A “New” Addition to Team SPINALpedia!

“My internship this past summer with SPINALpedia  was one of the best experiences of my life. Where else would I have been able to play wheelchair rugby, help paralyzed surfers catch waves, and give presentations to physicians about SPINALpedia.com?

As the community intern, my job was to educate the paralysis community about SPINALpedia, and let them know how it can help them live each day to the fullest. I handed out hundreds of SPINALpedia flyers, contacted spinal cord injury organizations across the country, and volunteered at events. But there is still so much I want to do, so I have asked to extend my internship with SPINALpedia.

Like many others with connections to the paralysis community, my introduction to spinal cord injury came with no warning. My cousin was paralyzed in a car accident almost three years ago. Since then, I have raised funds for Kevin’s medical expenses, helped him with therapy, and tried to learn as much as I can about spinal cord injury.

Nick (left) and his cousin have always been close. Kevin was paralyzed in a car accident in 2010 and Nick has not left his side. Nick has also been interning for SPINALpedia since June 2013.

The highlights of my summer internship included:
— Giving a presentation at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital
— Speaking to spinal cord injury support groups at the International Center for Spinal Cord Injury at Kennedy Krieger Institute and the University of Maryland Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation Hospital
— Volunteering at a MedStar NRH rugby clinic in Chesapeake Beach, Md. and a Life Rolls On adaptive surfing day in Virginia Beach
— And having the pleasure of meeting Mr. Edward Eckenhoff, the founder of MedStar NRH, who gave a high school kid the amazing opportunity of speaking to an auditorium full of doctors, therapists and other hospital staff.

I’m looking forward to continuing my internship with SPINALpedia and to keep spreading the message to the  paralysis community that there are no limits to what they can do.”

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We’re so excited that Nick will continue his work as a part of Team SPINALpedia during the school year! He will continue help us with developing our community and spinal cord injury outreach, and we’re excited for him to get to know all of you better.