Arash Bayatmakou

After suffering a traumatic cervical spinal cord injury in 2012, Arash experienced first-hand the shortcomings of our healthcare system. Following discharge from the hospital, Arash was left with very few resources and support and realized how difficult adjustment to a life post-SCI would be. Despite the medical establishment telling him there was little hope for recovery, Arash decided to ignore the negative prognoses and pave his own path for recovery.  

Through his pursuit for open-minded practitioners and alternative rehabilitation methods, and by his relentless dedication to home exercise and lifestyle changes, Arash made significant improvements which lasted well beyond the first two years after his injury. Arash started sharing his story of perseverance, recovery, and challenging limits to audiences large and small, which led to his TEDx talk. In 2017, he published a memoir detailing his journey from a catastrophic injury to overcoming adversity and seemingly insurmountable odds.

As he spoke to numerous people in the SCI community, he realized that his frustrations and challenges with the healthcare system and the lack of treatment and support for SCI were all too common. This prompted him to commit himself to help this underserved community by collaborating with two Bay Area companies developing exo-skeleton robotic suits, establishing an annual standup comedy show that raises funds for people with SCIs, and — most significantly — by joining NorCal SCI, initially as a member of the Board of Directors.

Through his work at NorCal SCI, he has been able to engage with many people in the SCI community and connect them to the many programs and resources that NorCal SCI offers for support and assistance.

A Bay Area native, Arash credits his Northern California upbringing for his love of the outdoors, nature, food and cooking, activities he still cherishes as he continues to travel, explore and enjoy new experiences, even now as a father of two young children.

Arash joined the NorCal SCI Board of Directors in April of 2019 and was appointed Executive Director in May of 2023.