Raising Awareness for Nerve Research
The Impact
“Every year, around the world, between 250,000 and 500,000 people suffer from spinal cord injury“
— World Health Organization
Nearly 5.4 million people in the United States live with paralysis.
— According to the American Journal for Public Health
“Around 30 million people in the United States suffer from some form of peripheral neuropathy.
— According to the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy
Supporting Nerve Regeneration Research
Struck a Nerve was founded in the hopes to raise money towards nerve regeneration research, a cause deeply important to me. Prior to my accident, I had goals of participating in a variety of races, such as the Moab 240 and an IRONMAN, however I was told I would never be able to.
I plan to raise awareness for this cause by taking on some of the world’s toughest endurance races. After my surgeon cleared me to start running post-surgery, I kickstarted this journey by challenging myself to complete an IRONMAN in under one year of training. This ambitious goal is even more remarkable given my injuries and the fact that I’m learning to swim, bike, and run with one arm as I continue to recover. Although I was told that long-distance running would never be possible again, I believe that by facing the impossible, we can show others that anything is achievable.
I will be raising money through a series of fundraisers held throughout the year, culminating in my first-ever IRONMAN. All funds raised will be donated to the Neuroregeneration Lab at UConn Health—a cutting-edge facility dedicated to developing innovative treatments for spinal cord injuries. More information can be found at https://health.uconn.edu/neuroregeneration-lab/.