Dear John,

Summer is upon us, and with it comes renewed energy for projects and activities that will propel us toward cures for paralysis.  At U2FP, we often find that our enthusiasm for advocacy rides the winds of research, funding or legislative news.  At times we have to take a break to deal with health issues that confront anyone living with a spinal cord injury.  And yet through it all we know that doing nothing is unacceptable, that science can solve the neurological puzzle of SCI, that progress has accelerated in the last few years, but that much more must be done and done NOW. 
 

At Working 2 Walk in Phoenix, in addition to learning about the latest advances in research, we will hear from folks in the paralysis community who are taking action and making a difference.  We'll talk about what we can do as individuals and as a group to support the scientists, speak up for our rights, and demand that restoration of our health become a priority.  Activism is going on all around us:

• Phil Perrier speaks out in The Huffington Post
• Martin Codyre takes on The Ironman Challenge and speaks out in Europe
• Sabrina Cohen speaks out on behalf of stem cell research
• Geoff Kent is fundraising at the Chicago Marathon
• Team U2FP takes on the P.F. Chang's Half Marathon in Seattle

Our Team U2FP Seattle fundraising thermometer is steadily climbing upward, already over $1,000 and heading toward our ultimate goal of $6,000.  Our team of runners and walkers is training hard; for most of them it is their first half marathon.  Thank you to the many generous donors who have already contributed to the cause.  We have 2 1/2 weeks left to reach our goal, and with the support of the paralysis community and our friends and neighbors, we can make it.  For more information and to donate, visit our Team U2FP web page.
 

And don't forget to mark your calendars for Working 2 Walk Phoenix, November 11-13, 2010.  Information on our venue, lodging, and sponsor packages is now available.  We are working feverishly on our program and will have more details to share in our next newsletter.  Registration will open later in the summer.  For all of you W2W veterans, be sure to tell your friends west of the Mississippi about this exciting and empowering event.  We look forward to seeing all of you who can make it to Phoenix.
 

Your friends at Unite 2 Fight Paralysis