Monthly Archives: June 2008
UBC researchers believe new helmet could prevent spine injuries
Helmets are supposed to protect the head, but researchers at the University of British Columbia say their Pro-Neck-Tor helmet can also protect the spine.
According to a UBC news release, a head-first impact in sports can load the neck with as much force as the weight of more than five people.
The UBC helmet has two shells: the outer shell takes the impact, and the inner shell rotates to dissipate the direct impact to the Cervical spine. The cervical spine is the weakest part of the back, and the UBC team is hopeful protecting it will prevent most neck compressions and fractures.
First stem cell trials might start in O.C.
An Irvine company could be the first to win federal approval for clinical trials.
A tiny start-up company in Irvine has a shot at becoming the first to gain federal approval to test an embryonic stem cell treatment in humans.
Two degenerative nerve diseases are the first targets for California Stem Cell Inc.’s therapies. They are ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, which kills adults, and SMA, a fatal disease affecting newborns.
The company hopes to win Food and Drug Administration approval next year to begin clinical trials for both sets of patients.
Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Center

BrainandSpinalCord.org is a resource for those looking for information about brain and spinal cord injuries.
Business Coach and Life Coach – Bill Cawley
In this video, motivational speaker and peak performance coach Bill Cawley introduces himself and tells the story of his recovery following a life-changing accident 15 years ago.
Medicaid and Medicare: What's it all mean?
Jason Lazarus, a financial planner from Orlando, FL, explains the differences between Medicaid and Medicare.
Ed Leatherman at Shepherd Center
Shepherd Center spinal cord injury patient Edward Leatherman talks about his experience at Shepherd Center.
Kevin Everett recovers, reaches out
Mornings are the worst time for Kevin Everett. That’s when the pain is at its most intense, when he’s reminded that things probably will never be the way they once were.
“I’m still faced with challenges,” he said. “I pray every day that things will get better. I’ve got to cope with ’em the best way I can in everyday life.”
He knows he shouldn’t complain. Lord knows, it could have been so much worse. He thanks God every day that he can walk and talk and do the things thousands of others can’t. Therein lines the contradiction.
“I want people to know I’m blessed,” he said. “You’ve got to maintain your faith in the good times and the bad.”
Riders find hope on the road
Think of it as the cost of the first two sips of a morning coffee.
“Thirty cents, that’s all we have to get from each Canadian and we’ll have the $10,000,000 for the researchers to go ahead with doing more for the cure for spinal cord injury. They’re so close, all they need is the money. We have to let people know what’s happening,” said Charlie Cetinski, 65, a master electrician and entrepreneur, who got a spinal cord injury in a flying accident 10 years ago.
“This ride across Canada gives us hope and it’s hopeful for the 42,000,000 people around the world in wheelchairs and those with neurological conditions that could be helped by this research. We all hope to be walking in four to five years.”
Cetinski and three friends with spinal chord injuries, Les McLaughlin, Harvey Uppal and Chuck Mealing, all of Ontario, are biking across Canada starting from Victoria June 10 and expecting to end in St. John’s, Nfld. in early September.
Exercise Equipment – – PHYSICAL THERAPY
Exercise equipment for those confined to a wheelchair.
Journey-Forward.org

Journey Forward is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to bettering the lives of those who have suffered a Spinal Cord Injury through an intense exercise program. Exercise is important to everyone and even more so to those who have suffered a Spinal Cord Injury.