Did you know approximately 17,700 Americans acquire a spinal cord injury (SCI) each year? Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness, advocate for change and celebrate the achievements of those living with SCI.
Learn from the following personal reflections from wheelchair users living with a SCI.
Find your community
“Three and a half years ago, I was paralyzed. Since then, I’ve had the honor of meeting so many wonderful people living with paralysis through the power of social media and friends! Each and every one of them has taught me how to enjoy life to the fullest after my injury,” says Mason Branstrator.
“I find immense purpose in connecting with my SCI community, and take great pride in sharing what we are capable of with the rest of the world.”
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Life hacks are key to independence
“Being independent with a spinal cord injury can be challenging, especially when it comes to doing tasks like grocery shopping or running errands that require balancing items on your lap,” Wesley Hamilton.
“However, one simple yet effective hack I’ve found is always having a crossbody bag on hand. It’s been a game changer for my independence.”
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Injury can happen to anyone at anytime
“I’ve spent 20 years working out how to live WITH the paralysis in my body and have learned just how much life it has given me. So, if you are newly injured, just keep going; it will get easier,” says Sophie Morgan.
“And if you are reading this and think you are impervious, just be careful. Remember, disability happens to everyone at some point in their lives, so don’t take your body for granted. And don’t make assumptions about our lives either.”
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Peer support is powerful
“I recently visited a girl in the hospital who had just gone through a spinal cord injury. Talking with her reminded me of the raw innocence you have right after something like this happens. The truth is no matter how old you are when you experience this injury, it’s a lot to take in,” says Anna Sarol.
“I like to think I gave her some hope, not just with the questions she asked, but the answers I was able to share. Because hearing her pour out her fears and dreams, reminded me so much of the Anna I knew nine years ago.”
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It takes a village
When I came home I was stressed and depressed at how different life was. Crying every night, I finally came to the idea of acceptance in order to move forward with my life. Knowing things would not go back to how they were. Sharing my journey was the best thing that I could ever have done, learning everyday that I inspire and help people from all over,” says Ray “Speedy” Walker.
“Thank you to my therapists and trainers. It wouldn’t be possible without your support and encouragement. Thank you, Queer Eye, for helping me see the beauty within myself. Thank you to my family and friends for always being there for me.”
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Losing the ability to walk is the tip of the iceberg
“Simply put, after a suffering a spinal cord injury, your brain is unable to communicate or communicate well with a lot of systems of the body. It is SO much more than paralysis,” says Kerry Peterson.
“Depending on the level and the extent of the spinal cord injury, sensation and function will look very different between people.”
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Our chapter network provides community nationwide
“SCI Awareness Day at Fenway was an absolute blast! Thank you to the Red Sox for giving us this opportunity to raise awareness and bring so many of the people from our community together.”
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It’s okay to feel mixed emotions
“Do you wish you could breathe, move, and walk?! Every day. Not all day, every day, but every day,” says Laura Michelle.
“It’s not that I don’t live a beautiful life, because I do! It’s just because it would make life so much easier for myself and my family and the beautiful people in my life! And some days it’s hard. It’s really freaking hard. But until the time comes when I can do all of the things, I’m enjoying this one and only life I’m given!”
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Learn more about spinal cord injury. Reach out to our Resource Center for individualized support. Join us in advancing disability rights. Donate to support our mission.