Welcome to this special podcast series for people living with paralysis due to spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, or related conditions and their families. We know that finding a new path forward can be challenging, but through expert talks and peer discussions, we’re here to help you set meaningful goals and take actions to experience a fulfilling life—whether in health, recreation, family, work, or community.

Our first event, "Creating a New Vision for Life with Spinal Cord Injury," features Reveca Torres, founder of BACKBONES, who shares insights on identity and goal setting. You’ll also hear from inspiring BACKBONES Leaders who offer real-life stories and practical tips for navigating your journey and achieving your goals.

Join us to explore resources, strategies, and research opportunities that empower you and your loved ones to create positive change—both personally and in your community. Together, we’ll build new paths forward with hope and determination.

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Podcast Timestamps:
00:04 – Welcome by Jeanne Zanca, MPT, PhD, https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Jeanne-Zanca
01:19 – Reveca Torres
04:54 – Panel Discussion with Shante Nelson, Andrew Lewis, Michael Maruzzi
1:00:21 - Episode Wrap-Up with Jeanne Zanca, MPT, PhD and Announcer

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Guest speaker:
Reveca Torres, founder of BACKBONES, https://www.linkedin.com/in/reveca-torres-539b816/

Panel:
BACKBONES Leaders Program members, https://www.backbonesonline.org

LEARN more about this event series:
https://kesslerfoundation.org/2025-spinal-cord-injury-community-event-series

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TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SCI RESEARCH:

LISTEN to more podcasts:
https://soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/sets/spinal-cord-injury-research

EXPLORE our website:
https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-spinal-cord-injury-research

PARTICIPATE:
Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to https://kesslerfoundation.org/join

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Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Subscribe to our SoundCloud channel, “KesslerFoundation,” for more research updates.

This podcast was recorded, produced, and edited by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer at Kessler Foundation in July 2025.

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Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media more accessible. These tools help ensure people with visual or cognitive impairments can access our materials. Automated voices may not always capture intonation or pronunciation as clearly as the accompanying text. If you experience issues with our AI narrators, please contact us at communications@kesslerfoundation.org.