I’ve always associated September with a time of transition and change.
The summer starts to slip away with each passing day, moving closer towards the beauty of fall, leaving in its wake a mysterious feeling of excitement. Somewhat akin to that sliver of time we might experience in sleep as we drift from consciousness towards the ether of our dreams. Our minds completely open to the possibility of what’s to come.
However, the same transition might tend to carry anxiety as well. For many, it brings with it a new school year. For others, it might be the advent of a Q4 push to meet specific business objectives. And of course there are those who might begin to fret over the rapid succession and busyness of the approaching holidays. And for my sister, it currently signals the final countdown until she welcomes her baby girl into this world.
Regardless of what September might signal for you, there is one thing that remains constant: September is National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month.
Spinal cord injury doesn’t receive the same attention in the media as other diseases and conditions typically do. September brings with it the opportunity to change that. The chance to bring attention to the struggles and triumphs that individuals living with a spinal cord injury experience on a daily basis. Fortunately, there is a way for you to help:
• Consider making donation to Getting Back Up, a nonprofit that positively impacts the immediate quality-of-life for spinal cord injured individuals by offering adaptable products and exercise based therapy programs.
• Use your social media platforms to let other people know that September is National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month. Download the attachment below and spread the word about the work Getting Back Up is doing to help those living with a spinal cord injury. To date, GBU has helped over 30 individuals, with the average grant being more than $1,300! However, there are so many more who still need help.
• Invite your friends and family to like Getting Back Up’s Facebook page, follow GBU on Twitter and help to keep the awareness going long after September has ended.
September is finally here. And now you have the chance to make a change.
Stand Strong!
Scott
Hi Scott. I just ran across your story on the health US news website. What an inspiration you are. My brother who is 68 fell from a standing position in February and is now quadriplegic. I am his poa and biggest advocate. Although he is a lot older than you, I was finally able to ask him that same question months later. He also suffered some hypoxic/anoxic brain injury and developed ICU psychosis so on a few of his good days I had asked him numerous times in a roundabout way if he was happy and wanted to continue living. Without him having advanced directives in place before a life changing situation happened, this was in a difficult place to be in. I always questioned if doing everything in my power to keep him going was selfish on my part until the day my prayers were finally answered and he made the decision himself. He is hospitalized again right now and I think the saddest part is the looks and comments made to me by medical personnel. I always feel the need to defend my actions on his behalf. We are in Youngstown Ohio, and they have the absolute worst medical facilities and the mentality of some of the MDs isn’t much better. I want to help. I want to somehow advocate and participate in doing something for the disabled, especially those who do not have a good family support system Is there anything at all I can participate in? I look forward to hearing from you.
You the man, Scott Fedor. You will be an awesome uncle. Early congrats. Love ya buddy.
Yes,I think spinal cord injuries are in the minority, but the impact on us is so great. So many issues people don’t see. I will spread the word on my fb page, and others to do the same. Getting back up is so important in making a difference in SCI lives.
Scott
Beautifully written as we roll into September.
Thank you for making such a difference!
Lisa, Grant and Rick Dutkiewicz