How to Share SCI Support and Advocacy

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“Once you choose hope, anything’s possible.” – Christopher Reeve

I recently watched the original 1979 Superman movie with my kids – the one with Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, and Gene Hackman. Such a classic.

My 10-year-old daughter started asking questions about Christopher Reeve, the accident that left him paralyzed, and when he died. Christopher Reeve was 44 years old when he was paralyzed in a horse riding accident, he died 9 years later.

Looking this up clarified a point that arose when Vicki Atkinson and I recorded this week’s How to Share podcast conversation with the amazing activist and author, Micki Purcell. Micki’s son, Anthony, was paralyzed in a diving accident 15 years ago. Micki spent seven years by Anthony’s side navigating the difficult hurdles of rehab and recovery.

Along the way, Micki and Anthony started the Walking with Anthony foundation. It is the go-to foundation for helping individuals and families navigate the physical, mental and financial challenges that come with this life-changing injury.

Here’s where Superman meets Super Mom. The Christopher Reeve foundation focuses primarily on research related to spinal cord injuries. In contrast, Walking with Anthony mentors individuals and families through the process of recovery: connecting them to rehab, personally spending time with them, and by providing grants for caregiving, rehab and special equipment.

In our podcast conversation, Micki tells us how Anthony is doing now and we get to heartwarming stories about how all of their large family is involved with Walking with Anthony. Micki’s hands-on advocacy will grip and delight you!

Micki shares some details about their Stand up for a Cause event in Newport Beach on October 24th. The event will honor courageous medical staff doing incredible Spinal Cord Injury work and a Tony award winning actress, Ali Stoker. Micki’s goal is to raise $1 million to fund grants for people with spinal cord injuries.

September is spinal cord injury awareness month and 2025 marks the 35th anniversary of the American with Disabilities Act. Vicki and I are so grateful to be able to bring you this episode to honor both.

This is a powerful episode that will inspire and touch you. We know you’ll love it.

Takeaways

  • Micki Purcell founded Walking with Anthony to help families affected by spinal cord injuries.
  • Insurance often fails to cover necessary rehabilitation for spinal cord injury patients.
  • The organization has become a vital resource for those in need of support and guidance.
  • Recovery from spinal cord injuries requires a strong desire and commitment to progress.
  • Micki’s advocacy work is deeply personal and driven by her family’s experiences.
  • Community support plays a crucial role in the recovery process for individuals with disabilities.
  • Micki emphasizes the importance of mental health and emotional support for patients and families.
  • The upcoming event aims to raise funds to help more individuals receive necessary care.
  • Micki’s family is actively involved in the charity, showcasing the power of collective support.
  • There is a pressing need for systemic change in healthcare coverage for spinal cord injuries.

Here’s a clip of Micki describing how insurance falls short for individuals with a spinal cord injury.

Here are some ways you can listen and watch this incredibly inspiring episode:

Please listen, watch, provide feedback and subscribe.

How to Share SCI Support and Advocacy transcript

How to Share Our Luck with Gil Gillenwater – How To Share

In this enlightening conversation, Gil Gillenwater is with host Wynne Leon and shares his experiences and insights from over 35 years of philanthropic work along the US-Mexico border. He discusses his book, 'Hope on the Border,' which highlights the transformative power of education and community service. Gil emphasizes the importance of enlightened self-interest over traditional charity, advocating for a model that empowers individuals and fosters dignity. He explores the duality of poverty, the need for sustainable opportunities, and the joy found in serving others, ultimately presenting a vision for a more connected and compassionate world.TakeawaysEducation is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty.Enlightened self-interest can lead to personal and communal growth.Charity should not be viewed as a sacrifice but as a mutual benefit.Volunteering provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment.Welfare can disempower individuals and communities.Community service fosters connections and shared humanity.The disparity in wealth is a significant issue that needs addressing.Experiencing poverty firsthand can change perspectives.Creating opportunities in one's home country can reduce migration.The joy of service is a pathway to personal happiness.Links for this episode:How to Share homeHope on the Border at AmazonGil's organization: Rancho FelizGil Gillenwater on FacebookWynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/; Substack: https://wynneleon930758.substack.com/
  1. How to Share Our Luck with Gil Gillenwater
  2. How to Share 1970's Chicago with Doug. E. Jones
  3. How to Share Feedback with Dr. Vicki Atkinson
  4. How to Share the Next Generation with Mari Sarkisian Wyatt
  5. How to Share Impactfully with Social Media Friends with Amy Weinland Daughters

Links for this episode:

⁠Walking with Anthony⁠ Foundation

Micki’s Book: Walking with Anthony on Barnes & Noble and Amazon

From the hosts:

Vicki’s book about resilience and love: ⁠Surviving Sue⁠; Blog: ⁠https://victoriaponders.com/⁠

My book about my beloved father: ⁠Finding My Father’s Faith⁠;

60 thoughts on “How to Share SCI Support and Advocacy”

  6. Beautiful. There are so many people and populations in desperate need of an advocate. It’s amazing that Micki is doing so much. And the clip about insurance failing is so true; I know so many who were not ready for discharge but kicked out anyways.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. In need of an advocate – that is exactly right. And a mentor. These systems are hard to navigate as you well know! So grateful for all the knowledge that you share so freely and well!

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Impressive, for sure. Having been on more than one hospital staff, and following a number of the problems that have gotten worse over time, these podcasts will surely be helpful. I would encourage you to find a physician who might be able to give the audience a broad look at the challenges not only the patients’ face, but also the MDs. Thank you to Micki, Vicki, and you, Wynne.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. Thank you for sharing this. I had an internship long ago for an organization that helped those with physical disabilities and I learned so much about the challenges they face. Much has changed, but there remains such a great need for support.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Oh man, I love your Superman meets Super Mom description, Wynne. Micki defines the term. She is walking Sheer Will to help this cause. What an inspiration to help others facing injuries like her son did so many years ago. I am filled with awe that she literally brought Anthony back, driving him to rehab when he didn’t want to go and the result is that she got him back, he is married, a father, a leader. He’s living a purposeful life. We are lucky to have Micki’s fierceness on this planet as she turns it outward to help so many.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m feeling so inspired all over again just reading your comment, Melanie. Her “fierceness” is such a good description, Melanie. And in talking before we hit record she was telling us her comment to her sister as she drove to the golf course before this happened was, “It’s wonderful when our kids are happy and we can be happy.” Then the call came in — and she turned around her car and nothing has been the same again.

      You said it so well – “in awe” for what she did for Anthony and for some many others! Thanks for listening, Melanie!!

      Liked by 1 person

  14. wow, this takes a special person. Micki has used her personal experience to help others navigate this incredibly challenging path. without a plan or strategy and lots of support, it would certainly be overwhelming to know where to even begin. Her foundation will go a long way to alleviate these fears and challenges for others. Bravo –

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Wynne, such a vitual story to pass along. It is always inspring when someone pivots so well in the face of a sudden life crisis, and it is important to continue pointing out all the holes in our health care system…and there remain many. Her advocacy is not only adressing the needs of those immediately affected, but with an eye on casting a safety net for those who will be of need down the road. Kudos to you and Vicki. Well done!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Bruce!! So go to see you again. You changed your blog name so it took me a minute to connect the dots.

      Your comments about Micki are spot on – she does have an eye for casting a safety net for others. Incredible!

      Thanks for tuning in and great to see you!

      Liked by 1 person

      2. OMG, Wynne. I just heard the podcast, and it was incredible. Micki Purcell’s energy is off the charts, and she is definitely a super mom. This is by far the most powerful and awe-inspiring episode. Thank you so much for what you are doing.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Thank you so much for this comment, Edward. I’m incredibly grateful to hear that it landed for you. Micki is amazing for taking that experience and sharing her knowledge. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

        Like

  24. Fabulous topic! Ironically, my 9 year old grandson and I were talking about Christopher Reeve and his accident just this week…. My grandson was trying to come up with ideas that could have helped – maybe one day he will be the person who does!

    Liked by 1 person

  25. Oh my goodness. My nephew was paralyzed in a diving accident too. My SIL has been doing so much to take care of him. He was in high school at the time. I’ll have to share this with her.

    Like

  26. What a compelling and riveting conversation, Wynne and Vicki. I still remember Christopher Reeve’s accident and how heartbreaking that was.

    I enjoyed and was so inspired by Micki’s story and how she remained resilient for her son and created this wonderful community of supports for others. Turning pain and tragedy into triumph and legacy.

    When I see parkour videos, which T also likes, it does make me wince thinking that it takes just one accident for a life to change forever.

    Best wishes to Micki on her continued work and thank you for her leadership and inspiration!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh, I love the way you put it, ” Turning pain and tragedy into triumph and legacy.” Yes! Learning the ropes so she could teach others.

      You are so right that it just takes a split second for things to change forever. Thankfully people like Micki are there to guide those that need it!

      Thank you for listening and for this generous comment!

      Liked by 1 person

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