Rochester Spinal Association

Each year, the Rochester Spinal Association touches the lives of hundreds of people living with spinal cord injuries in the greater Rochester region, like Rob and Zach, whose stories you can read below. The peer support, social connections, support groups, social work services, and independence grants that helped Rob and Zach are only possible with the financial support of individuals and businesses in the community. We hope you will read these stories and then donate to our Spring Fundraising Appeal.

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Rob Williams was paralyzed on Memorial Day weekend in 2023. He was hosting a neighborhood event to thank the community and customers of his friend’s tattoo shop. Rob’s group was giving out hot dogs, drinks, backpacks, and other school supplies. A car drove by and sprayed 32 bullets at the crowd. Rob and one other person were hit. Rob was paralyzed instantly. He spent over two months in intensive care, unable to see his young son, and not even sure if he would survive.

After his initial recovery, he moved to the rehabilitation floor at Strong Memorial Hospital and after rehabilitation, Rob moved into his mother’s house. The setup was not ideal, but it was what was necessary at the time. Like many people who have been paralyzed, it took time for Rob to come to terms with having a permanent disability. Rob started working with RSA’s gun violence survivor Social Worker to secure housing that was accessible and allowed his young son to live with him.

After many months of waiting, Rob’s patience and hard work paid off! He secured an accessible two-bedroom house! Rob’s son has his own bedroom and the house has laundry facilities as well as a kitchen Rob can use. There are many resources in the neighborhood, including a fantastic chicken place. The house has a huge backyard and Rob has huge plans for it.

To say that his son loves professional wrestling is a huge understatement. On any visit to the house, you’ll see dozens of wrestling toys and maybe be treated to an explanation of the history of the favorite wrestlers!

Rob is now getting back into college and has plans of working, starting a YouTube Channel, and eventually opening his own business. Of all of his successes, he says, “I couldn’t have done it without my social worker from RSA. It’s an honor to be part of this organization and to have so many peers that are on a similar journey. I know I am not alone and I know there are people here who genuinely care about me and my future.”

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Zach Roman was paralyzed in a car accident a little over a year ago. He was living in Alabama at the time but moved to Rochester to be closer to family for support. He was referred to RSA by his wheelchair salesperson. Since finding RSA, Zachary has participated in our Zoom group meetings, peer support, social work services, and he received a grant to purchase equipment to increase his independence.

Zach is just 26 years old and is a proud father of two young children. He stays active by walking his dogs and visiting museums and other local attractions with his children, girlfriend, and family.

Because he is still new to the spinal cord injury experience, Zach has a lot of questions for peers he has met through RSA. Peer support has helped him gain insight into the experience of being in a wheelchair. This insight has helped him better understand what to expect from different medical treatments, devices, and accommodations commonly used by people with spinal cord injuries.

The grant from RSA was important to enable him to be more active outside in harsh weather and rough terrain – which is crucial for keeping up with his children and dogs! The grant from RSA enabled Zachary to purchase a set of mountain bike wheels for his manual wheelchair.

Zach has also worked with RSA’s social worker to connect with resources and organizations around Rochester, including finding a location to participate in aquatherapy. He’s also pursuing additional education and planning to get back to work soon.

Zach said, “I came to Rochester knowing nothing about the area, but RSA helped me find so many resources and made the adjustment so much easier!” He looks forward to connecting with peers in-person this summer and trying adapted sports, like wheelchair rugby.