Randy Medenwald’s Post

As we step into September, a month dedicated to raising awareness and fostering compassion, I’m reminded of the profound connections between two vital causes—Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Awareness Month and National Suicide Prevention Week. These observances intersect in ways that touch the lives of our veterans, the disability community, and countless others facing both visible and invisible battles. In last year’s post, I explored the resilience of those living with spinal cord injuries and the silent struggles that often accompany physical challenges. This year, I want to underscore the importance of acknowledging mental health as a key component of overall well-being, especially for our veterans who carry unseen scars from their service. As we advocate for better resources and understanding, let's remember that our collective efforts can make a world of difference. Together, we can help ensure that no one has to face these challenges alone. Let’s unite in our commitment to breaking down stigmas, offering support, and being the change that’s needed now more than ever. Please take a moment to read and reflect on the article below, and consider how you can contribute to these critical conversations this September.

The Impact of Political Fundraising on Charitable Giving: How GoFundMe Redefines #Philanthropy 2023 Report In recent years, the landscape of charitable giving in the United States has faced significant challenges, notably influenced by the dominance of political fundraising efforts. #Political campaigns in the United States have grown increasingly sophisticated and pervasive, capturing substantial resources and attention from potential donors. As a result, charitable organizations often find themselves competing for limited financial support amidst the clamor of political advertising and fundraising appeals. This trend has contributed to a decline in traditional charitable giving, as donors may redirect their financial contributions towards political causes perceived to have immediate societal impact or policy influence. #Nonprofit organizations dedicated to humanitarian causes, healthcare, education, and community development face mounting challenges in sustaining their operations and expanding their impact due to reduced donor engagement and financial support. The saturation of political messaging further complicates efforts to garner attention and resources for critical social initiatives. Amidst this backdrop, GoFundMe has emerged as a transformative force in the philanthropic landscape. Unlike traditional fundraising models that rely on institutional grants or major donor contributions, GoFundMe empowers individuals to directly support causes they care about. By leveraging digital platforms and social networks, GoFundMe democratizes charitable giving, enabling grassroots campaigns to reach a global audience and mobilize support quickly and efficiently. In 2023, GoFundMe facilitated over 39 million donations, averaging one donation per second at an average amount of $50 each. This widespread engagement connected more than 30 million people, either as donors or recipients of support, underscoring GoFundMe's pivotal role in fostering community-driven philanthropy amidst broader societal change. The platform raised an extraordinary $106 million for #naturaldisasterrelief efforts. This significant achievement exemplifies the platform's ability to mobilize substantial resources in response to urgent humanitarian needs, illustrating the power of collective action through digital philanthropy. For deeper insights read GoFundMe's impact report: https://gfme.co/3zvlleY. This report highlights how communities mobilized to address diverse challenges, showcasing the transformative potential of decentralized, grassroots philanthropy. As political fundraising continues to dominate public discourse, platforms like GoFundMe offer a compelling alternative by amplifying individual voices and empowering community-driven initiatives. By prioritizing transparency, immediacy, and direct impact, GoFundMe redefines phililantheily and large tradional non-profit organizations need to integrate this platform into their fundraising efforts.

Developing New Clinical Trials and Therapies for those suffering from Parkinson’s disease: https://lnkd.in/eBtVsmSb #worldparkinsonsday #findingcures #abetterworld #curingdiseases

Global research at its best! We are all in this together. #lifechangingscience #cureparalysis #servinghumanity #spinalcordinjury #globalresearch Anne Palermo A family’s devotion to love and science: https://lnkd.in/eKF3yd2J

Top 10 Nationally in NIH Funding. The Miami Project and the Department of Neurological Surgery! #curingparalysis #lifechangingscience #spinalcordinjury #humanclincialtrials Rep Frederica Wilson Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart

Through an innovative alliance that has brought together members of the Florida legislature with the support of the Governor, The Miami Project continues to be at the forefront of diagnosing and developing new approaches, treatments and therapies for those living with some of the world’s most complex neurodegenerative disease’s. No one can fully understand the human suffering that those living with traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, MS, Parkinson’s disease and stroke endure. This is why The Miami Project’s scientific leadership brought its expertise to creating a multidisciplinary team of researchers from multiple departments at the Miller School of Medicine to collaborate by analyzing Alzheimer’s disease at the molecular level and exploring four related approaches to diagnosing and treating Alzheimer’s disease. “Last year, we were very excited to receive $1 million in state funding to support new collaborations in discovery, translational and clinical research targeting neurodegenerative disorders,” said W. Dalton Dietrich, Ph.D., scientific director of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. “One of Florida’s biggest medical needs is new strategies to diagnose and treat neurodegenerative diseases. Our researchers have been studying the mechanisms of protection and repair in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, strokes and neurodegenerative diseases for many years, and this award reflects our leading-edge scientific and clinical work in these fields.” The Miller School team includes researchers from the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, the Departments of Neurology, Neurological Surgery, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Physiology and Biophysics and the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging. Special thank you to Florida’s State Senator Colleen Burton and Representative Jenna Persons-Mulicka for your dedication to Alzheimer’s disease research. In addition, thank you to Senator Jarrid “Jay” Collins and Representative Vicki L. Lopez for your commitment to improving lives of those living with traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. Thank you to the Florida legislature and the Governor for ensuring your commitment to being an innovator and leader in the nation in the establishment of creating true public-private alliances. #alzheimersdisease #alzheimersresearch #neurologicaldisorders #spinalcordinjury #publicprivatepartnership #legislation

Congratulations to Jim Langevin for being the perfect person for the job! The disability community is lucky to have you working on their behalf. We look forward to partnering with you again. #disabilityrights #inclusion #diversity

While every person has their own set of challenges and circumstances to overcome, thode living with a spinal cord injury are some of my greatest hero’s. Most people never understand the daily struggles that this condition forces creates. The strength of character and will to survive, let alone thrive, is something I’m not sure I could do. Yet, there is someone by the name of Jim Waitzman. This book takes you through his journey and makes one ask the question “who am I to complain about my problems?” If you need a good read to put some of life’s minor issues into perspective, I highly recommend this book. #sci #strengthfromwithin #transformation