Our Grant Recipients.
In addition to the emotional support the Thomas E. Smith Foundation (TESF) provides, we have donated over $2,000,000 dollars to benefit people affected by spinal cord injury and paralysis.
Thank you to our donors, sponsors, supporters, and volunteers for helping change the lives of those living with SCI & paralysis. We could not make the impact we do without your support!
Looking for a Grant Application?
If you or someone you know with paralysis is in need of our services and support, you can complete and submit your grant application now
Stronger Together Spotlight.
Meet Mikayla. In November 2022, Mikayla’s life changed in an instant when she was shot in the neck at a nightclub after her class reunion. The incident left the 29-year-old from Alabama with a C4 incomplete spinal cord injury.
A devoted mom to her 6-year-old son, Mikayla once lived fully independently. Today, she relies on help for daily tasks, and limited rehabilitation resources in her state have made recovery even harder.
With support from our generous donors, TESF was able to provide Mikayla with a Hoyer lift that makes transfers safer, while easing the physical strain on her elderly mother, who is her primary caregiver.
This #SCIAwarenessMonth, we honor Mikayla’s resilience. Despite the challenges ahead, she continues to push forward with strength and determination. 💚💙
#strongertogether #sciawareness #mobilitymatters #tesfcureparalysis
Meet Ramon. Once a truck driver, Ramon`s life changed after a gunshot injury left him paralyzed from the neck down. He now lives in a group home where daily activities often depend on others` schedules and availability.
One of Ramon`s favorite outings is visiting Lake Michigan, a peaceful break that gives him time away from the group home and a chance to enjoy the fresh air.
Through our Stronger Together Grant Program, generous donors made it possible for Ramon to receive an @apple iPad with accessibility features for his power wheelchair.
Beyond keeping him connected with family and friends, the iPad transformed Ramon`s daily routine, making his outings easier, safer, and more independent. 💚💙
#StrongerTogether #sciawareness #AccessibilityMatters #Independence #tesfcureparalysis
Meet David. 💪
After a tragic diving accident left him a quadriplegic, David’s life changed in an instant. Once an avid gym-goer, co-ed soccer player, and diehard Florida Gators fan, he now channels that same energy and passion into his recovery journey.
Despite the challenges, David’s unwavering commitment to fitness and physical well-being made him the perfect recipient of one of our rehabilitation grants.
"I’m incredibly grateful to the Thomas E. Smith Foundation and the Stronger Together Committee for selecting me as a grant recipient. The entire process was clear, supportive, and genuinely focused on helping individuals like myself continue our recovery journey. This generous grant will allow me to continue my therapy at NextStep Orlando, which is a vital part of my rehabilitation. With this support, I’m confident I can keep progressing toward greater strength and independence. Thank you for believing in my recovery.”
We’re proud to support incredible individuals like David—proving that strength isn’t just physical, it’s personal.
#tesf #tesfcureparalysis #accessibility #grantrecipient #sciawareness #spinalcordinjury
Meet Judith, a single mother of five from Colorado living with paralysis since sustaining a spinal cord injury (SCI) in 2002. She balances family life and recovery every day with strength, determination, and grace.
Thanks to a grant made possible by TESF supporters, Judith now has a 6-way transfer seat in her van. This gives her the freedom to drive to physical therapy and get her kids to school on her own terms.
Her story is a powerful reminder that independence is possible — and it’s the support from people like you that makes this possible. #strongertogether #sciawareness #mobilitymatters #tesfcureparalysis
Meet Yaidel. At 12, Yaidel sustained a spinal cord injury while swimming in Cuba. Now in his 30s, one of his biggest challenges has been gaining independence—especially reliable transportation—to pursue his dreams and continue his education.
Thanks to TESF and @miracletoyotafl Yaidel now has a job at the @avonparkchamberofcommerce, and access to a vehicle with hand controls. He’s already working on getting his driver’s permit and is well on his way to earning his license. 🙌
In Yaidel’s words: “Thanks to you, I will be able to be more independent.”
We are proud to support Yaidel’s journey and can’t wait to see where the road takes him. Together, we’re making independence possible for those living with paralysis. 💚💙
#StrongerTogether #sciawareness #AdaptiveDriving #IndependenceMatters #tesfcureparalysis
Meet Cody. At just 16, he was dominating motocross tracks, earning enough points to race in the pro class, a big achievement, particularly at such a young age.
But in 2016, during a practice run, a crash changed everything. He went over the handlebars, and the impact left him paralyzed from the waist down.
Now 25, Cody likes to stay active and enjoys fishing, hunting, and, for work, he can be found crafting incredible high-end fly fishing lures by hand. When he’s not busy with those activities, he likes spending time with his girlfriend and his dog, Quarter.
Thanks to the support of our generous donors, Cody received a @vitaglide — a piece of adaptive fitness equipment designed for wheelchair users that helps build back strength and reduce shoulder pain, giving him more freedom and comfort to do the things he loves to do. 💚💙
#sciawareness #inspiration #adaptiveliving #strongertogether #tesfcureparalysis
Meet Jonathan. After sustaining a spinal cord injury at work, Jonathan found himself navigating a new reality, unsure of which equipment would make the biggest difference in his quality of life.
Through conversations with our team about his specific circumstances and challenges, it became clear that an all-terrain wheelchair could help Jonathan return to work and advance his career.
Today, we`re happy to share that this has been "a complete game changer" for Jonathan. Since receiving his Action Track Chair, he has been able to spend more time outdoors than he did the previous year.
For the first time in 18 months, Jonathan was able to watch his two sons race at the motocross track. He attended his daughter`s flag football game independently, sitting right against the fence to cheer her on—something that wasn`t possible before. 🙌
Small changes in equipment can lead to enormous improvements in the quality of life and independence of a person living with paralysis.
Jonathan`s story shows how the right mobility solution can reconnect someone with the family activities and work opportunities that matter most.
Thanks to donors and supporters like you, TESF was able to help Jonathan redefine possible... and we couldn`t be more grateful. 💚💙
#tesfcureparalysis #accessibility #sciawareness #qualityoflife
Meet Brenna.
A climbing accident changed Brenna`s life, leaving her paralyzed from the waist down. But her spirit? Unbreakable.
With the support of our incredible donors, we provided Brenna with a Shuttle Systems Ultimate Leg Press for her home. This vital piece of equipment allows her to continue building strength daily, enabling her to make the most of her physical therapy sessions, moving more steadily towards her goals.
Brenna`s journey is a powerful testament to #resilience—and to the difference we can make together. Your support provides more than equipment. It provides hope, strength, and the tools to redefine possible 💚💙
#tesfcureparalysis #SCIawareness #mobility #access #qualityoflife
Meet Ken. When Ken slipped on ice in 2022, his world changed in an instant. After nearly four decades as Assistant Vice President at Becker College and coaching multiple sports teams, Ken had just begun enjoying his well-deserved retirement when tragedy struck.
For 30 minutes, he laid immobilized in the snow before help arrived. Emergency surgery was required to repair and stabilize Ken`s fractured vertebrae.
Despite this devastating spinal cord injury that arrived just as he was beginning his retirement chapter, Ken continues to move forward with determination 💚💙 We`re proud to support Ken`s recovery with a $10,000 grant for MOTOmed exercise equipment, which will help him regain movement and strengthen his body during this challenging recovery journey.
While SCI changed Ken`s plan, it didn`t defeat his spirit. With specialized equipment and the same determination he once inspired in his athletes, Ken is writing a new chapter in his story. #tesfcureparalysis #SCIawareness #strongertogether #nonprofitimpact
Meet Chris, an incredible father and friend. Like many families following a spinal cord injury (SCI), Chris and his family have put everything they have into his recovery.
Last summer, Chris became paralyzed from the neck down while biking in Cape Cod. Since his accident, he has been doing whatever it takes to gain strength and maximize mobility. TESF was honored to provide him with funding for intensive physical therapy to help him to continue his recovery journey 💚💙
But, that’s not the only reason why we’re here...
Chris inspires us because — not only is he fighting for his strength and maximum mobility— he is also fighting to improve quality of life for those who have not experienced a SCI, yet. Chris has been working with doctors to enhance the quality of life for people with SCI, partnering with the science community to reduce isolation through innovative technology.
We can’t wait to see how his dedication to this initiative helps redefine possible for people that experience SCI, living with paralysis 🙌
#tesfcureparalysis #SCIawareness #qualityoflife #innovation #inspiration
Meet Hannah, an active and driven professional who has defied the odds since suffering a spinal cord injury (SCI) in high school as a result of a car accident.
Despite sustaining this life-changing injury, Hannah has thrived in the hospitality and events industry, carving out a successful career as an active wheelchair user.
However, her journey hasn’t been free of obstacles. Hannah`s wheelchair, which was not yet due for replacement (#iykyk), endured significant wear and tear, and had reached the point where it no longer felt reliable. She shared with us that she began to feel hesitant to go out and engage in daily activities, fearful that her chair might break down and leave her stranded.
After getting to know Hannah, TESF was proud to step in to provide her with a new wheelchair, to ensure she has the independence and confidence to continue to pursue her career, and moreover–live life to the fullest.
Hannah’s story is a powerful reminder of the #resilience of the human spirit, while also shining a light on the critical importance of #access for people living with paralysis 💚💙 #tesfcureparalysis
Every story reminds us why our mission matters 💚💙
Meet Jake, a 26-year-old whose life changed in an instant after sustaining a spinal cord injury in a pool accident shortly after graduating college with his degree in biology.
As a former lab analyst, Jake must now take a new approach to his career due to physical limitations. But with the unwavering support of his family, fiancée, and loved ones, he maintains an inspiring commitment to his health, working out several times weekly to maintain his strength 💪
We`re proud to support Jake`s journey toward greater independence by funding a ceiling lift installation in his home. This modification will significantly reduce the physical assistance needed for daily activities like bathing and transfers.
At TESF, we`re not just providing immediate solutions - we`re working to transform the future of treatment for people living with paralysis. Jake and his fiancée have their whole lives ahead of them, and we`re honored to be part of their journey.
Together, we believe we can create a future where a SCI doesn`t define possibilities. #tesfcureparalysis #sciawareness #innovation
Want to learn more about our mission or help support individuals like Jake? Visit our website (link in bio).
Meet Adrian.
Adrian is a 38 year-old devoted father of two, whose life was forever changed by a devastating car accident, leaving him with both a spinal cord and traumatic brain injury. Prior to the accident, Adrian worked two jobs to support his family. But now, in this new reality, they are relying solely on his wife’s income to provide for their family of four.
Despite tremendous hurdles, Adrian’s resilience shines through as he pushes forward with unwavering determination. He is actively pursuing and training for wheelchair accessible jobs, while focusing on his physical rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility.
After meeting Adrian, his goal was clear: to become more independent and continue providing for his family.
TESF is proud to support Adrian’s journey by providing funding for his intensive physical therapy and a standing frame—tools that will help unlock his greatest potential for mobility.
Adrian’s relentless dedication to his family, paired with his courage to rise above adversity, is truly inspiring. His story is one of strength, hope, and the belief that with determination, we can redefine possible.
If Adrian’s story resonates, and you would like to #makeadifference for individuals and families facing extraordinary hardships, please visit the link in the comments to contribute to our year-end giving campaign Match For Mobility #tesfcureparalysis #inspiration #match4mobility #RedefinePossible #StrongerTogether
