Monday, May 9, 2022

NATALIE BARNHARD: UNITED SPINAL’S 2021 FINN BULLERS ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR

REALIZING A DREAM FOR IMPROVED REHAB ACCESS

Prior to her SCI in 2004, Barnhard was a physical therapist assistant and a licensed massage therapist. She used her hands to help people heal.

“I was at work when a 600-pound weight machine toppled over on top of me, injuring my spine at C-5/C-6. I was 24 at the time,” she said.

Following her rehabilitation, Barnhard adapted the way she worked tirelessly to help others. The ultimate result was the Motion Project Foundation.

It provides funding for medical equipment, home or vehicle modifications, intense therapy rehabilitation, advocacy, or other services and activities to improve lives of individuals with a spinal cord injury. 

In less than a decade, it has raised close to half a million dollars and awarded about $350,000 in grants.

The 6,000-square-foot rehabilitation center in Buffalo takes the foundation’s work to another level.

Barnhard notes that it is not a general rehab facility, but one focused on improved function and more. 

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