August 14, 2026

After surviving a gunshot to her spine, a Philly occupational therapist is making disability inclusion her mission: Amanda Parezo

Amanda Parezo

“It feels inclusive. It feels like you’re not different from anybody else.”

We were thrilled to see WHYY coverage this month shining a spotlight on Help Hope Live client and 2026 Help Award recipient Amanda Parezo, OTD, MS, OTR/L. Amanda participated in the annual Life Rolls On “They Will Surf Again” event in Wildwood, NJ.

An occupational therapist, educator, advocate, and model based in Philadelphia, Amanda became paralyzed from the waist down after being struck by a stray bullet while sitting in a playground after a kickball game in 2021.

Amanda grew up in New Jersey and had been working as an occupational therapist when her life-altering injury took place. Based on her own experiences, Amanda knew better than most what to expect as she adjusted to life with paralysis, wheelchair use, and rehab:

“I was able to really focus on that and my rehabilitation in a positive way based on the positive things that I had seen before.”

Today, Amanda is an Assistant Professor in the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program at Thomas Jefferson University. Advocacy is a core part of who she is, including gun violence awareness, pushing for city accessibility, and education.

“People in the community actually want to help, and there’s so many people that just want to know and understand better, who just have no idea.”

listen to interview

Meet Amanda at Live It Up! 2026

On Thursday, October 29, we will gather in Drexel Hill, PA, for the 14th annual Live It Up! gala and present the 2026 Help Award to Amanda for having skillfully transformed her personal trauma into purpose-driven advocacy, emerging as a nationally recognized voice in accessibility, adaptive recreation, and gun violence awareness. 

This special night brings together our community to celebrate impact, raise critical funds for our mission, and honor extraordinary individuals whose leadership and dedication embody the spirit of our work.

Join us! Tickets and sponsorships are available now. If you can’t attend, make a tribute donation to Help Hope Live to recognize Amanda’s impact:

donate

meet the honorees

Written by Emily Progin

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