June 2024: Jay Fennessy’s life changed dramatically when he sustained a spinal cord injury while mountain biking last month, in May. The Thomas E. Smith Foundation (TESF) stepped in to provide crucial support, working with Jay and his family to help develop both immediate and long-term care solutions.
Within days of Jay’s transfer from Albany, NY to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston, MA. Immediately thereafter, members of our team began coordinating home modifications, meeting with contractors to discuss redesigning several areas of Jay’s house to accommodate his new needs.
TESF’s support extended beyond physical modifications, working with Jay’s family to identify and purchase essential healthcare equipment, and facilitated his transition to outpatient care at Journey Forward. Throughout this process, we provided valuable guidance to help Jay balance his professional responsibilities with his physical therapy requirements.
A special highlight of Jay’s recovery journey came during his stay at Spaulding. Our President/Co-Founder Thomas Smith and TESF advisory director Jake Thibeault arranged a surprise visit from NHL Stanley Cup Champion Zdeno Chara. As a lifelong hockey player and devoted Boston Bruins fan, Jay was thrilled to meet the legendary Bruins captain. During this memorable visit, we presented Jay the Annual Zdeno Chara Paralysis Grant. Through this grant, we have provided Jay with $25,000 to support his ongoing home modifications and healthcare equipment needs. This grant exemplifies our dedication to providing timely, comprehensive support to individuals facing life-altering injuries. “Our visit together was wonderful,” noted Thomas Smith, “and we greatly appreciate Zee’s continued support towards TESF and our mission to better the lives of those with SCI, living with paralysis.”
