Steps for Stephanie

My name is Nancy, and Stephanie is my sister. Thirty years ago, a car accident left her paralyzed, using a wheelchair and living as a person with quadriplegia. Those who know Stephanie know that she didn't let that slow her down. For the last 25+ years, she has made the most of a not great situation, including graduating from Marquette and having a successful career in TV, all while living with her disability.

Seven years ago, I came across an article in People magazine about a study at the University of Louisville called The Big Idea(https://reevebigidea.org/). It is a first-of-its-kind study aimed at propelling the paralysis community into a new era of groundbreaking research. It's a movement to transform what it means for individuals to live with a spinal cord injury (SCI), just like my sister. The Big Idea study will further explore the life-enhancing effects of epidural stimulation via an implant on people with spinal cord injury (SCI). At the end of 2014, Stephanie put her name on a list, hoping to be called to participate in the study. Then in late 2021, she was contacted out of the blue and told she had a shot at participating and receiving the implant. After two rounds of testing, she was selected as 1 of only 36 people to receive the implant and is scheduled for this life-changing surgery on July 14th.

In order to participate, Stephanie will be taking a leave from her job in TV for 12-14 months. During this time, she will need to pay for her living expenses in Louisville while still hoping to maintain her mortgage here in Wisconsin. We are asking for your help for someone who, through her own struggles, always asks what she can do to help others. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Stephanie to be able to move parts of her body she currently can't, and ultimately, we hope she will take her first step in 30 years. We never thought something like this was even possible. Any support is appreciated beyond measure!

Let's help Stephanie take steps!