Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month: A Personal Journey

By: Jordan Almendral

September is not just another month on the calendar for me, it’s Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month, a time when we come together to recognize the challenges faced by those living with spinal cord injuries, celebrate their resilience, and shine a light on the urgent need for research and support. In 2013, the United States Senate formally designated September as the official month for awareness, represented by the color lime green. This designation is observed through ribbons, clothing, and discussions, all serving as symbols of hope and unity.

Physical therapy became my anchor after my injury. It was the path that helped me rediscover myself, rebuild my strength, and reconnect with the world around me. In 2018, I achieved a milestone I once thought impossible: earning my bachelor’s degree in psychology. Yet, even after reaching that goal, I felt a calling to do more, something bigger than myself.

I’ll never forget the domino tournament fundraiser held for me and my family a year after my injury. It was organized by a group of women whose unwavering support carried us through those tough times. They understood that physical therapy isn’t just a medical necessity, it’s a lifeline. But the reality is, insurance only covers so much, and out-of-pocket costs quickly add up. When my insurance visits ended, it was those donations that made it possible for me to continue therapy, strengthening my body and spirit. The impact goes beyond the physical; therapy sessions became moments of connection, laughter, and understanding with therapists, friends, and others fighting similar battles. That camaraderie is a powerful form of healing.

Last spring, as I sat outside reflecting, an idea blossomed in my heart: What if I could help other quadriplegics who, like me, had exhausted every grant and avenue for financial support? What if, together, we could make therapy accessible—not a luxury, but a right? That’s how Quad 13 was born. On September 21, 2024, we held our first domino tournament fundraiser at the Big 5 Club. The turnout was overwhelming, and the support was humbling. Since then, we’ve awarded grants to five quadriplegics, helping them access therapy at three different facilities of their choice. Our mission is simple but profound: to raise the funds necessary so that every quadriplegic has the chance to pursue independence and the best possible recovery.

People often ask me, “Why Quad 13?” As a quadriplegic, I live with paralysis in all four limbs— ‘quad’ for four. But I’m also guided by my faith, especially by a verse that has lifted me through darkness: Philippians 4:13— “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” The name is a tribute to both my condition and my spiritual anchor, a reminder that strength comes from within, and, with support, we are capable of extraordinary things.

Together, we can create a future where therapy and hope go hand in hand, and no one must face these challenges alone.