See Us - Reeve Foundation

ONE THING
CAN’T DEFINE
EVERY​THING WE ARE.

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 ME

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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.

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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.

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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

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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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