spinal cord injuries – Surprised By Joy

“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 24^th. 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 35^th 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:

The podcast player embedded below
Click this link to watch in a browser: How to Share SCI Support and Advocacy
Subscribe to How To Share on Spotify, Amazon Music, or Apple Podcasts
Subscribing to the YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@howtosharepodcast

Please listen, watch, provide feedback and subscribe.

How to Share SCI Support and Advocacy transcript

How to Share a Mission with Anthony Dyer – How To Share

In this episode, Wynne Leon interviews Anthony Dyer, a special missions aviator and author of 'Moon Child.' They discuss Anthony's journey from a childhood in Appalachia to a 20-year career in the US Air Force, his healing process from the traumas of war through writing, and the importance of family in his life. Anthony shares valuable life lessons learned from aviation, the significance of positivity, and his mission as a father. The conversation emphasizes courage, connection, and the power of storytelling in healing.TakeawaysAnthony chose writing over alcohol to heal from trauma.The importance of aviate, navigate, communicate in life.Healing can come from vulnerability and sharing stories.Family plays a crucial role in personal healing.God can help you rebuild after trauma.Scars are badges of honor, representing resilience.Conversations with God can lead to personal growth.Fatherhood is Anthony's most important mission now.Roots and wings symbolize balance in life.Links for this episode:How to Share homeHow to Share a Mission TranscriptMoon Child: Roots and Wings of a USAF Combat Special Missions Aviator on Barnes and Noble and AmazonFrom the host:My book about my beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

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;