Director’s Letter
Happy summer! I hope this email finds you enjoying some fun outdoor activities while also staying cool in the heat. We’ve included a few summer safety tips in this issue, to help you during this season.
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our Patient Advisory Board, and we hope you’ll join our efforts and have your voice be heard. We envision that board members will guide us in shaping the Center’s programming to align even more closely with the individuals we care for needs.
Also, check out all the latest happenings with Team Kennedy Krieger and our Adaptive Sports Program. Team members have been putting in strong showings at top marathons and other events. And be sure to save the dates for some exciting upcoming events, including our second annual Pickleball for All fundraising event and tournament on Saturday, Sept. 19!
Warm regards,
Cristina Sadowsky
Clinical Director, Co-Founder
International Center for Spinal Cord Injury Kennedy Krieger Institute
Patient Advisory Board
To ensure our programming aligns with our patients’ and families’ needs, we are establishing a Patient Advisory Board. As a member, you would be responsible for attending quarterly virtual meetings and providing your honest feedback about current or future elements of our therapeutic and research programs. If you or a family member has had an appointment at our center in the last year, and you are interested in learning more, please send an email to ICSCINews@KennedyKrieger.org with your name and contact information.
Join Us for Carnival Night at our White Marsh Location
To celebrate the third anniversary of our White Marsh location, we will be hosting a special afternoon of fun and accessible carnival games on Wednesday, July 22, from 3 to 5 p.m. Current patients and their friends and family members are all invited to join us and experience our program together. Please reserve your spot(s) at the event by Friday, July 17
Summer Safety
As the weather heats up and you look for ways to cool down, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Stay cool: Your ability to sweat and regulate temperature can become impaired in hot weather, and you might not know you’re overheating before it’s too late. Do your outdoor activities in the morning and evening to avoid peak heat. Use misted water to cool off.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water even if you are not feeling thirsty and avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol. Pay careful attention to your bladder routine and adjust as needed, to accommodate for the extra intake of fluids.
- Protect your skin: Wear SPF 30 sunscreen on exposed skin; consider wearing loose sun protecting clothing. Keep up with your pressure reliefs. Avoid contact with hot surfaces, like pavement and car seats.
- Stay safe around water: No head-first diving!
Save the Date: Trends in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Annual Symposium
On Monday, March 8, 2027, we will welcome Emily J. Fox, PT, PhD, and Andrew Park, MD, in addition to our very own Rebecca Martin, OTR/L, OTD for the Trends in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Annual Symposium. They will be discussing the role of biomarkers in creating more personalized rehabilitation plans. Stay tuned for more information!
Symposium Speakers
Rebecca
Martin
,
OTR/L, OTD, CPAM
Emily J. Fox, PT, PhD
Andrew Park, MD
Team Kennedy Krieger Adaptive Sports Update
April was a massive month for our endurance athletes! Between the Coast Guard Marathon and the legendary Boston Marathon, Team Kennedy Krieger put in some serious miles and brought home some impressive results.
Coast Guard Marathon
For the second year in a row, we had a strong squad representing Team Kennedy Krieger in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Congratulations to our finishers:
- Jim: 3rd place, Men’s Handcycle
- MC: 2nd place, Women’s Handcycle
- Jordan and Yaz: Strong finishes and great performances on the course
Boston Marathon
The energy and excitement of Boston are truly unmatched. Jordan and Scott proudly represented Team Kennedy Krieger at one of the world’s most iconic races.
A special congratulations goes to Scott, who finished as a Top 10 Male Handcyclist, earning automatic qualification for the 2027 Boston Marathon!
Wheelchair Lacrosse
Our wheelchair lacrosse team is back in action, and we’re always looking for new players ages 18 and older to join the roster.
If you’re looking for a sport where you can compete hard, challenge yourself, and be part of a team, this is your opportunity.
No experience is necessary. We provide sports wheelchairs and equipment—just let us know ahead of time if you’re joining us, so we can have everything ready for you. Don’t watch from the sidelines—come get in the game!
For more information, contact: ThunderWCLax@gmail.com
Impossible Dream Sailing
In June, the Impossible Dream, a universally accessible catamaran dedicated to promoting barrier-free design and inclusion, made its annual stop in Baltimore.
Team Kennedy Krieger hosted four full sails around Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, providing participants and families with a memorable opportunity to enjoy time on the water together.
Upcoming Events
Sailing at the Downtown Sailing Center
Friday, July 31
Interested in joining us on the water? Email us at WrightA@KennedyKrieger.org for additional information and registration details.
Pickleball for All
Saturday, Sept. 19
Join us for Kennedy Krieger’s inclusive pickleball tournament for players of all skill levels, including adaptive athletes.
Location: Dill Dinkers, White Marsh, Maryland
Age requirement: 16+
No pickleball experience is required.
Participants can enjoy:
- Beginner-friendly instruction and clinics
- Recreational and competitive divisions
- Adaptive athlete participation
- Mixed doubles teams featuring adaptive and nonadaptive players
Register with a partner, or sign up individually, and we’ll pair you with a teammate.
Proceeds from Pickleball for All benefit Team Kennedy Krieger and help support adaptive sports and recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Opportunities include:
- Wheelchair lacrosse
- Adaptive surfing
- Fitness scholarships
- Adaptive equipment
- National competition opportunities
Registration options:
- Fundraise to Play
- Registration fee waived with a minimum fundraising commitment of $75
- Pay to Play
- $70 registration fee
- No fundraising requirement
- Kids’ Pickleball Clinic
- $50 registration fee
Visit KennedyKrieger.org/Pickleball to learn more and register.
Fishing Event
Stay tuned! Details about our upcoming fishing event will be announced soon.
Get in Touch
To inquire about any upcoming events or if you have any questions, please email us at: AdaptiveSports@KennedyKrieger.org
And don’t forget to follow Team Kennedy Krieger Adaptive Sports on social media for event updates, athlete highlights and program news:
- Facebook: Team Kennedy Krieger Adaptive Sports
- Instagram: @TeamKennedyKrieger
Spinal Cord Injury Medicine Fellowship Program
The Spinal Cord Injury Medicine Fellowship Program is now accepting applications for the 2027–2028 cycle, with submission open now through Monday, Sept. 7, 2026.
Founded in July 2007, the program is a collaborative partnership between Kennedy Krieger Institute and The Johns Hopkins University, within the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. It is fully accredited by the ACGME and offers one fellowship position each year.
For additional information about the program and to submit an application, please visit: KennedyKrieger.org/Spine-Fellowship