"I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles."- Christopher Reeve, Still Me
The effects of a spinal cord injury (“SCI”) can be life-altering, and present challenges to people with SCI and their loved ones. Millions worldwide are living with paralysis, including approximately 300,000 people in the US alone.1To raise awareness and education about this important issue, in 2014 U.S. Senate Resolution 533 recognized the month of September as National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month.Paralysis is something most people don’t like to think about, and unless it happens to you or someone you love it’s difficult to understand both the challenges and the incredible successes people with SCI have every day.National SCI Awareness Month is an opportunity to increase support, understanding, and prevention for everyone, not only those directly affected by SCI.
Ways to Support National SCI Awareness Month
Donate: Even if you don’t have the ability to donate money to a charitable organization, you can donate your time by volunteering for spinal cord injury organizations, foundations, and charities like The Miami Project, The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, the American Spinal Injury Association, and United Spinal Association. You can also volunteer at hospitals and long-term care facilities that provide care to the SCI community. Host a Virtual Fundraiser: While the pandemic prevents hosting in-person events, there are several ways to host an online event to raise funds for research and spinal cord awareness efforts. Sites like GoFundMe.com, Fundly.com, and Capterra.com allow you to create a site where friends and family can donate and gain awareness of this important issue. Include information about SCI and the importance of research and prevention efforts to help educate people as well!Share about SCI Awareness Month on Social Media: Spread awareness and education by sharing information and resources regarding SCI on social media. Topics to address include the importance of research to find a cure, helpful resources for people with SCI and their families, and stories about the amazing things people with SCI achieve every day. Follow the Enemeez® accounts on Instagram and Facebook to re-share spinal cord injury facts during SCI Awareness month.