Share your hope

Positive About the Future

I feel very positive that a cure or fix for spinal cord injuries and paralysis must be within reach. Our scientists and medics are making huge progress in medicine, especially in the last 20 years. It would be wonderful to see this achievement in my lifetime.

Hope for the future

I really hope and dream with research that spinal cord injuries dont result to a life time sentence of paralysis.

future

I look forward to a future when spine paralysis will not be a fear but more an obstacle that with research we can overcome.

Looking forward to a future free of autonomic dysfunctions

As a fellow researcher in this space i am looking forward to bringing a new generation of therapies for restoring autonomic function after high level spinal cord injury.

Hope

I had SCI almost 1 year ago. my condition is much better. I hope I can graduate this year. I wish I could have a new wheelchair. and get a new car reward so I can travel easily. because since having SCI I don't have access to just go to the mall or something like that. Fighting for all the people had Spinal Cord Injury. We can do it. And lastly, I wish my father and mother to be happy in heaven

My Message of Hope

I hope and pray that one day there will be no such thing as permanent paralysis.

Hope to help

I have a spinal injury at C1 but still got As and Bs in my 7 GCSEs and 3 Alevels. I volunteered at a local primary school helping and teaching children of all ages in all subjects. I also volunteered at a refugee centre. I have a degree in Languages and Linguistics. I am now doing a Masters in English Literature. I also did an internship analysing how women with urinary incontinence find emotional support on online forums and a volunteering scheme analysing how dentists communicate gum disease.

World strongest disabled man

I was born with spina biff and struggled to walk. Fast forward 50 years and I've won the world bench press championships (against able-bodied) and the world strongest disabled man. Both 4 times

A future to look forward to.

Hidden behind doors, stuck in bed, feeling forgotten is all part of having a Spinal Condition. My hope is that hidden or invisible disabilities are accepted by all and that access to an interesting and fulfilling life outside of our homes becomes the norm.

Dum spiro spero

My life motto is the Latin phrase, dum spiro spero, which translates to "While I breathe, I hope". I will never give up hope of a life without paralysis with the help of scientific research.

Always have hope

October 2017 our lives changed for ever. My son was paralysed from the waist down. It breaks our hearts every day to see him go through all the many complex complications that come with a spinal cord injury. We live in hope that one day soon there will be a cure.

Keep going never give up

Back in 2004 my brother then age 22 was involved in a car accident leaving him paralysed and in hospital for 6 months . Mentally he was destroyed for over 5 years suicidal and hidden away. Thankfully and luckily after many dark years fate intervened and he met his current partner who is also paralysed and his whole outlook on life has done a full 180. In 2017 I crossed the Arctic raising over £11,000 for Spinal Research, his recommendation. He was crying for help but didn’t give up .

FREEDOM, Tom Outerbridge

A future free from paralysis would open up vistas of life that are currently closed. Physical autonomy, relationship intimacy and active adventure.

`life changing improvements for people like me living with paralysis' Harvey, Spinal Research CEO

Scientists around the world are making remarkable progress in understanding the spinal cord, and what it may take to restore vital functions after injury. We are now witnessing the first generation of therapies which will deliver life changing improvements for people like me living with paralysis. Support from the whole SCI community is now vital to ensure we can progress this promising research into treatments which will help cure paralysis.

Don’t give up!

Regardless of what doctors tell you, never give up hope for improving yourself and changing your circumstance. First and foremost take care of your mental health, then never settle for a future you don’t want for yourself. Science is progressing fast and our bodies are incredible. There’s no reason to not be happy! Work hard to change your circumstance to what you want to achieve. You got this!

`We will find a cure' Lloyd, Spinal Research Ambassador

My family and I are so very grateful to all of the professors and research teams around the world and to Spinal Research for all their hard work and efforts and I believe we will find a cure

`This is your moment' Jonathan Goodwin

We very often spend our lives fixating on the past, or worrying about the future. The reality is that both the past and the future only exist in our heads. This moment, right now, this is the time you are alive; where you life actually exists. This moment, now, is the only time that you have the power to enact change. You can’t change what’s happened to you in your life, and you can’t predict the future but you can make a difference now. This is your moment. What are you going to do with it?

'Gamechanging progress' Sue, Spinal Research Trustee

Some of the progress is becoming a reality. My husband is paralyzed from the chest down and simple things like a better hand grip through to increased bowel and bladder control would be real game changers for us both.

VERY HOPEFUL

I know I’ll walk again!

Research means Hope

To me Research means Hope and now more research is being done by the Perry Cross Foundation and Reeve Foundation so it is closer to getting some function like Breathing function and Urinary and it helps with needing less Care and a better quality of life now and lead to more later on.

Real change is on the horizon

The Science on SCI recovery is rapidly moving. There are so many incredible research projects underway, with some already in clinical trials. This gives me so much hope that in my lifetime we will see real positive change and life improvements.

`in my lifetime we will see a cure....' Rob, Spinal Research Trustee

21 years in a wheelchair and I am now 63. I believe in my lifetime we will see a cure to over 90% of the problems of a spinal injury

The Future is already here

I consider myself fortunate to have been paralyzed now. In 2021 and beyond resources like KBF foundation, High fives, swim with mike and so many more provide opportunities for disabled people to go to school, get back in sports and ultimately live life without the burden of extra financial costs. Im a t12 incomplete para, you can find my story on any social media platform if you search up my name (Mason Branstrator) There I will be living my life to the fullest in any way I can!!

`The science is here, now. What we need is funding' Tara, Spinal Research Trustee

Therapies exist to restore function right now with other promising developments and avenues in the wings. The scientific community believe it's possible to cure paralysis. The hurdle that exists is one of funding and no longer one of science. Everyone with and related to someone with a spinal cord injury needs to be shouting from the rooftops about these developments and please do everything you can to raise money for the cause. Neurological repair will be the breakthrough of the 21stC!

`Changing the perception of disability' Martin Hibbert

Dream, Believe, Achieve…

`hope for independence' Lolly, Spinal Research Ambassador

My hopes for research are that one day I can become independent and hopefully walk away from my chair. But even just being able to do the simplest of tasks for myself would be amazing

To the future

After my accident in 2008 I was paralysed from the neck down and my parents were told that I wouldn’t breathe for myself again. I’m stubborn and knew that wasn’t going to happen,I kept trying to get off the ventilator and finally I got to where I could breathe unaided which made me so happy. Never give up or take no for an answer. I hope that scientists in the not so near future find a cure to reverse a spinal cord injury ❤️

I became the world's strongest disabled man

I was born with Spina Bifida, and up to the age of 14, I didn't do a lot of activities. Then I decided to do something about it and started to exercise and train with weights. Fast forward 45 years, I have won the world's strongest disabled man 4 times and the world bench press championships (against able-bodied)

`Promising New Therapies I Hope To See In The Clinic Soon' Michael Fehlings

Recent scientific advances have resulted in a number of exciting potential therapies for spinal cord injuries. Regenerative medicine and electrical spinal cord stimulation have shown promise in research settings and it is now time to invest in large-scale clinical trials to fully understand how these tools can be used to enhance function in individuals living with chronic spinal cord injuries. I believe we are on the cusp of being able to offer effective treatments to restore function.

Never lose hope

My Son had an accident many years ago when he was 16, leaving him paralysed from the shoulders. I never give up hoping and praying he will one day regain the use of his hands, his bowel and bladder and if he’s really fortunate his legs . I’m sure with all the research going on it hopefully won’t be much longer and he will have the life he deserves

Beat Paralasys

A future without paralysis would mean everything, not just to me but to my family. Since my accident (soon 7 years) i still cant see me living a whole life paralaysed, i love life but i hate being paralaysed. As soon as i start writing about this topic i cant stop. Lets BEAT PARALASYS!

Lifes like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get !

My SCI journey began back in 1983, thanks to a drunk driver. But my wheelie life began in 2001. When discs began collapsing . Now i’m T4 complete / C4 incomplete. Yes I have spasms in legs, arms, hands, and very painful bad bladder ones too. Two shoulder ops, and awaiting a third. And Two strokes to top it off. But life and time continues to pass. It’s only the past 6 years that Ive truly enjoyed life, thanks to the love of a truly great guy. Never - ever give up hope. 👨🏻‍🦽♥️

Let’s make chronic spinal cord injury curable.

Hello, my name is Loredana. I live in Italy. In 2001 I was paralyzed following a car accident that caused me a spinal cord injury. I’m now a paraplegic, which means I am paralyzed from the waist down. After watching the TV show where there are 4 girls paralyzed by spinal cord injury, I have asked myself if I identify myself with them, but the answer I gave to myself was NO. I live an “active” life like them, but the big difference is that I also spend much time doing my best to SUPPORT MEDICAL RESEARCH TO FIND A CURE THAT WILL ALLOW ME TO WALK AGAIN AND TO LIVE A REALLY INDEPENDENT LIFE. LIVING LIFE WITH PARALYSIS IS NOT FUN as it seems watching the TV. LIVING LIFE PARALYZED IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE CONDITION OF LIFE FOR ME AND TO FIGHT FOR A CURE IT SEEMS TO ME JUST THE MOST OBVIOUS REACTION. So I created the blog Cure Girls on a mission to fight paralysis with other girls that think like me. If you would like to join me Please show your support and if you can make a potentially life-changing donation to Spinal Research that would be amazing! Let’s make chronic spinal cord injury curable. Don’t give up the fight!

Keep pushing

The best piece of advice that I can give you is to keep pushing. We may have our bad days, but we are fighters. Our bodies have been through so much and they continue to fight. I hope that one day there is a cure for paralysis, but in the meantime, I am going to enjoy my life while I can and I hope you all do the same.

Hope for the future

My hope is that my wife will one day be able to stand and turn,and no longer need a hoist.that she will be able to do more every day normal things for herself.that her spasms will cease.Also for more opportunities to meet up with people with disabilities.And do hobbies and interests like art and cooking.hopefully more community events for her,better footpaths and a recreational centre that accommodate wheelchair users.hopefully when she gets her electric chair,we can go out more,thank you

Belief in the researched treatment, prayers and self determination can help you a lot.

I had been offered a place at Warwick university for a degree in psychology starting in 1977. I had taken a year out before to work and raise funds for uni. I had almost fatal head injuries and damaged my heart and nerves from a motorbike accident in 1976. I was given less than 20% chance of survival. A mass and many other prayers from others plus my determination saved my life. All the doctors and others were very surprised at my survival. It was a miracle. Never give up and stay strong inside.

Mother Awaits a SCI Breakthrough

September 2018 has been a life changer for my 22 year son and our family. He became paralyzed from his waist down and now has to cope with daily excruciating pain, spasms and a variety of everyday inconveniences. Torn hearts have cried endless tears and prayed for his recovery. Medical expenses for surgeries are still being paid. I believe numerous other families are experiencing our woes as well. As a mother, I am optimistic that a breakthrough is soon here.🙏🏼🙏🏼🤝🙌🏼

Jamie Hay

My family and I tragically lost our Jamie after he was paralysed in a car accident and fought a hard battle for 4 years. We miss him everyday and there’s not a day that goes past where he is not mentioned or spoke about. I keep his memory alive by organising an event annually on his birthday to raise funds for spinal research

Spinal research

Please continue all research into spinal injuries to help for the future

Live in hope

For some 30 years now I have lived in constant pain24/7 ,7 days a week!. Also having various parts of my body deciding they don't want to work today ! . My message of hope is before too long a cure will be found to fix severe SpinalStenosis/Spondylolyitis .So people like me can live a life free of pain and able to contribute to society and even to have fun again !....

Persevere

Never give up working to get better in every way.

Blessings

May you all be blessed with Love and Peace in your lives. Knowing that what you do is great whether you are in need of help or helping others, know that you are part of a wider journey, a circle that will lead us all to be blessed in the gentle enfolding joy of Love. May everyone know that they are equal and whatever the task the Love that is within and all around them will help them to meet and complete it.

Paralysed then running marathons

In Sept 2015 I was suddenly paralysed from the waist down it was discovered I had a rare sciatic nerve tumour called a Schwannoma which had spread up my spine where part of my spine was removed in surgery tumour burnt off then put together... after surgery I was given a 10% chance of walking again let alone run and as a runner that was devastating news ....I chose not to listen a year later I ran a half marathon since then I have run a marathon and lots of half marathons. Please Never Give up x

Life is wonderful

Whatever happens to you in life: life is always wonderful. Remember that during your darkest moments. Set yourself small, achievable goals and take the opportunity to enjoy the environment around you and appreciate the people who bring joy to you. You still have a lot to give; probably in ways you never imagined. Stay positive: the best is yet to come.

Independence

A world without paralysis would be huge. My son was only 4 years old when he was involved in a road accident. He is paralysed from the neck down and dependentt on a ventilator. He is now 33 years old. A world without paralysis would mean the world for him even though he has lost his childhood, youth and everything, he wouldn't want anybody else to go through what he and his family have been through as he sees no hope for himself in SCI research.

Recent research advances

The work done recently by Prof Paula Marques, material scientist at the University of Aveiro in Portugal and her colleagues, to provide an alternative pathway for signals to avoid damaged nerves, is very promising. Fingers crossed for these radical new treatments to be generally available soon.

Living

We all want to live our best lives.... Everyone should have that choice no matter what....

It's the little things that count

From conversations with colleagues and friends who have a spinal cord injury, I know just small changes could make the world of difference. So I hope (and believe!) that there will soon be breakthroughs that deliver improved hand function, or improved bladder, bowel and sexual function. Those things would transform the lives of people living with an SCI, and would be tremendous steps on the road to a cure for paralysis

`Independence' Bel, Spinal Research Ambassador

Finding a cure for paralysis gives me hope that one day I will have the independence to do day to day tasks that many take for granted.

The ability to be spontaneous again

There are many physical complications with SCI, but the logistical ones are often overlooked. Having an SCI can require so much planning. The ability to go somewhere and know I'll be able to get in without worrying about ramps, stairs, narrow corridors or bathrooms would be incredibly liberating.

Hope for treatments and cure

As some of the research projects we fund are only 3-5 years away from becoming real-life treatments, hope for a cure is so important now more than ever!

My hope for research

I have such high hopes for the research being funded around the world by Spinal Research. I look forward to the day we see these treatments transform lives. ❤️