Give Natalie the Ultimate Valentine's Day Gift
Happy Valentine's Day! Today, I share how, with your support of Kessler Foundation, you help couples like Natalie and Bryan overcome disabling injury and jumpstart their future.
Four years ago, Natalie was driving to Newark Airport with her dog, Dutchess, when her car was struck from behind. She was paralyzed from the waist down. Dutchess, her loving companion, was put in foster care.
Determined to get her life back, Natalie began participating in spinal cord injury research led by Gail Forrest, PhD, director of the Tim and Caroline Reynolds Center for Spinal Stimulation at Kessler Foundation. By participating in this innovative research, she is improving her mobility and helping scientists develop new ways to restore function after spinal cord injury using electrical stimulation of the spinal cord.
This treatment is changing Natalie's life dramatically. She describes the stimulation as “a jumpstart—it makes me move.” Her legs are becoming stronger and easier to control every day. Now, she can stand, walk, with assistance, and talk at the same time—something she couldn’t do before spinal stimulation.
“My legs are energized—and I’m energized about my future. I’m back to work full-time and engaged to be married!” says Natalie. Because of your support, Natalie is gaining independence at home, cooking for herself and her fiancé Bryan, and caring for Dutchess, who is back at her side.
Your generosity makes a Valentine’s Day story like Natalie and Bryan’s possible. Thank you.
