NorCal SCI connects with the San Luis Obispo Access Support Group
As part of our continued outreach to the SCI community, NorCal SCI co-founder, Nick Struthers, made the trip to San Luis Obispo to present at the SLO Access Support Group at the invitation of Mae MacDonald, the coordinator of the monthly Meetups.
"Friends and fellow Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (SCVMC) alumni, Katie and Mike Hammond, first let us know about the existence of the SLO Access Support Group over a year ago." writes Nick. "I recently spoke to Mae, a fellow Scot, about visiting the group and she was enthusiastic about our participation at one of the regular monthly meetups. I learned that Mae and Mike Ward formed the group almost 18 years ago soon after Mike suffered a complete cervical SCI. Mae has continued to coordinate the group and still gets a good turnout at the meetings which I believe is in part due to the delicious fresh baking she brings with her."
Pictured Dennis, Collette, Katie, Mike, Jake, Mae, Nick, Zoli, Leila, Linda
Not Pictured Susan, Jack, Will, Nancy, Patrick
The meetings have been taking place at the Graduate Restaurant for many years now and the management has been kind enough to provide this venue free of charge. At last Wednesday's meeting, the vast majority of participants either had an SCI/D or had family members who have had an SCI/D. I was able to meet everyone individually before I started my presentation and it was great to make many new friends. I must admit it was also great to meet some old friends such as Mike and Katie who I met at SCVMC two years ago, Nancy whom I met in Roseville last summer and also Jake who is now in his first year at Cal Poly. I first met Jake in the summer of 2016 when he was at SCVMC for rehab following his SCI and it was great to see him doing so well. It was obvious that there were many people there who are very active in the community and are committed to improving the lives of individuals with mobility challenges.
Zoli and Buddy
There was also genuine interest in our proposal for a Mobile Pilot Clinic in the SLO area later this summer and NorCal SCI will continue to engage with the SLO Access Group to make this proposal a reality.
"I would like to thank everyone for their warm welcome and a fun evening. NorCal SCI is excited about developing our relationships to best serve the SCI Community in SLO County. I also want to personally thank Mae for her generous hospitality and a delicious breakfast."