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boating, camping and anything that gets me in the great outdoors!
I started Will2Walk Foundation with the goal of giving back to the spinal cord injury community. I want to help those with SCI's not just survive, but live a happy, healthy independent life with a purpose. The foundation has a Scholarship Program for those with traumatic spinal cord injuries that provides financial assistance for medical or exercise equipment, physical therapy, education, etc. to enhance their life or prolong a healthy, active lifestyle. In 2018 alone, we awarded $40,000 in scholarships.
Working within the SCI community has been amazing for me—from meeting awesome individuals to engaging in empowering conversations to truly understanding the needs that exist within that community. Through this, I’ve realized how lucky I have been to have the insurance coverage, educational opportunities and support network I have since I was injured in 1992. It makes me want to get more involved and give back as much time, resources and energy as I can.
Over the years, my eyes have been opened to the conundrum that exists for those living with SCI’s relative to medical insurance, disability income and financial independence. A majority of those with SCI's do not have medical coverage for daily living assistance, medical equipment or accessibility needs. Disability income is limited and may not provide the extra funds necessary to cover these types of needs. However, depending on prior experience and education pre-injury, those with SCI’s may struggle to find employment when they’re ready, which keeps them from truly being financially independent.
My hope is that Will2Walk can help bridge that gap by providing scholarships for necessary supplies & equipment, education, you name it. In today's world of technology and innovation, I believe that those with an SCI should have the same opportunities for an education, gainful employment and active life as all. That is what I love the most about working with those living with an SCI—helping them find these opportunities and seeing them flourish in life.
-Rich Hamill
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