Dear Valued Friends, Colleagues and Partners,

I am thrilled to announce the Craig H. Neilsen Visionary Prize! The Prize, which has been established to honor the memory and legacy of Craig H. Neilsen, celebrates individuals who exemplify the values that were important to Craig during his lifetime. His remarkable determination, inexhaustible passion, and an ability to inspire, are all traits reflected in the recipients of this million dollar, unrestricted Prize.

The three 2020 awardees: Andrea Dalzell, Dr. Brian K. Kwon, and Reveca Torres are exemplary individuals who are not afraid to take bold risks, foster collaboration, and advocate for new ideas.  They are influential voices who are consistent with the Foundation’s vision sharing a dedication to a future where individuals with spinal cord injury live full and productive lives as active participants in their communities.

Please join me in congratulating Andrea, Brian, and Reveca!  To learn more about these inspiring individuals, visit the Craig H. Neilsen Visionary Prize page of our website and you can also see their reactions when they learned they were awardees below.

All my best,

Kym Eisner
Executive Director
Craig H. Neilsen Foundation

Photo by Erwan Hesry on Unsplash

Following a three-day think tank in 2017, five research priorities were identified to address issues of the utmost importance to people living with SCI.  Immediate action was taken on one — the Foundation partnered with the Paralyzed Veterans of America to accelerate updating the Bowel Management Clinical Practice Guidelines, which will be completed in 2020.  However, the need for improved treatments of these vital functions still remains.

Through the Foundation’s RFA, six new grants were approved in October 2019 that collectively cover a wide range of goals, from ensuring continence to providing safe, effective control of voiding, and preventing other health complications.  Using devices, drugs, diet and/or physical rehabilitative approaches, these investigative teams will work to help people with SCI know when it’s time to head to the restroom, help them empty their bladder (or not) as desired, as well as promoting healthy bladder and bowel function.

Not being able “to go” when you need to is a serious health risk, and fearing “accidents” in public can dramatically reduce a person’s participation in activities of all kinds.  The Foundation is committed to advancing research that helps individuals with SCI live full and productive lives as active participants in their communities.

Photo by Ave Calvar on Unsplash