My name is Pastora Goldner. I’m a mother of three and a grandmother of five. Family is everything to me. While traveling in Egypt with my daughters 26 years ago, I was involved in a horrific car accident in the middle of the desert. I was 47 years old. I have lived with spinal cord injury ever since. Today, I’m a longtime Kessler Foundation research participant and, like you, a Kessler Foundation donor.
In celebration of Mother’s Day, I share my story to tell you how important your past generosity has been to my family and me and to ask you, respectfully, to send a gift today in celebration of mothers and grandmothers.
After my accident, I adapted to life in a wheelchair with the help of my daughters Alana, Taryn, and Rebeca. They were my motivation, my reason for being. I learned to manage my bowel and bladder function, bathe and dress myself, and transfer in and out of my wheelchair. I began driving again. Life was good. I became a grandmother. Spending time with my grandchildren is my favorite thing.
Recently, I began to experience debilitating pain in my right shoulder— a combination of damage from the accident and overuse—those of us with spinal cord injury rely on our shoulders a lot. Propelling my wheelchair became nearly impossible. I needed help to transfer in and out of my chair. A shoulder specialist at a renowned New York City academic medical center said nothing could be done for me.
Thankfully, I heard about Kessler Foundation’s innovative regenerative rehabilitation research, made possible by donors like us. I joined a study and received treatment—one simple injection. The procedure was minimally invasive, but the result was hugely successful. I no longer live with constant pain in my shoulder. I got my life back.
I know you care about advancing life-changing rehabilitation research. Your support has made such a difference. Today, I urge you to give again in celebration of mothers, grandmothers, and others like me.
More research means more knowledge, more advancements, more independence, and more time enjoyed with those we love. Your continued support means the best discoveries are yet to come.
