The United Spinal Association’s Northeast Ohio Chapter is already off to a great start this year, and we’re looking forward to continuing this momentum this summer! We kicked the year off with our first Connect-In the Community Meetup at Fatheads Brewery in February, followed by another meetup at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse in North Olmsted. For those who weren’t able to attend, we have plenty of events coming up this summer – we hope to see you there!
Recent and upcoming events
Our chapter has a lot to look forward to in the coming months. Our event programs offer a variety of opportunities to get connected out in the community – and they’re all free to our chapter members, friends, and family.
We’ve officially launched our Connect-In the Community meetup program!
Thank you to our chapter members who braved the winter elements for the first meetup in February, and to those who joined us for the second! These meetups are designed to offer our members a chance to build and strengthen connections with Northeast Ohio’s SCI community in an informal setting. There’s no agenda – stop by to enjoy a drink and chat with fellow chapter members, whether you’re talking about your experience with SCI and sharing resources with one another, talking about the weather, or anything in between. The next meetup is on Saturday, September 13. Make sure to mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details.
Please join us on June 14 for an Adaptive Car Show & Cookout at MetroHealth’s OBC Campus, from noon to 3pm.
For the second year in a row, we’re hosting a Cruise-In Style get-together. We’ll have a grill out for lunch, along with opportunities to learn about MetroHealth’s Driving Program! Finding the best driving options for you after an SCI can be challenging, so we’re bringing our chapter out to learn about different vehicle modifications and the process for obtaining your adaptive license, all over a burger or hot dog and car show for our chapter members’ awesome rides.
RSVP now to join us and watch the Cleveland Guardians take on the Oakland Athletics, on July 19 – first pitch is at 7:10pm!
Tickets are available in sets of two to chapter members and one guest (one set per member), free of charge, through our Community Event Ticket program. We have a limited number of tickets, available on a first come, first served basis.
We’re hosting our 4th annual Handcycle & Picnic in the Park, on August 16, from 11am to 3pm at the Cleveland Metroparks’ Cottonwood Reserved Shelter in Fairview.
Our Handcycle Picnic is a chapter favorite – we’re looking forward to another fun day of grilling, playing yard games, and trying out the handcycles with our fellow Chapter members. RSVP now – friends and family are welcome!
If you can’t attend this year but still want a chance to try out the handcycles – a combination of low-riding and upright bikes – you can email us at unitedspinalneo@gmail.com to borrow one of our handcycles for up to 30 days. We have several handcycles that are available for you to borrow if you can transfer (or can be assisted with transferring) through our equipment lending program. Learn more here!
Save the date!
MetroHealth’s 2025 SCI Forum will be on October 3, from 9am to 3pm in the Rammelkamp Atrium at MetroHealth’s Main Campus (2500 MetroHealth Drive, Cleveland). Details for the agenda and RSVP link to come – in the meantime, you can watch the replay from last year’s forum here.
Our 6th Annual Trivia Fundraiser is on Saturday, November 15. Last year, our attendance grew for the second year in a row, so we’re exploring a larger venue again this year – thank you to all our chapter members, friends, and families who came to show support to our SCI community. Please stay tuned for more details so we can make this year’s fundraiser another hit!
Join Us in Making a Difference
We’re always looking for passionate individuals to join our team and help improve the lives of those living with an SCI. Whether you’re interested in supporting our equipment lending program, joining our event planning committee, or serving as a board member, there are many ways you can get involved and make a meaningful contribution to our Chapter’s growth and impact. As always, encourage others to become free members and take advantage of valuable programs and community events. Your engagement and support are essential to helping us empower individuals throughout Northeast Ohio.
We’re continuing to build a more inclusive and accessible community—and we can’t do it without you. Thank you for your continued dedication to our mission. If you’re interested in learning about how you can get involved, please reach out to us at unitedspinalneo@gmail.com to explore volunteer opportunities and leadership roles within our chapter.
