plans, and securing personal care attendants. SCIboston is honored to have been selected for the Priority Impact Award from the Christopher & Dana Reeve’s Foundation. SCIboston would like to thank the Reeve Foundation for selecting our organization for this award. About the Reeve Foundation:
The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research and improving the quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis. By uniting the brightest minds in the field, we are working tirelessly to accelerate scientific discoveries across the field of spinal cord research by investing in labs across the globe. Additionally, through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living, the Reeve Foundation’s National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) promotes the health, well-being, and independence of people living with paralysis, providing comprehensive information, resources, and referral services, assisting over 100,000 individuals and families since its launch in 2002. The Reeve Foundation is committed to elevating our community’s voices and needs to achieve greater representation and independence. We meet all 20 of the Better Business Bureau’s standards for charity accountability and hold the BBB’s Charity Seal. For more information, please visit our website at www.ChristopherReeve.org or call 800-225-0292. SCIboston is a dedicated group of individuals affected by a spinal cord injury or disorders (SCI/D), including family members, loved ones, healthcare associates and many more. Through grant opportunities, mentorship, support, and community building, SCIboston strives to reach, inspire, support and empower individuals with spinal cord injury. Our mission is to:
Reach individuals and families affected by spinal cord injury and disorder.
Inspire the newly injured through role models and peer mentors.
Support individuals and families as they begin their post-injury journeys.
Empower individuals with spinal cord injuries/disorders to reach their goals and dreams. We have offices at Encompass Rehab Hospital in Woburn, MA, and at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Charlestown, MA.
Additional information can be found at www.sciboston.org. Contact
Molly Sebo, Executive Director
SCIboston
617.905.2340
molly@sciboston.org
Reeve Foundation
media@reeve.org |
|
|
| |  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!!! |
|
|
| 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! |
| |
|
| 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!  |
|
|
| THE POWER OF ART GALA PHOTO GALLERY IS HERE! |
| It's been a month since The Power of Art Gala, and we are still blown away by how amazing it was. We have combed through all of the amazing photos that photographer Ben Flanders took and put our favorites on our website for your viewing. Check out the full gallery here! Here's a peek at some of the great memories made that night. Thank you again to everyone who participated in this wonderful event! |
|  | | Congratulations to SCIboston's 2025 Boston Marathon Runners! |
| Congratulations and thank you to our marathon runners who completed the 2025 Boston Marathon on April 21st! They both completed their runs with great times, Gustav finished in 3:50:29, and Jay finished in 4:33:47. They said they felt great and had fun. Also, our Board Vice President, David Estrada, was honored to fire the starting pistol to kick off the wheelchair division. A great day for SCIboston and all disabled athletes! Thank you to all who supported our runners. If you'd like to donate to their campaigns, you still can at: Gustav's page here!
Jay's page here! |
|
|
| Click on the video below to check out the full recap! |
|  |
|
| | This past Tuesday, legislators at the Massachusetts Statehouse heard testimony on two bills (H.1278 and S.210) that would improve access to prompt wheelchair repair. The hearing was held last minute, but there is still time to submit written support for these bills! Check out the hearing page for more information. Want help crafting your testimony? Reach out to vita@sciboston.org. Read the WGBH article as well here. Check out the most recent newsletter here. |
|
|
| 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. |
| 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. 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! |
| |
|
| Thank You To Our Sponsors Silver Sponsors Bronze Sponsors A Special Thank You to Our Supporters |
|
|
|  | 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.org for more information or to recommend a candidate. |
|
|
|
|
| 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! |
| |
|
| | |  | Hope Hope Live Help Hope Live supports community-based fundraising for people with unmet medical expenses and related costs due to catastrophic injuries and illnesses. These efforts play a critical role in helping clients access the care and equipment they need to heal, live, and thrive, such as modified vehicles, DME, and caregiving expenses. Unlock a powerful and safe way to raise funds for medical needs with Help Hope Live. They provide one-on-one fundraising guidance, a customizable Campaign Page, bill pay support, and additional benefits based on their 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. |
| |  | M.A.R.C Network Introducing the Mobility Awareness Resource Community (M.A.R.C.). The M.A.R.C. Network is a positive, safe, and supportive place where anyone suffering from a mobility disability, as well as those close to them, can find the support and the guidance they need to navigate the challenges associated with the devastating loss of mobility. The support they receive will come from other members of the community who have lived the same challenges and experiences first-hand. In addition to providing motivation and support through its social networking capabilities, the community will be rich with helpful information, instructional videos, access to events, entertainment, and other useful resources. For more information click here |
| |  | Navigating Employment After a Spinal Cord Injury: Work Without Limits Can Help Returning to work after a spinal cord injury comes with unique challenges, but the right resources can make all the difference. Work Without Limits provides support and connections to take the next step in your career. Join TESF and Work Without Limits for this informative webinar featuring Kathy Muhr, Director of Community Engagement, to learn how Work Without Limits can support your employment journey. This session will highlight the wide range of their services, including: Networking opportunities to connect job seekers with inclusive employers Information on how work earnings can affect public benefits Long-term benefits counseling through the Ticket to Work Employment Network Resources on workplace accommodations And more! Register Now |
| |
|
 | Empower Pathways : Spring series February through May 2025 The Spring Series is made up of several day events throughout the Northeast including a “Family Dinner” cooking experience, an opportunity to try adaptive sports, a day of art at the Museum of Fine Arts (followed by a trip through Boston to a brewery), an adaptive ski day, and an urban adventure in Manhattan. These programs are open to anyone with a spinal cord injury and are a great way to get a taste of the Empower SCI magic. **Cost of most Pathways Programs is $25 per person to cover administrative fees associated with programming, but please apply if you are interested as scholarships are available. Click here to register | | |
| |  | Explore a fresh approach to health and wellness from home with MENTOR: Now Enrolling! MENTOR is an 8-week introductory wellness program designed to support your health – all from the comfort of your home. Each week you’ll have access to free, online, adapted exercise classes, cooking demos and mindfulness sessions. Our supportive team of health coaches and disability health experts will help you reach your health goals in just five hours a week! Contact SASCMentorProgram@mgb.org to sign up. |
|
|
| | | Did you miss a newsletter? All our past newsletters can be found here: |
| | | | |
|
| SCIboston
2 Rehabilitation Way | Woburn, Massachusetts 01801
(617) 952-5643 | info@sciboston.org |
| | |
|
| |
|
|
