Each year, we find new ways for our Outreach team to connect with the paralysis community.
This month, 2 unique opportunities allowed us to make those meaningful in-person connections—take a look!
20th Annual Unite 2 Fight Paralysis Conference
We exhibited at this annual conference and got the chance to connect with advocates and scientists within the spinal cord injury community. As Sonny, our Director of Outreach, explained:
“It was a discussion of where they’ve been, what needs to change, and how we can move forward.”
We got the extra chance to connect with members of the Help Hope Live community ranging from client Ambassadors to Board Members to longtime clients—some 20+ years into their fundraising campaigns with Help Hope Live.
Ambassador and Board Member sightings included Dani Izzie, Ian Burkhart, and Kelley Brooks Simoneaux, Esq.
The intimate setting of the conference allowed us to have in-depth conversation with partners old and new, including the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation and ONWARD.
As Sonny summarized:
“The main message of the 2-day conference comes straight from the organization’s name: unity.”
Speakers shared what it takes to move forward as a community towards a unified goal. New contacts asked, “How can we help?” It was clear from Sonny’s experiences:
“Everyone is truly ready to work together in supporting the spinal cord injury community.”
Rugby Rave 2026
Not all our outreach moments happen via conferences and exhibiting opportunities. Just ask Andy Zimmer, our Spinal Cord Injury Outreach Representative.
Andy attended the Rugby Rave 2026 Wheelchair Rugby Tournament in Phoenix hosted by Ability360. The tournament brought together 6 of the top-ranked teams of the USWRA (US Wheelchair Rugby Association) for a weekend of high-intensity, full-contact competition.
Andy played with Paralympian Chuck Aoki and connected with partners including United Access and New Mobility.
Represented at the tournament alongside the host team and tournament champion, 360Heat, were the University of Michigan Wolverines, the Boise Bombers, the Portland Pounders, the Texas Stampede, and the WASA/CKRI Lightning—oh, and a few familiar faces from the Help Hope Live community.
We spotted client Arthur Martinot and Justin from WOW Wonders on Wheels (you know him from our monthly virtual wheelchair fitness sessions!)
As Andy recapped for us:
“These events are always great opportunities to reconnect with longtime friends from all over the country. But it’s all business once we get on the court!”
So…Where To Next?
We share our upcoming virtual and in-person events on our website, but if you think we’re missing a stellar opportunity to connect with your community, let us know at [email protected]!Written by Emily Progin
