Spinal Cast MCPF

Jack Jablonski has a tattoo on his forearm, it reads: “I understand my injury. I don’t accept it.”  That should give you some insight as to who he is and how he perceives the future.

In this episode of Spinal Cast, we have a candid conversation as Jack reflects on the past 13 years.  We discuss his injury, experience with the SpineX SCONE spinal electrical stimulator, and his decision to come out as a gay man.  We also explore his current role with the LA Kings, love of hockey, and the inspiring work of his foundation.  Jack’s determination is undeniable.  Through raising awareness and staying true to himself, Jack’s voice resonates with anyone facing adversity, reminding us all of the power of resilience and being our true selves.

Jack’s full bio and more information about the Jack Jablonski Foundation, BEL13VE in Paralysis Recovery can be found here: https://mcpf.org/jack-jablonski/        

Or here, www.jablonskifoundation.org

Thanks again Jack for being our guest on today's podcast! This production is a collaborative effort of volunteers working to create a quality audio and visual experience around the subject of spinal cord injury. A special shout out of appreciation to Clientek for providing studio space and top-notch recording equipment. Most importantly, thank YOU for being part of the Spinal Cast audience!

Interested in watching these episodes?! Check out our YouTube playlist! - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL40rLlxGS4VzgAjW8P6Pz1mVWiN0Jou3v

If you'd like to learn more about the Morton Cure Paralysis Fund you can visit our website at - https://mcpf.org/   

Donations are always appreciated - https://mcpf.org/you-can-help/             

Welcome to the latest episode of Spinal Cast, where we discuss the often over looked challenges of air travel, particularly for those with disabilities.  In this segment, Ian Ruder, Editor-in-Chief of New Mobility, shares shocking stories of air travel.  You’ll discover the alarming lack of industry training for individuals with paralysis as well as the handling of essential equipment like wheelchairs.  Ian also offers practical tips for smoother travel and highlights positive changes, including Delta’s wheelchair-friendly seating prototype and ongoing federal efforts to amend the Air Carrier Access Act.  Join us for a discussion on the path towards a more accessible and inclusive air travel experience for everyone.

More information about Ian and New Mobility can be found using the links below:
 
New Mobility - https://newmobility.com/meet-the-team/

United Spinal - https://unitedspinal.org/

Injury - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-0mbh7Di-w
 
Ian’s Bio:
Ian Ruder is the Editor-in-Chief of New Mobility, the longest-running, most-trusted magazine and web site for active wheelchair users (newmobility.com). A quadriplegic himself, Ruder joined the New Mobility team in 2011 when the magazine was purchased by United Spinal Association, a non-profit focused on mobility-related disability. Prior to working for New Mobility, he worked as a freelance journalist in the Pacific Northwest. When he is not working to promote authentic voices and stories from the disability community, he can likely be found enjoying the culinary delights in his hometown of Portland, Oregon, or rooting for his San Francisco Giants.

Thanks again Ian for being our guest on today's podcast! This production is a collaborative effort of volunteers working to create a quality audio and visual experience around the subject of spinal cord injury. A special shout out of appreciation to Clientek for providing studio space and top-notch recording equipment. Most importantly, thank YOU for being part of the Spinal Cast audience!

Interested in watching these episodes?! Check out our YouTube playlist! - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL40rLlxGS4VzgAjW8P6Pz1mVWiN0Jou3v

If you'd like to learn more about the Morton Cure Paralysis Fund you can visit our website at - https://mcpf.org/

Donations are always appreciated - https://mcpf.org/you-can-help/

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a Personal Care Assistant (PCA) for someone with quadriplegia? In this episode of Spinal Cast we sit down with Kortni Hollingsworth and Sarah Hollowell. Little did they know when they applied and got hired to be Peter Morton’s personal care assistants.
Through their lighthearted telling, Kortni and Sarah offer a candid look into the rollercoaster of emotions and responsibilities that come with the role of PCA. From heartwarming moments that created strong bonds to tough situations that demanded resilience, they share it all. It easy to see how the relationships they formed were more than a contractual client/PCA relationship … a deep friendship was forged, more like being part of the Morton “family.”
Whether you’re curious about the intricacies of the PCA profession or wonder about the realities faced by individuals living with paralysis, this episode is a compassionate and eye-opening discussion about the PCA experience.
Bios for Kortni and Sarah below:

Kortni Hollingsworth -
Kortni is an Emergency Room Registered Nurse. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing while attending Arizona State University. Kortni’s ER career began in Dallas, TX at a Level One Trauma Center, and she currently works in Austin. Kortni loves the fast-pace, high intensity work environment of the emergency room. In her spare time, Kortni enjoys running, spending time with friends and family, and hanging out with her two pups, Dublin and Finley.

Sarah Hollowell -
Sarah is a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nurse in Austin, TX. She grew up in Gila, AZ and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix. After graduation Sarah moved to Austin, TX. She loves working in the NICU and couldn’t imagine working with any other patient population! When not working Sarah enjoys traveling the world, reading, and enjoying good food and wine.

Thanks again to Kortni and Sarah for being our guests on today's podcast! This production is a collaborative effort of volunteers working to create a quality audio and visual experience around the subject of spinal cord injury. A special shout out of appreciation to Clientek for providing studio space and top-notch recording equipment. Most importantly, thank YOU for being part of the Spinal Cast audience!

Interested in watching these episodes?! Check out our YouTube playlist! - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL40rLlxGS4VzgAjW8P6Pz1mVWiN0Jou3v

If you'd like to learn more about the Morton Cure Paralysis Fund you can visit our website at - https://mcpf.org/

Donations are always appreciated - https://mcpf.org/you-can-help/

In this episode of Spinal Cast you’ll meet the compelling Peter Morton, Executive Director of the Morton Cure Paralysis Fund (MCPF). He’s more than a leader; he’s an open book sharing his knowledge, experience and unfiltered honesty. Get ready for a deep conversation with the man behind the mission. And, if you’re meeting him for the first time, you’ll soon understand why he’s a man many admire.

We’ll unravel Peter’s personal story, from the circumstances surrounding his injury to the inception of MCPF. We’ll also discuss the impact MCPF is making in the field of spinal cord injury and what the future may hold.

But what truly sets this episode apart is the candidness with which Peter discusses his life as a quadriplegic on a ventilator. He meets his situation head on and shares the often dark and difficult places where ethical conflicts arise. A spinal cord injury has a ripple effect on family and friends, the daily mental and physical strain takes a toll. What is remarkable is the grace and purpose Peter found in having control over his own situation.

Be inspired, moved and above all, in awe as Peter’s extraordinary story unfolds. This episode is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of finding purpose even in the face of immense challenges. Thanks for all that you do, Peter!

Thanks again to Peter for being our guest on today's podcast! This production is a collaborative effort of volunteers working to create a quality audio and visual experience around the subject of spinal cord injury. A special shout out of appreciation to Clientek for providing studio space and top-notch recording equipment. Most importantly, thank YOU for being part of the Spinal Cast audience!

Interested in watching these episodes?! Check out our YouTube playlist! - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL40rLlxGS4VzgAjW8P6Pz1mVWiN0Jou3v
If you'd like to learn more about the Morton Cure Paralysis Fund you can visit our website at - https://mcpf.org/
Donations are always appreciated - https://mcpf.org/you-can-help/

Identical twin brothers, David and Jason, led fairly ordinary lives in New York City until a life-changing event on April 17, 1999. David broke his neck in Mexico just before starting his MBA program at Stanford University. During that time Jason was already two years into medical school at Columbia University. After a long recovery David finished his MBA at Stanford and these two brothers became a force in spinal cord injury research.
Today, David is Chief Growth and Innovation Officer of the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH,) passionately raising funds and awareness for our biggest health challenges. Let’s call David the money guy.

Dr. Jason Carmel, on the other hand, serves as Director of the Movement Recovery Laboratory at Columbia University, Irving Medical Center where he focuses on innovative therapies using electrical stimulation of the brain and spinal cord. Jason’s the science guy.

By combining their skill sets these two brothers make a formidable team - a dynamic duo. Their story is one of optimism and a shared goal: pursuing, advocating and fundraising for new and innovative therapies for those dealing with paralysis. These guys are on a mission!

Find current bio information for David & Jason below:

David Carmel
https://fnih.org/press-release/the-fnih-appoints-david-carmel-as-chief-growth-and-innovation-officer-2/

Dr. Jason Carmel
https://www.weinberg.cuimc.columbia.edu/research/movement-recovery-laboratory

Thanks again to David & Jason for being our guests on today's podcast! This production is a collaborative effort of volunteers working to create a quality audio and visual experience around the subject of spinal cord injury. A special shout out of appreciation to Clientek for providing studio space and top-notch recording equipment. Most importantly, thank YOU for being part of the Spinal Cast audience!

If you'd like to learn more about the Morton Cure Paralysis Fund you can visit our website at - https://mcpf.org/

Donations are always appreciated - https://mcpf.org/you-can-help/

Everyone has a story, but Nick LiBassi’s is truly remarkable! In 1996, at age 26, Nick endured a horrific skydiving accident. Surviving the accident is almost unimaginable but what’s even more significant is what Nick has done with his life since that day.
In this episode of Spinal Cast Nick shares with great honesty the challenging journey from injury and rehab to transitioning mentally and physically to a life that is something different than he originally imagined. As Nick states, “The people we encounter in our lives matter.”
Because of Nick’s lived experience with spinal cord injury he is a vital voice in many capacities … fundraising, sitting on various boards and committees, and a professional business career. He’s worked at Johnson & Johnson, helped lead a team within an international executive search firm, transitioned to United Spinal Association to establish their Partnership Expansion strategy, and currently works with Mobius Mobility where he is head of sales for the iBOT PMD (an amazing machine!) And, that’s not the complete resume. Nick has also has a history in local government as Municipal Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Police Commissioner and Fire Commissioner. Obviously, Nick practices what he preaches… “Don’t sell yourself short – go do it.”
Nick’s full bio can be found here: https://mcpf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/NicholasLiBassi_Bio.pdf

Mobius Mobility/iBOT: https://mobiusmobility.com/

Thanks again to Nick for being our guest on today's podcast! This production is a collaborative effort of volunteers working to create a quality audio and visual experience around the subject of spinal cord injury. A special shout out of appreciation to Clientek for providing studio space and top-notch recording equipment. Most importantly, thank YOU for being part of the Spinal Cast audience!

If you'd like to learn more about the Morton Cure Paralysis Fund you can visit our website at - https://mcpf.org/

Donations are always appreciated - https://mcpf.org/you-can-help/