Evaristo with his son and wife

Evaristo Herrera was in a vehicle accident with his wife that injured his spinal cord leaving him quadriplegic. Today HeadNorth presented 73 year old Evaristo a Response ONE $1,000 grant. His wife and son shared his appreciate Evaristo has gone through a number of facilities and is hoping to go home soon.

HeadNorth founder Eric Northbrook and Dr. Edmund Hollis discussing the upcoming SCI Symposia at UCSD.

While research lectures generally pertain to only the medical professional and scientific audience, HeadNorth’s lecture series will be open to SCI survivors, their families, caregivers, rehabilitation and social service providers.  Michele Bart, Executive Director, commented “the education series lectures will be led by a variety of scientists working on spinal cord regeneration research and will serve as an opportunity to share research with a wide audience. The presenting scientists will also take questions from the audience. Scientific research often has the association of being inaccessible to the laymen and, moreover, the people whom the research would directly benefit. The main goal of this series is to enable understanding of the latest scientific research.” In addition, “having people outside of the scientific community participate in these forums will hopefully promote quality of life initiatives and encourage the spinal cord injury community -survivors, families and caregivers alike- to support promising research.”  Dates for the education series will be announced later in the summer with the first one planned for fall of 2012.

Funding from the PVA will also be used to host a one-day symposia on the UC San Diego campus bringing together seventy postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and other research faculty. The first symposia of this type was held last year, but this summer’s symposia will be on a larger scale, connect more labs, and have other institutions involved. The symposia will be an opportunity for researchers to share biomedical and health research findings as well as exchange ideas. The symposia will ideally foster cooperation and inspiration throughout the research community.  The symposia will take place on Monday, June 11, 2012.

Ronan with his Dad Chris

On April 7th, 16 year old Ronan was injured while playing in a high school rugby game. During the game, Ronan had a collision that forced his head to whip forward that caused the injury to his spine at the C6 level. HeadNorth presented Ronan a Response ONE $1,000 grant today at Sharp Rehab. Ronan is doing very well and has determination to get better. HeadNorth wishes Ronan all the best on his road to recovery.

The MV-1

The introduction of the MV-1 van, produced by The Vehicle Production Group, is truly a step in a more accessible direction. While normally handicapped accessible vehicles are converted vehicles – such as a Honda Odyssey with alterations like a lowered floor and a ramp – the MV-1 is the first vehicle designed with wheelchair users in mind. “It’s a game changer in the industry,” Mo commented, “We’ve never had anything like it before.” The MV-1 has a sleek design and numerous optional features for a customizable vehicle – even including a natural gas fueled green option.

For those who aren’t car buffs, the MV-1 is still a practical vehicle, and not just because it is already handicap accessible. “It’s also a lot cheaper,” Mo commented, “The MV-1 brand new is about $41,000, it’s a big, big difference.” A brand new, modified vehicle usually costs at least ten thousand dollars more at about $54,000. Until May 31^st, there is also a deal available to trade in an old conversion vehicle to get an allowance for a new MV-1. Furthermore, unlike the old conversion vehicles, the MV-1 can be completely serviced at the dealer, so no more driving to one dealer for transmission problems and another dealer for accessibility functions. “It’s a one stop shop,” Mo described.

An open door view of the MV-1

The MV-1 is currently out on the market and Mo and his team are proud to carry this vehicle at Better Life Mobility Center. Go check it out or head to http://www.vpgautos.com/ for more information!

In her twenties, Stacia married and became the mother to an amazing son. She is now 36 and lives a full, exciting life as a single mom who enjoys singing karaoke on free weekends. Stacia was lucky enough to have a good friend, Jason Mann of Random Radio, hold a rock benefit show to help raise money for Stacia to get a much-needed new wheelchair. After an additional grant from HeadNorth, Stacia was able to fund a new wheelchair and a new shower chair. Stacia is happy to be surrounded by wonderful friends and family and continues living life to the fullest. HeadNorth wishes Stacia and her son the best.

As an outdoor person with an outgoing attitude, Ryan settled right into the UCSB lifestyle, getting involved in a variety of opportunities at the school and in the area. He participated on the sailing team and surf team, enjoyed running and became involved with environmental and community organizations. Life in Santa Barbara was excellent.

Unfortunately, two weeks into the school year, on a trip with the Wakeboard Club, Ryan dove off a dock into a lake and broke his neck at the C6 level. The injury resulted in paralysis of both the arms and legs. Ryan underwent two operations and spent two and half months in the hospital recovering from this injury and adjusting to life with paralysis. Ryan was lucky to be surrounded and supported by friend and family during this period; great people who still support him now. Ryan is now at home and focusing on occupational and physical rehabilitation. He has recovered movement and strength in his arms, some in his hands, and just recently movement in his legs and toes. He recently received a Response Two grant to help pay for additional therapy and equipment. HeadNorth wishes Ryan and his family the best with his recovery.

In October 2011, David was injured in a skydiving accident. He suffered a broken back, which resulted in paraplegia.  David’s family constantly supports his healing and is not content to sit and wait during his two-year window of possible recovery. David and his family have found Medical Rehabilitation and Kinematics in hopes of helping David get some function back. David has found a very positive staff there, and within two weeks of therapy, he had begun to be able to use some of his adductor, abductor, and gluteal muscles. David recently received a Response Two grant to help pay for further therapy. HeadNorth would like to wish David and his family the best with his recovery.

Karolyn Baker and Paul LIma

On April 6th, 42 year old Paul Lima was in a motorcycle accident that injured his spinal cord at the L1 level leaving him paraplegic. HeadNorth presented Paul with a $1,000 Response ONE grant today at Sharp Rehab. Paul seemed to be doing very well and shared he had met a few HeadNorth mentors including Bill Lundstrom and Rick Quintero. HeadNorth looks forward to continuing to support Paul on his road to recovery.

Matthew Donaldson

On March 23rd 2012, 21 year old Matthew Donaldson was trying to retrieve a ball out of a tree when he suddenly fell.  Matthew’s fall injured his spinal cord at the T12 level leaving him paralyzed. HeadNorth presented Matthew with a Response ONE $1,000 grant yesterday at Sharp Rehab. He shared his gratitude for the grant that will help with immediate financial needs. Matthew is planning to be discharged from Sharp Rehab this Saturday. HeadNorth wishes him continued success on his recovery!