--- title: 5 Famous People in Wheelchairs Who Will Inspire You description: Famous people with disabilities, have accomplished incredible things! Here are five famous people in wheelchairs whom we hope can inspire you. image: https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Blog-Images/Wheelchair-in-the-sunrise-min.jpg --- [![spinalcord logo desktop](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png) ![spinalcord logo mobile](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord-white_png.png) ](https://www.spinalcord.com/) MENU ** ![spinal cord logo slide out mobile](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png) ** [![Dale Swope](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/dale-img-min.jpg?width=100&name=dale-img-min.jpg) The Purpose Behind Spinalcord.com ** Play Dale Swope's Story ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1kPXDw_CQU) [For Advice Call: (877) 336-7192 ](tel:8773367192) ![Spinalcord Logo](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord-logo-icon-svg.svg) - [About](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us) - [About Us](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us) - [Our Team](https://www.spinalcord.com/our-team) - [Trusted By](https://www.spinalcord.com/trusted-by) - 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[Events Calendar](https://www.spinalcord.com/events) - [Podcast](https://www.spinalcord.com/sci-life-uncovered/episode-1) - Recognition - [Best of Awards](https://www.spinalcord.com/best-of-awards) - [Trusted By Designation](https://www.spinalcord.com/trusted-by-the-spinal-cord-injury-community) - [** ](tel:8773367192) - [** ](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/5-famous-people-in-wheelchairs-who-will-inspire-you#) - [** **(877) 336-7192** ](tel:8773367192) - [** **Contact Us** ](https://www.spinalcord.com/contact-us) # 5 Famous People in Wheelchairs Who Will Inspire You Author: [Spinal Cord Team](https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors) Publish Date: December 03, 2020 There are many famous people in wheelchairs living their lives each day with [spinal cord injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury) (SCIs). In fact, according to the [National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center](https://www.nscisc.uab.edu/public_pages/FactsFiguresArchives/Facts%20and%20Figures%20-%202018.pdf) (NSCISC), there are estimated to be between 247,000 and 358,000 people living with SCIs in the United States at this time with an annual estimated occurrence of 17,700 new spinal cord injuries each year (not including people who die at the incident location). These numbers also don’t include individuals who are in wheelchairs due to neurological health conditions. ![Wheelchair-in-the-sunrise](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog-Images/Wheelchair-in-the-sunrise-min.jpg?width=300&name=Wheelchair-in-the-sunrise-min.jpg) However, the truth of the matter is that no one — not even famous people such as celebrities, politicians, and other thought leaders — is “safe” from the effects of spinal cord injuries and other neurological conditions that affect the [spinal cord](https://www.spinalcord.com/what-is-the-spinal-cord). People from all walks of life can find themselves in a wheelchair for a multitude of reasons. However, there are several famous people with disabilities who have been able to make a significant impact in the world around them despite their injuries or health conditions that leave them in a wheelchair. Some of these individuals include famous celebrities and famous actors in wheelchairs. ## **Five Famous People in Wheelchairs** ### **1. Stephen Hawking** Arguably one of the world’s greatest minds, the late physicist and author [Stephen Hawking](http://www.hawking.org.uk/) had an incredible impact on the world. Unlike some other famous people in wheelchairs, Hawking was not in one due to an SCI. He had a rare early-onset form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, which is a neurodegenerative disease that reduces nerve and muscle function over time. His life’s work had an enormous impact on quantum theory and gravitational physics. One of his most significant discoveries, along with Sir Roger Penrose, was that Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity implied that time and space began with the Big Bang and would end in black holes. He then also discovered that [black holes are not entirely black](http://time.com/5201371/stephen-hawking-john-preskill-obituary/) as Einstein suggested; rather, they likely have the presence of “Hawking Radiation” in black holes that allows them to evaporate and eventually disappear. Hawking has received many medals, awards, and other forms of recognition, including the most prestigious science award known as the [Fundamental Physics Prize](http://www.ctc.cam.ac.uk/news/121211_newsitem.php). ### **2. Christopher Reeve** The late [Christopher Reeve](https://www.christopherreeve.org/about-us/christopher-and-dana/christopher-reeve), the man known for playing the unbreakable Superman, was one of the most famous actors in wheelchairs. Reeve broke his neck in May 1995 during an equestrian competition that rendered him a [quadriplegic](https://www.spinalcord.com/quadriplegia-tetraplegia). The accident fractured his [C1-C2](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/get-the-lowdown-on-c1-and-c2-spinal-cord-injuries) [cervical vertebrae](https://www.spinalcord.com/cervical-spinal-cord-injury) and damaged his spinal cord, leaving him reliant on a respirator to breathe. After his injury, he and his wife Dana founded the Christopher Reeve Foundation (now known as the [Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation](https://www.christopherreeve.org/)). Reeve became the public face of spinal cord injury and a vocal activist for SCI research. He motivated neuroscientists worldwide to seek out a cure and ways to improve the quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries. The foundation funds innovative research, provides grants, and serves as an advocate for the spinal cord injury community. ### **3. Daryl Mitchell** One of the other famous actors in wheelchairs is [Daryl Mitchell](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0593258/). Mitchell, who has [paraplegia](https://www.spinalcord.com/paraplegia), was injured during a motorcycle accident in 2001 when he hit a patch of loose gravel and wiped out. However, he isn’t one to let his spinal cord injury hold him down and returned to acting within a year of his injury. He has since starred in TV shows like *Law & Order: Criminal Intent*, *Ed*, *NCIS: New Orleans*, and *Fear the Walking Dead*. Mitchell serves as an ambassador for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, using his injury to serve as a platform for minorities with spinal cord injuries. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, 21.9% of spinal cord injuries have affected non-Hispanic black individuals since 2015, and 78% of these cases affect males. This is particularly significant considering that the [U.S. Census Bureau](https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/US/PST045217) reports that African-Americans represent only 13.4% of the nation’s overall population. ### **4. Tamara Mena** One of the famous celebrities in wheelchairs is model, actress, motivational speaker, and spinal cord injury activist [Tamara Mena](http://tamaramena.com/). Mena was injured at age 19 during a freak accident in Tijuana, Mexico when the taxi that she and her boyfriend were in struck a horse that was in the middle of the road. The incident killed her boyfriend and the cab driver and rendered her a [paraplegic](https://www.spinalcord.com/paraplegia), temporarily eliminating her ability to speak when her lungs collapsed. As the result of her injury, Mena has [dedicated her life](https://www.huffingtonpost.com/sarah-blahovec/tamara-menas_b_7113970.html) to advocating for diversity and inclusion in the media for people with disabilities. In particular, she spreads awareness of sensitivity to wheelchair users and educates people about spinal cord injuries and is an ambassador for the Wings for Life World Run, an event that benefits Wings for Life, a nonprofit that is dedicated to spinal cord injury research and finding a cure for SCI. ### **5. Charles Krauthammer** The last of the famous people in wheelchairs we will mention is the late [Charles Krauthammer](https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/charles-krauthammer/?utm_term=.8931046755e0), who died in June 2018 at age 68. He was an inspiration and a political thought leader to people around the United States and world. He was a Fox News commentator, journalist, author, and the recipient of a Pulitzer Prize. Krauthammer sustained a traumatic spinal cord injury during a diving accident during his first year of medical school where he studied psychiatry. The accident, which severed his spinal cord, rendered him a C5-[C6](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/c6-spinal-cord-injury-healing-and-exercises) quadriplegic. However, he never let his accident hold him back. During his recovery in the hospital the next year, Krauthammer continued his studies and graduated on time among the top students of his class. He fell back on his love of politics and decided to focus his career there. His long and varied career allowed him to serve as a speechwriter for Vice President Walter Mondale and become a journalist/columnist for *The Washington Post*. In his book *Things That Matter*, Krauthammer says: “The catastrophe that awaits everyone from a single false move, wrong turn, fatal encounter -- every life has such a moment. What distinguishes us is whether and how we ever come back.” All of these famous people in wheelchairs, despite their injuries and health conditions, have dedicated their lives to making a tremendous impact in the world through discoveries and helping others. We hope that these stories help to inspire you as you live your life each day, seeing the possibilities that can await you regardless of circumstance. To learn more about spinal cord injuries, be sure to check out our complimentary resource by clicking on the link below.  [![understanding-spinal-cord-injury-guide](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/575040/096a7074-9474-4c57-8948-3c9b97281302.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/575040/096a7074-9474-4c57-8948-3c9b97281302) **Topics:** Spinal Cord Injury, Survivor Stories & Inspiration ### Stay Updated on Advancements On Traumatic Brain & Spinal Cord Injuries About the Author #### Spinal Cord Team The authors of Spinalcord.com are made up of attorneys, those in the medical field, and survivors of spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries. Learn more about our team of authors including a brief biography that explains how they impact the SCI and TBI community. [Learn More About the Author](https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors) **Leave a Comment** [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/575040/dc8bc979-ba55-463a-9400-f92cbdebcb1a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/575040/dc8bc979-ba55-463a-9400-f92cbdebcb1a) true ### Spinal Cord Injury - [Types of Spinal Cord Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Secondary Complications](https://www.spinalcord.com/secondary-complications-after-sci-spinal-cord-injury) - [Causes](https://www.spinalcord.com/signs-symptoms-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Symptoms](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Prognosis](https://www.spinalcord.com/prognosis-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Legal Help](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer) ### Brain Injury - [Types of Brain Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-traumatic-brain-injury) - [Causes](https://www.spinalcord.com/causes-of-traumatic-and-acquired-brain-injuries) - [Symptoms](https://www.spinalcord.com/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi-symptoms) - [Prognosis](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-prognosis-for-tbi-abi) - [Legal Help](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer) ### Finding Treatment - [Physician Directory](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-and-spinal-cord-injury-physician-directory) - [Rehabilitation Directory](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-hospitals-rehabilitation-directory) - [Technology Advancements](https://www.spinalcord.com/sci-technology-advancements) - [Prevention](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-prevention) ### Legal Options - [Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer) - [Brain Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-lawyer) - [Types of Personal Injury Claims](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-personal-injury-claims) - [Where To Start](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-spinal-cord-injury-lawyer-where-to-start) - [Local Assistance](https://www.spinalcord.com/florida-personal-injury-claims) #### [About Us](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us) Spinal cord injuries are traumatic for patients and their families. They cause disruptive changes to every aspect of your life and there is a lot of new information to navigate and understand. Our experts have collected everything in one place to help you learn more about your injury, locate doctors and treatment centers, find financial support, and get assistance navigating your next move. [Learn More About SpinalCord.com →](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us) ## [Contact Us](https://www.spinalcord.com/contact-us) ![logo-footer-spinal-cord.png](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/img/logo-footer-spinal-cord.png?width=249&name=logo-footer-spinal-cord.png "logo-footer-spinal-cord.png") **  [877-336-7192](tel:8773367192) ** [support@spinalcord.com](mailto:support@spinalcord.com) [**](https://www.facebook.com/spinalcordcom) [**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/spinalcord-com/) [**](https://twitter.com/SpinalCordCom) [**](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAbz2AC18acXQkpMNPeDIqg) Copyright 2026 | All Rights Reserved. [Spinal Cord, Inc.](https://www.spinalcord.com) Sponsored by [Tampa personal injury lawyers](https://www.swoperodante.com/tampa-personal-injury-lawyer/) at Swope, Rodante P.A. a Florida law firm located at 1234 E 5th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605. The information provided by SpinalCord.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, see [ Disclaimer Policy.](https://www.spinalcord.com/disclaimer) [**](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/5-famous-people-in-wheelchairs-who-will-inspire-you#) [**](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/5-famous-people-in-wheelchairs-who-will-inspire-you#) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "WebSite", "name" : "Spinal Cord, Inc.", "potentialAction" : { "@type" : "SearchAction", "query-input" : "required name=search_query", "target" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/search?q={search_query}" }, "url" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "contactPoint" : [ { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "contactType" : "customer service", "telephone" : "+1-877-336-7192" } ], "legalName" : "Spinal Cord, Inc.", "logo" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/spinalcordcom", "https://twitter.com/SpinalCordCom", "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAbz2AC18acXQkpMNPeDIqg", "http://www.linkedin.com/company/spinalcord-com" ], "url" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "Article", "articleBody" : "The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic spinal cord injury, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as a contusion. Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals.

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What Is a Spinal Contusion?

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Much like any other bruise, a contusion can cause bleeding from local blood vessels and inflammation which, rather unlike bruises on other parts of the body, can have serious negative impacts on the spinal cord itself. Because the “blood must clot to stop the bleeding”a bruise results from contusions also increase cardiovascular risks.

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For example, the swelling a contusion can cause will often disrupt nerve impulses that travel from the brain to the body through the spinal cord, and the severity of this will depend upon the level of injury. Unlike a concussion, a contusion would not cause unconsciousness or a ‘blackout’, but instead cause the patient to feel a numbness or tingling in the extremities.

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A contusion can cause spinal compression, which happens when there is pressure on the spinal cord. This can go on to cause an array of physical symptoms such as loss of sensation in the feet, inability to use the hands and loss of sexual ability. It must be noted that not all contusions cause spinal compression, and not all spinal compression is caused by a contusion, although they do often connect this way.

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Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion to Watch For

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Firstly, doctors will try and establish what area or limb the injury has affected. Spinal contusions most often “affect the upper extremities bilaterally and also sometimes involve the lower extremities,” according to Dr. Wong, an orthopedic physician.

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Symptoms include “numbness, tingling, [or] electric shock-like sensations and burning in the extremities,” (American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2016). Generally falling into the category of “spinal trauma” there are many symptoms which are similar to other forms of spinal trauma and spinal cord injury. Below are some symptoms of spinal trauma:

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Unfortunately, it is sometimes challenging to identify which symptoms are due to a spinal contusion, and which ones are the result of a spinal cord injury directly. It can sometimes require a few days or weeks for the body to recover from spinal trauma and reveal if any permanent damage is left from the accident that caused the SCI.

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Understanding what a contusion is, and how it can come into play following a spinal cord injury is important in order to clearly appreciate your injury, understand your diagnoses, and work toward treatment and a prognosis. Doctors can sometimes use jargon that’s difficult to understand, so the more you can educate yourself about your condition, the more control you can have in your recovery and treatment.

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If you still have questions about the details of the spinal cord and how it may be affected from your injury, please contact us or download our guide to understanding a spinal cord injury.", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Spinalcord.com Team" }, "datePublished" : "2020-12-03", "image" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion", "name" : "Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion", "url" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion" } ``` ```json { "@context":"https://schema.org", "@graph":[{"@type":"WebSite", "@id":"https://spinalcord.com/#website", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion", "name":"Spinal Cord Inc", "description":"The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic spinal cord injury, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as a contusion. Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals.", "inLanguage":"en-US"}, { "@type":"ImageObject", "@id":"Spinalcord Logo", "inLanguage":"en-US", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "width":327,"height":300, "caption":"spinal contusion"}, { "@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#webpage", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion", "name":"Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion", "isPartOf":{"@id":"https://spinalcord.com/#website"}, "primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#primaryimage"}, "datePublished":"2020-12-03T18:30:35+00:00","dateModified":"2020-12-03T18:30:35+00:00", "author":{"@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors"}, "description":"The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic spinal cord injury, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as a contusion. Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals. What Is a Spinal Contusion? Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image Much like any other bruise, a contusion can cause bleeding from local blood vessels and inflammation which, rather unlike bruises on other parts of the body, can have serious negative impacts on the spinal cord itself. Because the “blood must clot to stop the bleeding”a bruise results from contusions also increase cardiovascular risks. For example, the swelling a contusion can cause will often disrupt nerve impulses that travel from the brain to the body through the spinal cord, and the severity of this will depend upon the level of injury. Unlike a concussion, a contusion would not cause unconsciousness or a ‘blackout’, but instead cause the patient to feel a numbness or tingling in the extremities. A contusion can cause spinal compression, which happens when there is pressure on the spinal cord. This can go on to cause an array of physical symptoms such as loss of sensation in the feet, inability to use the hands and loss of sexual ability. It must be noted that not all contusions cause spinal compression, and not all spinal compression is caused by a contusion, although they do often connect this way. Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion to Watch For Firstly, doctors will try and establish what area or limb the injury has affected. Spinal contusions most often “affect the upper extremities bilaterally and also sometimes involve the lower extremities,” according to Dr. Wong, an orthopedic physician. Symptoms include “numbness, tingling, [or] electric shock-like sensations and burning in the extremities,” (American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2016). Generally falling into the category of “spinal trauma” there are many symptoms which are similar to other forms of spinal trauma and spinal cord injury. Below are some symptoms of spinal trauma: Spinal shock — or the loss of feeling or movement below site of injury (Columbia University Medical Centre, 2016) that can last between hours and weeks Loss of bladder or bowel function Difficulty breathing Muscle spasticity Difficulty understanding speech Problems with attention Memory challenges Heart rate and blood pressure problems Unfortunately, it is sometimes challenging to identify which symptoms are due to a spinal contusion, and which ones are the result of a spinal cord injury directly. It can sometimes require a few days or weeks for the body to recover from spinal trauma and reveal if any permanent damage is left from the accident that caused the SCI. Understanding what a contusion is, and how it can come into play following a spinal cord injury is important in order to clearly appreciate your injury, understand your diagnoses, and work toward treatment and a prognosis. Doctors can sometimes use jargon that’s difficult to understand, so the more you can educate yourself about your condition, the more control you can have in your recovery and treatment. If you still have questions about the details of the spinal cord and how it may be affected from your injury, please contact us or download our guide to understanding a spinal cord injury.", "breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#breadcrumb"}, "inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion"]}]}, { "@type":"BreadcrumbList", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#breadcrumb", "itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem", "position":1, "item": { "@type":"WebPage", "@id":"https://spinalcord.com/", "url":"https://spinalcord.com/", "name":"Home"}}, {"@type":"ListItem", "position":2, "item":{"@type":"WebPage", "@id":"https://spinalcord.com/blog/", "url":"https://spinalcord.com/blog/", "name":"Articles"}}, {"@type":"ListItem", "position":3, "item":{"@type":"WebPage", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/", "name":"Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion"}}]}, {"@type":"Person", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors", "name":"Spinalcord Team", "image":{"@type":"ImageObject", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "inLanguage":"en-US", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "caption":"Spinalcord Team"}, "description":"The authors at SpinalCord.com come from diverse backgrounds including doctors, attorneys, medical journalist, and survivors of spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries. Each author brings with them different experiences and expertise which when combined provide clinically accurate information which is useful to all individuals in the spinal cord and traumatic brain injury communities. Within the content you will find citations to medical journals, scientific research, as well as national and local resources to provide immediate support to families in need of assistance. Content is reviewed and updated regularly with changes in the clinical guidelines, new resources, and fresh ways to understand the content such as videos and infographics. ." } ]} ```