Spinal Cord Disease : Basic Science

Spinal Cord Injury or disease can happen to anyone at any time and the effects can be devastating. I found this out personally when I was thrown from the back of a pick up truck at age 15 was left paralyzed from the waist down. It was during my recuperation as a young teenager that I first gained insight into the importance of rehabilitation. My family, doctors, nurses, fellow patients and researchers who were dedicated to helping me over- come my personal tragedy helped me pull through. Today, rehabilita- tion medicine is taking great strides and empowering the person with the injury to take control of their future, overcome their setbacks and, through collaborative support, reach their personal goals and potential. Since 1987 the Legacy raised by my Man in Motion World Tour (24901 miles wheeled around the world March 1985-May 1987) has pro- $13 million dollars to research and rehabilitation in the areas vided over of spinal cord injury. I hope that in some small way this funding has contributed to the development of the vital programmes that supported me and many others. The effects of spinal cord injury are traumatic and life-shattering and require a skilled interdisciplinary approach. I congratulate those who have contributed to this book and challenge each one of you to never give up on your dreams to find the answers to the optimum treatment of spinal cord injury and disease.