As the weather warms up, our Chapter has a lot to look forward to this Spring – but first, have you checked out our blog recently?
Our blog serves as a platform to highlight helpful resources, provide valuable information, and showcase our awesome Chapter with member spotlights. Through this avenue, we aim to engage our community, offer support, and inspire others on their journey towards independence and empowerment. While recovery may look different for everyone, it’s important to build solidarity by listening to fellow Chapter members’ stories. Our member spotlights allow Chapter members to share and reflect on their journey following their spinal cord injury, offering helpful insight for those with shared experiences. Read our recent spotlights to learn how Chapter members Don Bellino and Greg Johnson found resilience and independence in the midst of a life-changing transition. If you’re interested in being featured on a member spotlight, please email us at unitedspinalneo@gmail.com.
Visit our website for the latest updates, event announcements, and stories that celebrate our members. We share the latest information for our monthly meetings, still on the 3rd Monday every month at 7pm ET, on our calendar page. In February, Dr. Rob Hoey gave us an update on his bowel study using nerve stimulation to enhance function after SCI – watch the recap here. Members enjoyed a virtual social hour during our March meeting, followed by a presentation about an online guide for navigating resources after SCI by Dr. Anne Bryden in April. The goal of the guide is to support individuals with SCI and their caregivers as they make the transition following injury, offering information on equipment and home modifications, finding the right rehabilitation options, accessing government resources, and more – watch the recording to get an update on the progress toward this project. If you’re looking for resources now, explore ClevelandSCI.org – a comprehensive source for SCI education, research, and supportive resources in Northeast Ohio.
We’ve also been busy planning an exciting lineup of events for our Chapter in 2024. Last year, we had the pleasure of attending various events through our Community Event Ticket Program, including Cavs and Guardians games, Playhouse Square musicals, and performances by the Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom Music Center. These outings provided valuable opportunities for our Chapter community to come together and enjoy a range of events across Northeast Ohio.
2024 Community Event Ticket Program
We have several upcoming events planned for our 2024 Community Event Ticket Program, with more to come – make sure to check our calendar page to stay updated on event details. Tickets are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Chapter members may request tickets in sets of 2 (1 set = 1 wheelchair seat and 1 companion seat). Request your tickets now to join us for these fantastic opportunities to connect and have fun with fellow Chapter members:
- Cleveland Play House: In the Heights
Date: May 25, 2024, 7:30pm ET
Location: Allen Theatre, 1407 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115
Request your tickets today! (5 sets of 2 tickets available)
What’s it about? In Washington Heights, N.Y., the scent of warm coffee hangs in the air just outside of the 181st St. subway stop, where a kaleidoscope of dreams rallies a vibrant and tight-knit community. At the intersection of it all is a likable and magnetic bodega owner who hopes, imagines and sings about a better life.
- Cleveland Guardians v San Diego Padres
Date: Friday, July 19, 7:10pm ET
Location: Progressive Field, 2401 Ontario Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44115
Request tickets here (10 sets of 2 tickets available)
We’re still coordinating additional outings to watch performances by the Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom Music Center, including scores from Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark and Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. Stay tuned for details.
Local Chapter Events
These exciting events don’t end with our Community Event Ticket Program – our local Chapter is thrilled to host a series of engaging events in 2024. These events are designed to bring our Chapter members together, build connections, and provide valuable resources and support. The handcycle picnic and our 4th annual trivia fundraiser were the highlights of 2023, and we’re excited to add another event to the roster this year by bringing back the car show and cookout!
- Car Show & Cookout
Date: Saturday, June 22, 2024
Location: MetroHealth Old Brooklyn Medical Center, Back Parking Lot – 4229 Pearl Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44109
Details: Join us for a Cruise-In Style get-together, grilling lunch, and learning about the Driving Program through MetroHealth! See and learn about different vehicle modifications and the process for obtaining your adaptive license. If you have a vehicle to show off, please feel free to bring it (just be sure to let us know on the RSVP form so we can allocate enough space)!
RSVP here
- 3rd Annual Handcycle & Picnic in the Park
Date: Saturday, August 10, 2024
Location: Cleveland Metroparks’ Cottonwood Reserved Shelter, Fairview Park
Details: Get ready for a day of outdoor fun at our Handcycle and Picnic in the Park event. Whether you’re interested in trying out handcycles, playing yard games, or simply enjoying a picnic with friends, this event is always a favorite for our Chapter.
RSVP here
- A Night of Trivia Fundraiser
(Tentative) Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024
We hope to see you at our 5th annual trivia fundraiser in November! We had such a great turnout for last year’s fundraiser, we’re looking for a larger venue this year. More details to come – make sure to check our calendar or Facebook page. If you want to get involved with our Event Planning Committee to help us plan the best fundraiser yet, email us at unitedspinalneo@gmail.com!
27th Annual SCI Forum
Hosted by the MetroHealth SCI & Rehabilitation team, the 27th Annual SCI Forum is a must-attend educational conference for the SCI community. Join us for engaging discussions, valuable resources, and opportunities to connect with experts and peers in the field. We’re excited to hear from Keynote Speaker Joci Scott from the LA Rollettes Wheelchair Dance Team, along with vendors and organizations serving the SCI community – don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn and collaborate.
Date: September 28, 2024, from 9am to 3pm
Location: MetroHealth Main Campus Rammelkamp Atrium located at 2500 MetroHealth Dr, Cleveland, OH 44109
We look forward to welcoming you to these upcoming events and creating memorable experiences that strengthen our Chapter community. Stay connected with us for event updates and additional opportunities to engage and connect with fellow members.
Looking Ahead
As always, we are seeking individuals to join our board and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our Chapter. If you are passionate about making a lasting difference for Northeast Ohio’s SCI community, becoming a board member could be the perfect opportunity for you. We would love to hear from you if you have expertise in areas such as finance, fundraising, legal, marketing, program management, or technology – or any other skills that can help us support our local Chapter. If you have any capacity to attend board and committee meetings, as well as other organizational events, and a willingness to dedicate time, skills, and personal networks to support our fundraising and donor engagement initiatives – please let us know!
If you’re unsure whether a board role is for you, we are happy to share more information about what that would entail, and to tailor a position to accommodate your busy schedule. We also have several options for new volunteering roles within the Chapter. If you would like more details or if you are interested in contributing in a different capacity, please reach out to us at unitedspinalneo@gmail.com.
We’re thrilled by the progress our Chapter has made in 2024 so far, and we’re eager to build on this momentum. Thank you for your continued support!
