UNITED SPINAL’S RESOURCE CENTER

TACKLES TOUGH QUESTIONS

Longtime Resource Center specialist Daniela Castagnino says responding to inquiries is as much about making personal connections as solving the immediate issue at hand.

    “When you answer the phone and can tell they are very stressed and upset, and you’re empathizing, and you are familiar with the issue, you can almost sense them start to see that things are going to be OK,” says Castagnino, a quadriplegic.

    “Having a positive effect on people — helping people who are family members of people with new injuries — you can transmit to them the idea you’re not alone.

    It will get better.

    And you will get through this. There’s a whole and rewarding life that’s available.”