Director’s Letter
As we approach the close of another remarkable year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the progress, resilience and hope that have defined our journey at the International Center for Spinal Cord Injury.
2025 has been a year of celebration, growth and innovation. Our team continues to push boundaries in research, rehabilitation and patient care—driven by a shared commitment to improving the lives of individuals affected by spinal cord injuries. From groundbreaking research to expanded adaptive recreational activities to innovative patient care, we’ve made meaningful strides that would not have been possible without the dedication of our staff, the courage of our patients and the generosity of our supporters.
One of the highlights this year was the celebration of our 20th anniversary! This milestone is not just a celebration of numbers, but of lives changed, partnerships strengthened, and the promise for a future filled with meaningful discoveries and personalized care delivery, all occurring in an inclusive, collaborative and supportive environment.
Looking ahead to 2026, we are energized by the possibilities. We will continue to invest in cutting-edge research, advocate for accessibility and equity, and provide compassionate care that empowers every individual we serve.
On behalf of the entire International Center for Spinal Cord Injury, thank you for being part of our mission. Your belief in our work fuels everything we do. We wish you a joyful holiday season and a new year filled with health, peace and purpose.
Warm regards,
Cristina Sadowsky
Clinical Director and Co-Founder
International Center for Spinal Cord Injury
Kennedy Krieger Institute
Pickleball for All: A Smashing Success!
On Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, the courts came alive for the first annual Pickleball for All Tournament—an accessible, action-packed event where fun met fierce competition! Hosted by our amazing friends at Dill Dinkers, the day was filled with laughter, lively rallies and unforgettable moments.
Players of all abilities brought their A game, and the energy was electric, from the first serve to the final point. Whether you were dinking, driving or cheering from the sidelines, the spirit of inclusion and joy was everywhere.
Thanks to your incredible support, we raised over $30,000 to fund recreational and therapeutic programs for our patients—making a real difference, one paddle at a time.
Congratulations to our winners!
- Women’s Beginner: Becca Martin and Jamie Askew
- Women’s Intermediate: Carrie Lebow and Julie Posner
- Mixed Doubles: Ariana Miles and Carlos Hernandez
- Mixed Abilities:
- Bracket A: Heidi Nash and Anthony Caparella
- Bracket B: Larry Toler and Jody Lutrell Dust off those paddles, start practicing your spin shots, and get ready—Pickleball for All 2026 is going to be even bigger and better!
Regeneration Generation Virtual Session: Explore the Future of MS Research
When: Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, 12–1:30 p.m.
For: Patients, families and staff members of the ICSCI
Get ready for an inspiring and informative afternoon as we welcome Dr. Bruce Bebo, executive vice president of research at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, for a special virtual presentation on the latest breakthroughs in multiple sclerosis (MS) research.
This session will bring:
- Insight into cutting-edge MS research
- Updates on promising therapies and clinical trials
- A live question-and-answer session during which you can ask Dr. Bebo your questions directly
Click here for the Zoom meeting link
Welcome, Jenni Roth!
We’re thrilled to welcome Jennifer Roth, pediatric nurse practitioner, to the ICSCI. Early next year, Jenni will begin seeing pediatric patients—up to and including age 21—at our outpatient center at 801 North Broadway, Baltimore.
Upcoming Conferences
The ICSCI will be at two of the top spinal cord injury conferences in 2026. If you are attending one of these conferences, be sure to stop by the Kennedy Krieger booth:
- Unite 2 Fight Paralysis’ Science and Advocacy Symposium: Feb. 15–17, 2026 in Washington, D.C. The ICSCI is the title sponsor for the 2026 Unite2Fight Paralysis Annual Symposium. In addition to discussing the latest in SCI functional recovery research and collaboration, the symposium will conclude with a Roll on the Capitol to launch a national legislative campaign advocating for empowerment of the spinal cord injury community. Click here to learn more about the symposium.
- Howard H. Steel Conference: Dec. 3–5, 2026 in Orlando, Florida
ICSCI Over the Years
The ICSCI began 20 years ago with a bold vision and a deep commitment to patient care. Take a look at how we have grown over the years, reaching new heights in clinical excellence, research breakthroughs and community outreach. Here are some highlights from key years to demonstrate our growth:
2005
- 174 patients served
- 10 employees
- Grand opening at 707 North Broadway
- Restorative Therapies’ functional electrical stimulation (FES) ergometer receives FDA approval
2015
- 2,094 patients served since grand opening
- 84 employees
- Team Kennedy Krieger hosts the first annual Kennedy Krieger Wheelchair Rugby Invitational Tournament
- Life Through Motion Wellness Center begins Boot Camp
- Dry needling services introduced
- Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation Research and Training Program begins
2024
- 3,656 patients served since grand opening
- 129 employees
- Personal training suite at 801 North Broadway renovated
- White Marsh location receives C-Mill, a Bioness Integrated Therapy System, and Burt®, a BarrettTM upper-limb therapy robot, in partnership with the Pediatric Post-COVID-19 Rehabilitation Clinic
- Partnered with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation to create two pediatric booklets about spinal cord injury
- First athlete from Team Kennedy Krieger competes in the New York City Marathon
- First two athletes from Team Kennedy Krieger compete in the Boston Marathon
- Renovations begin at Maple Lawn location to add an aquatic therapy suite and an activities-of-daily-living suite
Adaptive Sports Update
Congratulations to the Maryland Thunder Wheelchair Lacrosse team for taking second place at the Wheelchair Lacrosse USA National Tournament in Pittsburgh. Additionally, several players received post-season honors:
- Mike Looney: All-Tournament, First Team, Tournament Leading Scorer
- Harsh Thakkar: All-Tournament, First Team, Tournament Second-Leading Scorer
- Luke Robinson: All-Tournament, Honorable Mention
- Tony Caparella: All-Tournament, Honorable Mention 2026
Pickleball for All Plans are underway for Pickleball for All 2026!
- Tentative date: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026
- Location: Dill Dinkers in White Marsh Coming Soon: Pickleball 101!
Join us for the Pickleball 101 Clinic and Open Play:
- Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, 10 a.m. to noon
- Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, 10 a.m. to noon
Registration required. Email AdaptiveSports@KennedyKrieger.org to register.
Annual Fishing Trip
In October, six patients, along with their family members, took to the waters of the Chesapeake Bay to reel in some fresh dinner during our annual fishing trip. What started out as a slow morning quickly picked up just after lunch. No one left empty-handed.
Historic Drawbridge Marathon
Team Kennedy Krieger did not participate in the Baltimore Running Festival this year, but that didn’t stop our patients who still want to stay active. Six patients took on the Historic Drawbridge Marathon in St. Michaels, Maryland, billed as one of Maryland’s flattest courses. They were thrilled to move away from the hills of Baltimore!
Adaptive Skiing
In January, four patients and three staff members from the ICSCI will be heading out to the Adaptive Sports Center in Crested Butte, Colorado, for a weeklong ski adventure.
If you are interested in joining us, please complete this form.
Get in Touch
To inquire about any upcoming events or if you have any questions, please email us at: AdaptiveSports@KennedyKrieger.org
And please follow us on social media:
- Facebook: Team Kennedy Krieger Adaptive Sports
- Instagram: TeamKennedyKrieger
Spinal Cord Injury Medicine Fellowship Program
Want to learn more about our Spinal Cord Injury Medicine Fellowship Program?
Spinal cord injury and dysfunction is a complex condition, and most providers do not have the specialized training required to meet the needs of their patients with spinal cord injury and dysfunction. At the ICSCI, we are committed to increasing the number of patients we treat and training the next generation of physicians, physical therapists and occupational therapists trained in treating spinal cord injury and dysfunction.
The Spinal Cord Injury Medicine Fellowship Program at Kennedy Krieger Institute and The Johns Hopkins University was established in July 2007 under the auspices of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation between Kennedy Krieger and Johns Hopkins Medicine. It is an ACGME-accredited program offering one fellowship position each year.
To learn more about the program, read the program’s newsletter.
Thank You!
Your support over the past 20 years has made a profound impact. Thanks to you, we’ve been able to expand access to care with new locations, invest in life-changing research, and bring comfort and healing to countless individuals and families. Your belief in our mission fuels everything we do.
Together, we’ve built a community rooted in clinical care, innovation and hope through motion. As we look ahead to even more milestones in the coming years, we invite you to continue this journey with us. Your year-end gift can help us reach even more people, innovate further and ensure that every patient receives the care they deserve.
Make your year-end donation today
For more information about supporting the ICSCI, email Susie Lynch at: LynchSu@KennedyKrieger.org