The Cause
The Katie Samson Foundation has raised over $875,000 since it was formed in 2001.
What you may not know...
- The most devastating of all sports injuries involves the spinal cord. These injuries sever the nerves in the spinal cord, separating the brain from the nerves that control the muscles of the arms and legs.
- Until recently, efforts on the behalf of those with spinal cord injuries were directed to physical and occupational therapy to obtain neuromuscular function, to provide adaptive equipment and to teach adaptive skills.
- Recent research has demonstrated remarkable gains in the ability to promote re-growth and connecting nerves throughout the spinal cord. Techniques include functional electrical stimulation to prevent muscle atrophy; substances such as growth inhibitor blockers to overcome the body’s resistance to spinal cord regeneration; and molecular biology to help regenerate nerve tissue. Ultra-modern electric grids on the surface of the brain translate nerve signals that code thoughts of movement into electrical impulses that will instruct muscles to move.
- Gifts make a meaningful difference. KSF continues to support promising research and rehabilitation treatment to improve function, provide independence and quality of life for those with spinal cord injuries.
- In 2009, festival contributions supported:
- Wheelchairs For Iraqi Kids- Three pediatric wheelchairs have been purchased for disabled Iraqi kids
- Operation First Response- Supporting our Nation’s spinal cord injured returning veterans and their families.
- The Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital-Funds - specifically donated to the Lokomat Pro Rehabilitation Robotics System to help patients recovering from spinal cord and brain injury.
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis-The first ever human clinical trial that employs a combination of cell transplantation and anti-inflammatory medication that protects the regenerating nerve cells in the spinal cord.
- The Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports and the Magee Rehabilitation Hospital -These contributions support athletic programs and equipment for individuals with physical limitations.
- The National Transplant and Catastrophic Injury Fund- (NTAF)-Contributions to NTAF help off-set the many uninsured medical expenses associated with spinal cord injury patients.
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis- The first ever human clinical trial that employs a combination of cell transplantation and anti-inflammatory medication that protects the regenerating nerve cells in the spinal cord.
- The BrainGate Project at Brown University- Neuroscientists, electrical engineers and computer scientists featured on “60 Minutes” under the direction of Professor John Donoghue are working together to translate thoughts about movement into electrical impulses that instruct muscles to perform complex activities while bypassing areas of spinal cord injury.
