As the Holiday Season grows near, it’s a time for many of us to reflect on the blessings we have received in our lives.

United Spinal Association hopes you also take a moment to welcome into your heart some of your fellow Americans who are struggling each day to cope with the tremendous adversity and challenges of living with spinal cord injuries and disorders including multiple sclerosis, ALS, spina bifida, Lou Gehrig’s disease, and post-polio.

What better way to share in the spirit of giving than to make a Holiday donation to United Spinal Association?
You can rest assured that your generous gift will help empower people with disabilities and mobility impairments of all ages across the country to lead full, pro-active, and rewarding lives.

By supporting United Spinal, you help us to continue:

• Developing events that offer children who use wheelchairs an opportunity to discover the positive benefits of adaptive sports and recreational activities that build confidence and self-esteem.
• Providing valuable resources and unparalleled one-on-one mentoring support to assist individuals in resolving the day-to-day challenges of living with a spinal cord injury or disorder.
• Hosting premier events, lectures, training programs, and seminars that promote active living and independence for all Americans with disabilities and their family members.
• Advocating for civil rights and improved accessibility for individuals with disabilities at the local, state, and federal level
• Supporting the most prominent spinal cord research facilities in the Nation, including the Yale Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research
• Providing self-advocacy and coaching support; wheelchair and assistive technology consultation; counseling services; and disaster assistance
• Informing millions of people each year on important disability issues through our web sites, public service mailings, journals and magazines, conferences and instructional sessions, informative publications, participatory events, email alerts, and television and print media.

Words From Our Members, Friends, and Partners

“When I needed the assistance United Spinal came through. They persevered and followed through until the end to successfully assist me when I needed it the most. I feel that United Spinal has so many programs and they’re always willing to help anybody in the community that needs it. They’re always right there when I need them–just a phone call away.”–Marilyn Lazarcheck, United Spinal member from the Bronx, NY.

“Bill and I have always wanted to travel more, but we were very nervous about it. United Spinal’s Able to Travel program really eased our minds and have been very accommodating. Their travel agents have brought back our confidence to travel.”–Helen Poulos, United Spinal member from Chicago, Illinois.

“I am planning to move in with my girlfriend and wanted to get some advice on making the apartment more suitable for my needs. Rather than spending hours searching on the Internet, I decided to come to United Spinal’s Independence Expo because all of the information is in one place. It’s rare having an event like this so close to home, where so many disability experts are available to offer you support.”–– Dante Kroon, Independence Expo Long Island attendee.

“I consider it a personal and professional responsibility to remain informed as to the issues that individuals with disabilities face. I attended United Spinal Association’s Disability Leadership and Policy Summit at Hofstra University to learn how to help our community collectively, and myself individually confront disability issues and become a more effective self-advocate.”–Michael Kalberer, Hofstra Graduate, Mineola, NY.

“The VA is supposed to help veterans in need of treatment and care, but this may not always the case, that’s why it is important to get assistance from a third party. We all need a voice to fight for us. If I knew about United Spinal Association and VetsFirst when I initially petitioned the VA I may have already received compensation. The staff have been extremely thorough and is always following up and offering information on the claims process.”–Joy Starke, United Spinal Member and Veteran of the U.S. Army who served from 1996-1999.

“We are all alive and, for now, we have been made to feel welcome where we are staying. To see so many people coming to our aid is a blessing. United Spinal donating all this equipment to help people get mobilized again, really gives me a sense that people out there understand the different struggles that we are dealing with right now. I have no more words to express my appreciation for what United Spinal has brought to us.”–Sean Artigues Sr., New Orleans resident and Hurricane Katrina survivor.

“This was one of the best days in my life. I thought this day would never come. It’s fun. Every wheelchair user could go to a place that they’re invited to. This was a great experience”–Karina, Kids Sports Spectacular Participant

“We are incredibly proud of our partnership with United Spinal Association. It propels us financially and we really do share the same goals. We also get a gift of focus and mission because United Spinal not only gives dollars, but wants to know where those dollars a going.”–Stephen Waxman, PhD, director of Yale University Medical School’s Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research

“Pepsico’s sport clinics for youths with disabilities would not be possible without the support of organizations such as United Spinal Association. They bring so much to the table. We believe in taking a harmonized approach to promoting diversity and inclusion. We aren’t experts in disability issues, so gaining the insight and support of knowledgeable disability groups and nonprofit organizations make these events even more rewarding for everyone involved.–Lynda Costa, president of PepsiCo’s Westchester EnAble

“CVS Caremark Community Grants are an effective way for us to contribute to the success of communities where we do business. We are proud to support the work that United Spinal Association does in the community.”–Jenifer Veilleux, director of CVS Caremark Corporation.

We wish all of our friends and supporters a happy and healthy holiday season.
United Spinal Association