How NorCal SCI's grant program can support motivated individuals with SCI
Mia Gonzalez standing and walking using arm crutches
In April of 2018, 21-year-old Mia Gonzalez was the first applicant for our Road To Recovery grant that we had just launched. Barely eight months following a 50-foot tumble while hiking that caused a T9 spinal cord injury, she wanted to receive more therapy than the 21 days she did during her rehab stay. What we saw was one determined and motivated young woman who was not about to give up on her dream of proving her doctors wrong who had told her she will not be able to walk. And armed with a grant from NorCal SCI, she signed up at her local SCI exercise therapy center and has continued on that path of aiming to walk again.
Demetrius McCoy in his new standing frame
In August of last year, 32-year-old Demetrius McCoy found himself with a standing frame that broke down after 10 years of use and he had nowhere to turn to for a new one, nor could he afford one. He loved standing and the idea of not being able to do that drove him crazy … until someone referred him to us. During our interview with Demetrius, we saw a young man who wanted nothing more than standing on his feet again. He took good care of his body by exercising at BORP and impressed us so much with his attitude that two months later, a shipping truck dropped off a brand new EasyStand standing frame, thanks to a grant from NorCal SCI.
In the three years since we launched the Road To Recovery grant program, we have awarded 65 grants totaling over $130,000. And we want the SCI community in Northern California know that we’re looking for a lot more motivated individuals with determination and practical goals that we might be able to help them achieve. Our grants are offered year-around as long as funding is available and we prioritize Northern California residents. The application shouldn’t take you more than 10 minutes to complete and we render a decision typically within 30 days from submission of application. You can apply for a grant HERE but please read the details and criteria carefully before you do.