by Kim Anderson, PhD
On June 2nd the Northeast Ohio Regional SCI System (NORSCIS) organized a special networking event hosted in partnership with the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation and MetroHealth System.
This event brought together community members, peer mentors, and partners for an evening of connection, learning, and support centered around SCI.
Advancing Research and Care
The event featured a deep dive into the latest research priorities from the Reeve Foundation’s “Tomorrow’s Cure” initiative. Attendees also received an update on the groundbreaking work being done locally at MetroHealth’s SCI Research Labs, where teams are focusing on:
- Improving treatments for bladder and bowel dysfunction.
- Addressing psychosocial needs.
- Developing robots designed to assist caregivers.
Resources and Mentorship
A key focus was the National Paralysis Resource Center, a cornerstone for those navigating life with paralysis. The event also celebrated the Peer Mentor Program, giving a special spotlight to the local SCI peer mentors who provide critical firsthand support to others in the community.
Celebrating Local Impact
The gathering served as a platform to introduce several local Reeve Foundation Quality of Life awardees, highlighting projects that are making Northeast Ohio more inclusive and active:
- MetroHealth Intimacy Lab: Recognized for its work on sexual health and intimacy after injury.
- Metro Parks: Funded for their continues work creating adaptive sports.
- Dunham Tavern: Awarded for its ongoing accessibility project to ensure this historical site is accessible to everyone.
The event concluded with community networking opportunities, allowing attendees to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones. This event underscored the power of partnership in driving research forward while providing today’s care for those living with paralysis.
