How You Can Help Bring Combined Electrical Spine Stimulation and Stem Cell Treatment to the U.S.
Spinal cord injuries are life-altering, affecting not just mobility but also the overall quality of life for millions of people. The road to recovery can be long and challenging; for many, the existing treatment options are limited and insufficient. However, there is hope on the horizon through combined electrical spine stimulation and stem cell therapies. These innovative treatments have shown great promise in clinical trials and early studies but are not yet widely available in the United States. If spinal cord injuries impact you or someone you know, there are meaningful ways you can help bring these groundbreaking therapies to those who need them.
1. Advocate for Policy Change
One of the most successful ways to make a difference is by advocating for policy change. The regulatory process for approving new medical treatments in the U.S. can be slow, and sometimes, innovative therapies that are available in other countries take years to gain approval here. You can support faster approval of treatments like combined electrical stimulation and stem cell therapies by contacting your local representatives and lawmakers.
Share your personal story or the stories of others who stand to benefit from these treatments. Lawmakers are more likely to take action when they see the real-world impact their decisions can have on their constituents. Advocacy can take many forms, from writing letters and making phone calls to attending town hall meetings and participating in advocacy days at your state capitol.
Not sure who your representatives are? You can use these two sites to find them:
We’ve created a template for you to copy/paste and send a letter or email to encourage your representatives to vote for bills and policies that allow stem cell research and use for spinal cord injuries. Download the template here:
Letter To Write Your Congress Members and Representatives
2. Support Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are critical steps in bringing new treatments to market. They provide the data needed to prove that a treatment is safe and effective. Suppose you or a loved one is eligible. In that case, participating in a clinical trial is one of the most direct ways to support the development of combined electrical spine stimulation and stem cell therapies.
Even if you cannot participate in a trial, you can still support this research in other ways. Many trials need volunteers for various roles, including healthy participants, and financial support is always needed to fund these expensive studies. By supporting clinical trials, you help generate the evidence needed to move these treatments closer to approval and widespread use.
3. Raise Awareness
Public awareness is critical to driving change. Many people, including those who could benefit from these treatments, may not even be aware of the potential of combined electrical spine stimulation and stem cell therapies. By raising awareness through social media, community events, and conversations with friends and family, you can help build the momentum needed to push for these treatments to become more widely available.
Consider organizing or participating in awareness campaigns, hosting informational sessions, or simply sharing articles and stories about these therapies. The more informed people are, the stronger the collective voice pushing for change will be.
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4. Collaborate with Advocacy Groups
Many organizations are already working tirelessly to expand access to advanced medical treatments for spinal cord injuries. These groups often have the resources, networks, and expertise to influence policy and bring about change. Collaborating with these advocacy groups can amplify your efforts and make a more significant impact.
Get involved by volunteering, donating, or simply sharing the work these organizations are doing. Many advocacy groups also offer training and resources to help you become a more effective advocate, so take advantage of these opportunities to learn and grow your impact.
Here are five advocacy groups you can get involved with:
Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is a leading nonprofit dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by advancing innovative research and improving the quality of life for individuals living with paralysis. It offers resources, support, and advocacy for people with spinal cord injuries and their families.United Spinal Association
United Spinal Association is a national nonprofit that advocates for people with spinal cord injuries and disorders. They provide resources, peer support, and legislative advocacy to improve access to care, employment, and independent living.Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)
PVA is a congressionally chartered veterans service organization that advocates for veterans with spinal cord injuries. They work to secure benefits, promote accessibility, and fund research to improve the lives of veterans and others affected by spinal cord injuries.Spinal Cord Injury Network (SCINet)
SCINet is an organization dedicated to connecting and supporting people with spinal cord injuries. They focus on advocacy, community building, and sharing information about the latest research and treatment options for spinal cord injuries.Rick Hansen Foundation
Based in Canada, the Rick Hansen Foundation works globally to remove barriers for people with disabilities, including those with spinal cord injuries. They focus on research, community accessibility, and raising awareness about the challenges faced by those with spinal cord injuries.
5. Donate to Research
Research is the backbone of medical advancement. Without funding, the development of new treatments stalls. Consider donating to research institutions, universities, or foundations dedicated to finding cures and treatments for spinal cord injuries. Every donation, regardless of size, helps move the needle closer to making these therapies a reality.
Donations fund everything from basic science research to clinical trials. In some cases, they can even help cover treatment costs for patients participating in early-stage trials. By supporting research financially, you’re not just helping to develop a treatment—you’re helping to bring it to the people who need it most.
6. Stay Informed
The spinal cord injury treatment field is rapidly evolving, with new discoveries and advancements being made regularly. By staying informed about the latest developments, you can be a more effective advocate and make better decisions about your own or your loved one’s care.
Follow medical journals, attend conferences, participate in webinars, and connect with other individuals and families affected by spinal cord injuries. Knowledge is power; the more informed you are, the more you can contribute to the movement to bring these treatments to the U.S.
Together, We Can Make a Difference
The journey to bring combined electrical spine stimulation and stem cell therapy to the United States is not easy, but we can all play a part in it. By advocating for policy change, supporting clinical trials, raising awareness, collaborating with advocacy groups, donating to research, and staying informed, you can help ensure these life-changing treatments become available to everyone who needs them.
Your voice, actions, and support are crucial in making this future a reality.
