The Importance of Spinal Cord Injury(SCI) Awareness Month

September: A Month of Reflection, Education, and Motivation

September marks a significant period—Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Awareness Month. For many, this may seem like just another campaign or another awareness month, but for those of us living with SCI, it holds deep meaning. It’s a time to reflect on our journeys, raise awareness about the challenges we face, and, most importantly, highlight the resilience and strength that define our lives.

What is Spinal Cord Injury?

To put it simply, a spinal cord injury disrupts the connection between the brain and the rest of the body. It can occur through accidents, falls, or medical conditions like transverse myelitis and  tumors (which is how my own journey began). This injury leads to loss of movement, sensation, and control in areas below the level of injury. The severity can vary, but whether complete or incomplete, SCI is life-altering.

Globally, millions of people are living with SCI, and each person’s experience is unique. Some may regain partial movement, while others live permanently with paralysis. However, there’s one thing we all share: the courage to adapt and the will to move forward.

Why SCI Awareness Month Matters

Raising awareness about spinal cord injuries isn’t just about knowing what SCI is—it’s about understanding the person behind the injury. Often, the world looks at us and sees only the wheelchair, the disability. What they don’t see is the mental, emotional, and physical journey we’ve been on to regain control of our lives.

SCI Awareness Month is important because it brings to light the everyday realities we face—whether that’s accessibility issues, lack of representation in the workforce, or simply the assumptions made about our capabilities. But it’s also about showcasing the resilience within our community. Many of us have gone on to rebuild our lives, pursue careers, engage in sports, start families, and live fully.

This month is a reminder that we are not defined by our injuries. Instead, we are defined by how we rise in the face of adversity.

The Role of Awareness and Support

It’s easy to overlook SCI unless it’s personally affecting you or someone you know. But here’s the truth: anyone, at any point in their life, could sustain a spinal cord injury. A car accident, a fall, an unexpected medical condition—it can happen in a split second. That’s why awareness is crucial. By educating ourselves and others, we can advocate for better resources, research, and support systems for those living with SCI.

Beyond raising awareness, we need communities that understand the challenges of accessibility and inclusion. Whether it’s in the workplace, schools, or public spaces, the world we live in should be designed for all, not just a select few. SCI Awareness Month encourages everyone to step back and think: How can I make my community more accessible for people with disabilities?

My Commitment: Sharing Stories of Strength and Inspiration

As someone living with a spinal cord injury, I have experienced both the highs and lows of this journey. Through my blog, Unbroken Steps, I’ve been privileged to share my story, along with those of others who have faced similar challenges. Our stories are not about loss—they’re about strength, transformation, and the many ways we’ve redefined our lives after injury.

This month, I’m committed to sharing more stories, insights, and reflections to help break down the barriers that often separate those with SCI from the rest of the world. I hope to inspire not just those living with spinal cord injuries, but also those who may not know what it’s like to walk this path.

How You Can Help

Supporting SCI Awareness Month is about more than just learning—it’s about action. Here are a few ways you can get involved:

1. Educate yourself and others: Learn about the causes, challenges, and advances in SCI care and treatment.
2. Advocate for accessibility: Whether in your workplace, community, or local government, push for inclusive policies and spaces.
3. Offer support: If you know someone with an SCI, check in on them, offer help, and simply be there. The emotional toll can sometimes be heavier than the physical.

Final Thoughts: SCI Awareness Month

Spinal cord injuries can change lives in an instant, but they don’t define who we are. This month, I invite you to walk this journey with me—to see not just the injury, but the person, the potential, and the strength behind it. Let’s spread awareness, break down barriers, and shine a light on the incredible stories of resilience within the SCI community.

Thank you for being a part of this journey. Together, we can make a difference.