Upcoming Events to support Spinal Cord Injury Victims

Life Before and After A Spinal Cord Injury

Suffering a spinal cord injury is one of the most traumatic events a person may suffer. The effects of paralysis are far-reaching, touching every aspect of a person’s life, from the time you wake up to the time you go to bed at night. Most of us cannot fathom the challenges with which a victim of spinal cord injury must cope every day, and also the challenges for family members who substantially support their injured loved ones.

Spinal Cord Injury Ontario is an organisation that seeks to help individuals cope with the adjustments to a spinal cord injury. One of their upcoming events is a Peer Volunteer discussion group and lunch on Monday, August 15, 2016, at 12:00pm. This event features a speaker addressing the topic: "Life Before and After A Spinal Cord Injury" which focuses on how life can change after a person sustains a spinal cord injury. There will be a discussion period afterward and you will be able to share your story and also ask any specific questions. For details and signup for the event, see the Spinal Cord Injury Ontario website: www.sciontario.org.                                                                                                                                 

2016 Wheelchair Challenge

A second event is a fundraiser in Toronto entitled the "2016 Wheelchair Challenge" scheduled for Sunday, September 18, 2016, at Monarch Park Stadium. The event will feature a series of exciting and fun challenges including a revamped version of the Wheelchair Relay Challenge. This event is ideal for corporate team-building, a group outing or any organization looking to have fun and support the community. Organize a team of 6 people for a day filled with teamwork, energized spirit, fun, and enthusiasm.

About Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injuries are caused primarily by motor vehicle accidents and diseases such as ALS and cancer. Currently, approximately 85,000 Canadians are living with a spinal cord injury of one degree or another, and because of our rapidly aging population, this number is expected to dramatically increase in the coming years. The Urban Futures Institute reports that the number of people living with spinal cord injury could increase by 50% to 121,000 by the year 2030.

A spinal cord injury can have several impacts on the life of a sufferer, even beyond the physical effects of reduced mobility and flexibility.  Many victims of spinal cord injury suffer from chronic pain, including neuropathic pain due to injury to the nervous system, as well as musculoskeletal pain in the bones, joints and muscles.  Reduced mobility and pain often make it difficult to complete simple tasks, such as getting dressed and moving in and out of a wheelchair.  Sufferers need regular exercise and therapy in order to maintain their range of motion and strength.

The effects of spinal cord injuries on the medical care industry and society, in general, are more significant than those of most other injuries. The median hospital stay for a person with a spinal cord injury is 140 days, not including any long-term complications that are associated with the condition. Ongoing related health problems such as pressure ulcers, urinary tract and lung infections, as well as pneumonia and psychological depression, can shorten life expectancy for sufferers.. The average lifespan of a person suffering from a spinal cord injury is 15-30 years less than that of the average Canadian. In a highly publicized case, Superman actor Christopher Reeves died prematurely due to complications arising from pressure ulcers.

Consider attending and/or participating in the events detailed above. At Injury Lawyers of Ontario, we understand the substantial lifelong impact of spinal cord injury and urge everyone to show their support for individuals and families affected every day by this devastating condition.