No one fully understands life with paralysis like those who live it every day. Often, the best source of knowledge is experience. With this in mind, the International Center for Spinal Cord Injury (ICSCI) has partnered with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation to provide a peer mentoring program here at the Center. Peer mentors are certified by the Reeve Foundation and are ICSCI patients and caregivers who understand what it is like to live with paralysis. Peer mentors can offer their support and share their experiences to help you overcome challenges.
This is a free program, open to any ICSCI patient, their family members, or caregivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
(from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation website)
What is a peer mentor?
A peer mentor is someone just like you. They have asked the same questions and faced similar challenges to you. They may not have the answers to all of your questions, but they will listen and provide a perspective that only someone that lives with those challenges can provide.
What kinds of things will we talk about?
It’s up to you. If you’re living with paralysis, you might want to discover what your possibilities are, or how to reach your goals. You may have questions about things like gaining confidence, going back to school or work, starting a family or adaptive activities, durable medical equipment, or secondary conditions.
What happens after I’m matched?
Once you are matched, your mentor will reach out, and you decide the type, frequency, and length of your discussions. You decide what to talk about.
Interested in being matched to a Peer Mentor?
If you are interested in becoming a peer mentor or if you are interested in being matched with one, please contact Lara Collender, LCSW-C at Collender@KennedyKrieger.org or (443) 923-7998.