Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
One of the most devastating disabilities, SCI affects mostly young, physically active people between 18 and 28, forcing a paradigm shift and a struggle for movement, freedom and independence.
AN IMMENSELY PERSONAL CAUSE
Fighting for Freedom of Movement for People with Spinal Cord Injury
Ever since his own spinal cord injury in 1985 which left him a high-level quadriplegic, Mike Nemesvary has been fighting for people with SCI in the battle for greater independence and the right of movement. Spinal cord injuries immediately change the lives of people afflicted, often making them dependent on others for care and movement. The things most of us take for granted, the day-to-day and seemingly mundane, become a tremendous challenge for those who have suffered a spinal cord injury. A quadriplegic like Mike, for example, sees an entire six hours of his waking day taken up by personal care, things that would seem simple and easy to those who have not suffered an SCI. That’s why Mike is determined to raise both funds and awareness, with the goal of empowering people with spinal cord injury.
THE CHALLENGE: 20 YEARS ON
Worldwide inclusion for healthcare, transportation and quality of life, for all 1.3 billion
In the 20 years following Mike’s famous ‘Round the World Challenge in 2001, many strides have been made in the field of research and empowerment for people with spinal cord injury. The drive, however, is far from over. Quadriplegics and others with SCI face continued battles and barriers, from basic human rights of dignity and independence to day-to-day access, movement, personal care and much more.
Complicating this further is the COVID-19 global pandemic, which has unfortunately had negative impacts both financially as well as in the matters of physical health and mental & emotional wellbeing. It is in this spirit that we are pressing on with the 20th anniversary of the ‘Round the World Challenge, continuing Mike’s mission to raise awareness and funds for people with spinal cord injury so that they may lead better lives with greater dignity, freedom and independence.
