Monthly Partners

ACCESS CHANGES EVERYTHING

Every 28 minutes, someone in America sustains a spinal cord injury. Your monthly commitment fuels a national movement to transform care, accelerate research, and expand access.

Become a Monthly Partner
16
Years of Impact
26+
States Reached
$2.8M+
Funds Raised

5+ MILLION Americans live with paralysis. Only 2% of philanthropic dollars support disability causes.

The Reality

A HEALTHCARE EQUITY CRISIS

Spinal cord injury represents one of the most severe healthcare disparities in America. Insurance doesn't always cover the basics. Lifetime costs can exceed $6 million. And most people have never heard of it, until it happens to them.

28 min

FREQUENCY OF NEW INJURY

Every 28 minutes in the United States, someone sustains a new spinal cord injury. Most are completely unprepared for what comes next.

$6M+

LIFETIME PATIENT COSTS

Depending on age, injury level, and insurance, lifetime costs can exceed $6 million, most not covered by insurance.

2%

PHILANTHROPIC FUNDING

Disability-focused nonprofits receive just 2% of annual philanthropic grant dollars. SCI organizations receive a fraction of that.

Tom Smith and Carlos
The Catalyst

ONE STORY.
ONE MISSION.

Tom Smith is believed to be the first person in medical history to sustain three separate paralyzing spinal cord injuries, and recover. Each time, he was fortunate enough to have access to essential healthcare that most people with spinal cord injuries don't.

"Access to essential healthcare is what made the difference for me. I was lucky. We started this foundation so no one else has to be."

In 2010, Tom and Tucker Mullin founded TESF to ensure that access isn't determined by luck, location, or income. Since then, TESF has supported individuals and families across the care continuum and invests in groundbreaking research that advances innovative treatments for people living with paralysis.

Access is the difference.

SEE THE IMPACT

Watch how TESF is transforming lives and redefining possible.

Your Investment

MONTHLY IMPACT

Predictable, sustained support lets us plan ahead, respond when needs arise, and scale what works.

$10
per month

KEEP THE CONNECTION

Funds peer support and community programs that ensure no one navigates their journey alone.

Give $10/mo
Most Popular
$25
per month

OPEN DOORS

Provides adaptive equipment grants that restore independence: the tools that make daily life possible.

Give $25/mo
$50
per month

BUILD BRIDGES

Sponsors direct participation in adaptive sports, social connection events, and community programs.

Give $50/mo
$100
per month

CHANGE TRAJECTORIES

Funds comprehensive mobility assessments and equipment matching, where access truly equals the difference.

Give $100/mo
Our Approach

THREE PILLARS. ONE MISSION.

CARE CONTINUUM INNOVATION

Providing emotional and financial support to cover the significant out-of-pocket expenses that insurance won't, from equipment to home modifications to therapy.

GROUNDBREAKING RESEARCH

Investing in world-class institutions driving innovation: 85% success rates in motor function improvement through brain-computer interfaces. Tom is living proof it works.

REDEFINING POSSIBLE

Engaging communities and decision makers to create a world with greater accessibility and inclusivity. We invented the Look-Up Line to prevent injuries before they happen.

As Seen On

Your support has created an extraordinary opportunity for continued recovery, independence, and hope. Thanks to your generosity, I am now able to participate in consistent, therapist-guided electrical stimulation cycling from home, something that would not have been possible without your assistance.

Thank you again for this remarkable gift and for being a vital part of my recovery story.

With heartfelt appreciation,
Joseph

READY TO
JOIN THE MOVEMENT?

Monthly Partners are the foundation of sustainable change. Your predictable support lets us plan ahead, respond when needs arise, and prove that access transforms lives.

Become a Monthly Partner

Questions? Reach out to info@thomasesmithfoundation.org

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