The QuadCast The QuadCast

August 19, 2023 marks exactly 31 years for us on the SCI magical mystery tour. In honor of that, I thought I'd channel my inner Casey Kasem and spin some records that have, for one reason or another, stood out for me along the journey.

So many songs to choose from over 3 decades, but I narrowed it down to 9. Because it has been anything but a stroll in the park, some of the songs/messages are a little heavy. The lyrics however speak volumes to, and in some cases, for me, I even chose one towards the end which pokes a little fun at me and my plight. So, grab a snack and turn your volume up, because S4 E9 - 31derful is on...

My fellow SCI survivor and thriver, Tracey Iraca, is back! Yes, she's here to tell us how she's making out these days. As you'll recall, on her last day as an in-patient at Kessler Institute, Tracey joined me to tell her story (S3 E8). It was late December 2022, she was eager to return home, but had some concerns as well.

In a new format for me/us here at the QuadCast, the "New Tracey" chronicles the next step in her journey... returning to home, work, LIFE, albeit as a different person physically and mentally. We cover a lot of ground and nothing was off limits.

Thank you Tracey, I'm so proud of you. Keep pushing my friend, your human spirit has a lot more in store for you!

Amanda Parezo is currently an assistant professor and academic fieldwork coordinator for the Occupational Therapy department at Thomas Jefferson University. Having graduated from TJU's OT program in 2010, she worked clinically for over 10 years, specifically with older adults and those with traumatic brain injuries.

Unfortunately, on May 19, 2021, she was the victim of a random act of gun violence while sitting in a Philadelphia playground. In an instant Amanda was paralyzed from the waist down due to the bullet. Imagine the irony that the owner of a masters and a doctorate in OT, was now herself in need of occupational therapy services.

Amanda's is a story you will want to hear for yourself. Lucky for you, she's my guest on this week's QuadCast.

Jen French is a very busy woman! She is an author/publisher, paralympian, public speaker, sailor, super advocate, founder of the North American Spinal Cord Injury Consortium, Neurotech Network, and more. As if that were not enough, she is also my guest on this week's edition of the QuadCast!

Following her spinal cord injury in a 1998 snowboarding accident, Jen has been paying it forward for the SCI community in a myriad of meaningful ways. How so you ask? Well, you'll have to listen and find out.

It is with great pride that I post this week's episode of The QuadCast. My guest is Dan Rose, a veteran who was paralyzed from the waist down when an IED destroyed the truck he was riding in in Southern Afghanistan (2010)

This would not have been possible were it not for the help of two very kind, good people, Martha MacCallum and Christopher Meek. Ms. MacCallum is host of "The Story With Martha MacCallum" on Fox News Channel, and Meek is co-founder and chairman of SoldierStrong, a charitable organization which provides revolutionary technology, innovative advancements and educational opportunities to veterans to better their lives and the lives of their families.

Thank you Martha and Christopher for your assist/introduction, and thank you Dan for your time and your service!

Mark Fuglevand founded Abilitease a few years ago with the vision of developing product solutions for individuals with disabilities. He makes products that not only help people become more independent, but makes them appealing and not institutional.

Mark is married, has two boys, and lives in Southern California. Did I mention he is also a C-5 incomplete quad? Well, if that wasn't enough, Mark is my guest on this week's QuadCast.