Ladies and gentlemen, meet Tim Mackie — a longtime resident of Northeast Ohio and a valued member of our spinal cord injury community. Tim’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and giving back, and his active lifestyle continues to inspire those around him.
Tim was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and while Northeast Ohio has always been his home base, his younger years included time spent moving through Michigan and even living in London, England. By the age of 16, he found his way back to the Cleveland area, where his roots firmly took hold. Today, Tim is single, deeply connected to his community, and always working on what’s next.
At 24, shortly after graduating from East Carolina University in 2000, Tim’s life changed dramatically. While working as a construction manager in Greenville, North Carolina, he fell approximately 30 feet while helping a subcontractor dismantle scaffolding. The accident resulted in a T4/6 incomplete spinal cord injury, along with an elbow injury. Tim recalls that after the fall, he doesn’t remember anything — but what followed was a journey of adaptation, determination, and growth.
Creativity has always been a central part of Tim’s life. He loves working with his hands, especially in woodworking and carpentry. What began as a hobby has grown into a small business crafting custom charcuterie boards. When he’s not in the workshop, Tim enjoys card games like Canasta, fishing trips to Florida with his parents, and cheering on the Cleveland Browns — attending at least one game each season, often with his dad. After 24 years away from the sport, Tim is golfing again thanks to specialized golf cart equipment. He’s also developed an interest in accessible architectural design and has helped a friend design an accessible home.
When it comes to favorites, Tim keeps it simple and classic. Sushi tops his list, though a good steak is hard to beat. Vanilla ice cream is his go-to dessert — plain, but perfect as a base for strawberries, bananas, or a drizzle of Hershey’s syrup. Coke wins over Pepsi (too sweet, in his opinion), Sprite beats 7-Up, and cilantro? That one’s still a mystery, though he doesn’t mind a little sprinkled on top of an Italian brick oven pizza.
Looking ahead, Tim is focused on innovation. He is currently working on two pending patents and developing a marketing plan to bring them to life. One invention is a transfer aid designed to help individuals safely move to and from the floor. The other is a protective system intended to reduce wear and tear on cabinetry, appliances, furniture, and other surfaces caused by wheelchair use. His goal is to eventually license these designs to companies such as Invacare or Permobil — and he has even more ideas in the works.
Tim’s passion for community shines brightest through his involvement in the Peer Mentor Program with United Spinal Association Northeast Ohio Chapter. Giving back, especially to the SCI community, is deeply personal for him. When he was first injured, a group like this didn’t exist — and he knows how much it would have helped during those early years. Today, Tim uses his lived experience to support newly injured individuals, offering knowledge, encouragement, and understanding. He finds weekly gatherings at CANN both therapeutic and educational, where he learns something new through shared conversations and experiences.
As Tim approaches his 25th year of living with a spinal cord injury, he’s open about the ongoing challenges of wheelchair life — but also about the strength found in connection. His story is a powerful reminder that while the journey isn’t easy, none of us has to navigate it alone.
We’re proud to spotlight Tim Mackie and grateful for the energy, wisdom, and heart he brings to our community.
