“I’m passionate about sports,” says Victor Pena. “Staying active improves my physical and mental health.” Victor became paralyzed over 30 years ago, when a shot in the back on his 20th birthday caused a spinal cord injury.

Anyone else might have thought their days of active sports were over, but not Victor. In the years following his spinal cord injury, he adjusted by joining adaptive sports, including snow skiing, hand cycling, body surfing, and water skiing.“I’m stronger, more engaged in life, and more independent.”

Despite Victor’s physical strength from so many years of adaptive sports, he severely injured his shoulder while transferring out of his wheelchair one day. “It’s a common injury for people in wheelchairs,” explains Victor. “The pain was intense. Suddenly, I was unable to propel myself in the wheelchair, move my arm, or get a good night’s sleep without pain. Sports were put on hold.”

Victor was reluctant to undergo surgery. Luckily, he learned about Kessler Foundation’s regenerative rehabilitation research at the Derfner-Lieberman Laboratory. Thanks to donors like you, he participated in a study. Fat was extracted from his abdomen, processed, and injected into his injured shoulder.

Months after receiving the treatment, Victor continues to practice the exercises he learned during his participation in research and reaps the benefits. No longer experiencing shoulder pain, Victor spent the summer of 2020 water skiing more than he ever had. He also found alternative ways to stay active at home during the pandemic by joining virtual boxing and yoga classes. 

“I sincerely thank the donors who support Kessler Foundation’s research. Without you, I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the sports I love, maintain my physical and mental strength, or live independently."