Dec 31, 2025

Coming Together as a Community

Matthew Rodreick

As we close out 2025, I hope you’ll consider making a year-end gift to Unite 2 Fight Paralysis. 
 

Our Wisconsin CAN advocates have stayed steadfast in their efforts to pass a $5M SCI Research Grant bill in that state, while we continue to fight to restore recent federal cuts to SCI research.

It’s been a difficult year for the SCI Community. Cuts to the federal government’s highly effective Spinal Cord Injury Research Program have required even more stamina and coordination than usual. 

But U2FP has led the charge, coordinating a consortium of SCI organizations to fight back and work towards expanding functional recovery research. The drain on federal research dollars have added even more gravity to our upcoming Symposium, where we’ve planned a third day to Roll on the Capital and kick off our campaign for a National SCI Research Funding bill.

We hope you’ll join us in Washington, D.C. to raise our collective voice. But for now, it’s worth considering how far you’ve helped us come. Your support has helped us: 

  • respond to SCIRP cuts by directly lobbying federal legislators 
  • recruit the largest number of wheelers ever to the Twin Cities Marathon (the first marathon to allow e-assist wheelers, thanks to our advocacy efforts!)
  • preserve $5M in the MN SCI/TBI research grant program from proposed cuts

Your support has allowed U2FP to help us come together as a community - and for that we’re grateful. If you haven’t yet made a year-end gift, consider donating today.

For all those who have already given - thank you! Your generosity has allowed U2FP to continue representing the SCI community as we fight for functional recovery. 

Happy New Year!


PS - Now’s the time to register for our Symposium, happening February 15-17, 2026 in Washington, D.C.! We are still offering 30% off during our Early Bird registration period and students, SCI individuals and their family members get an extra 50% off! We also offer a free registration for one Personal Care Assistant per attendee.