Robert Mulcahy West Roxbury, MA, United States

C5/6 Quadriplegic ASIA d, April 2002

Almost five years ago my life changed in an instant. I dove into a pool breaking my neck and was told several days later that I will be a C5/6 Quadriplegic for the rest of my life. I was paralyzed in so many ways. The independence that shaped my life was gone. More importantly, the movement and power of the body was gone and replaced by thoughts and dreams of …well…. my memories of movement.

My independence is back and so are my dreams, all of them attainable. However, my dreams of moving my body as it was intended depend on so many other factors besides my will, hard work and positive attitude. One factor is the United States Government.

Without my government's backing many therapies may never make it out of the lab, therapies that have the potential to restore function and movement for people living with paralysis. The United States needs to stop being paralyzed by politics and reaffirm its ability to stand strong as a leader for the scientific community. Lets make a choice to lead and help millions with their dreams of…well…movement. The United States can choose to stand, the paralysis community cannot.