“Talking to someone who is already living in a chair has helped me a lot. They have already been down the same path.”
— Alan, Paraplegic
“After I was discharged, the Greater Boston peers were there for me through emails and phone calls to help answer my questions, and let me know I am not alone in my experiences. The mentors for SCIboston are a great resource for any SCI patient to have in their toolbox.””
— Michelle, paraplegic
“I called and asked “Can you help provide programs or resources as it has become clear that my brother (injured 18 months ago, tetraplegia, and now living in a nursing home) needs some brain stimulation due to lack of mobility and touch with the world outside the four walls he looks at each day.” Six months later my brother was in his own apartment. I am grateful for what the SCIboston has done. ”
— Andrea, cousin
“When Chris first visited me in rehab, I was so angry but he kept coming back. He showed me how to live with “this”.”
— Michelle, paraplegic
“My patient really appreciated being able to talk to someone who has been through what he is going through. You have a wonderful program.”
— Social worker, Whittier Hospital
“My peer mentor, Mark, inspired me to not give up. He taught me how to problem solve and think ahead. I can do anything if I set my mind to it and simply figure out how to do it. I can be independent. Today, I am finishing college and preparing to apply to medical school. I also volunteer my time in the neurology/pain management center at a leading medical center and have fun playing sled hockey and skiing. All things I never imagined during those dark nights lying in my hospital bed.”
— Steve, paraplegic
“The family support group is the only thing that embraces family members, specifically. It was good to hear from others going through the same thing.”
— Father of a quadriplegic
“Even though I did not see you every day, I know you were here. Thank you for all you did for us and for always being there even when I thought I did not need you.””