DON’T JUST LOOK AT US.

ONE THING
CAN’T DEFINE
EVERYTHING WE ARE.

WATCH THE VIDEO

SEE ME SEE CHANGE

For too long, those who use wheelchairs have been overlooked and viewed in minimizing ways. We are more than our injuries—we are a powerful community full of individuals ready to be seen for who we really are.

That’s why we launched See Us, a movement to share ourselves, our experiences, and our stories with the world.

This month we are celebrating our friends, our family, our loved ones, our advocates, our support system, and the ones who see us for who we really are – our caregivers – so that the world can See What We See.

SEE WHAT WE SEE

CHARISMA JAMISON

AND COLE SYDNER

I am Charisma Jamison! I am engaged to the most amazing man who just happens to be a quadriplegic. When you have a certain connection with someone and fully understand their life, limitations and needs, caring for them becomes just another beautiful piece of your relationship.

I hope people can see myself as well as my relationship and have hope and trust that no matter the circumstances, limitations or roadblocks you’re faced with, the love, support and help from your loved ones can conquer all!

I also want people to see me for who I am as a person. I am goofy and loving. I love the outdoors and truly enjoy nature. Everyone has a story, a reason for who they are! I want people to see that I’m me and not see me as just a caregiver. I’m a future wife, a future mother, a daughter! I am Charisma. I am me!

WATCH CHARISMA’S STORY

ABBY BANKS

AND WYATT BANKS

My name is Abby Banks. I’m a wife, mother, speaker, author, and podcaster. My youngest son, Wyatt, was paralyzed by transverse myelitis when he was only seven-months-old. Today, he’s a feisty seven-year-old that’s hard to keep up with. He’s faster on wheels than I will ever be on my feet. His diagnosis and subsequent care changed the shape of our family, but I’ve never once thought of caregiving as a burden. It is a privilege to fight alongside him and becoming an advocate for him has been one of the biggest joys of my life. Sharing his story in my book, Love Him Anyway, has been both the best therapy and my proudest accomplishment. Wyatt's disability has taught me more about life than I could ever teach him. I want families facing similar circumstances to know that life can be good again. Paralysis doesn’t mean a life of less.

WATCH ABBY’S STORY

Larry And Helen Kki 1

LARRY EASTMAN

AND HELEN EASTMAN

My name is Larry Eastman. I am a husband, father, grandfather, and full-time caregiver for my wife, Helen, who has multiple sclerosis. What I want people to see in me is someone who greatly enjoys and has fun being Helen's caregiver. I am blessed to have this opportunity, but that doesn't mean I don't struggle. Caregiving is extremely challenging, and the emotional and physical toll can be enormous. However, through all this, I think my greatest accomplishment has been to show love to Helen and to others in the community that I have encountered and helped. My advice to other caregivers is to stay in the game. You have been given a great opportunity to serve someone in need. Expect and accept, there will be difficult times, but just keep moving forward.

WATCH LARRY’S STORY

SEE ME

Body Photo 1

JESSIE
CHIN

COMEDIAN

My name is Jessie Chin and I’m a son, brother, friend, athlete, and comedian living in NYC. I love making people laugh and inspiring confidence in others, especially within the paralysis community. My injury occurred at a young age due to gun violence. But my life hasn’t stopped because of it. In reality, I see what I’ve been through as a blessing because I’ve matured and learned so much just from being in this position. Some look at my wheelchair as a disadvantage, but I see it as a form of resilience and strength. I believe everyone faces adversity to some degree. It's entirely about how we deal with our circumstances which defines us.

Body Photo 2

LAURA
BECK

ACTIVIST AND ADVENTURER

My name is Laura Beck, I am 29 years old, married to the best person alive, and have two German shepherds. On November 28, 2016, I sustained a C6 spinal cord injury as a result of a car accident. I want the world to see that I am still active outside, still in love, still adventurous, and still spontaneous. The greatest advice I could give another person living with paralysis is that you are completely unique. Do not let paralysis or other people define you— you choose who you are. Society limits us because they don’t understand, and it’s up to us to break those stereotypes, show the world we are still living, and we deserve to be SEEN.

Body Photo 3

IAN
MALESIEWSKI

NEUROSCIENCE STUDENT

My name is Ian Malesiewski and I’m from Pennsylvania. On June 3, 2016, I sustained a traumatic neck and spinal cord injury while wrestling in the Cadet World Team Trials at the University of Akron where I was trying to earn a spot on the US national team. Since my injury, I’ve been using my platform and story to show people how my injury doesn’t define my life or derail my future. I want to be seen as a dedicated and disciplined human being, just as I was prior to my injury. I’m studying neuroscience in the hopes of helping individuals like me recover from paralysis. I still do all of the things I love like watching a football game or hanging out with my family and friends. Do not let your injury or disability limit you. Do as many things as possible because life is short and every minute is worth living.

SEE CHANGE

New Join The Community

JOIN THE
COMMUNITY

Become a part of the community that sees and understands you. Hear more stories and share your own here.

JOIN NOW

Community Activism

COMMUNITY
ACTIVISM

Through group advocacy, we will be seen and heard. Find out how you can make a difference in your community and across the nation.

ADVOCATE NOW

See Change

ABOUT US

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by advancing innovative research and improving the quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis. Our mission can be summed up into four words, “Today’s Care. Tomorrow’s Cure.”

We are driven by the belief that every person with paralysis has a right to a life with dignity. Our work is emblazoned by the legacy of our founders Christopher and Dana Reeve, whose heroism, compassion and wisdom live on today. Christopher and Dana were hands-on, activist leaders, who rallied a swelling chorus of voices advocating for people living with paralysis. They recognized that the true heroes are the individuals and family members impacted by paralysis.

We envision a world where every individual living with paralysis is seen as the powerful and remarkable beings they are. Through our unique stories and shared strength, we strive to empower our community and eradicate stigma.

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