The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, the only US non-profit dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by advancing innovative research and improving quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis, is partnering with Spinal Injuries Ireland (SII), the only support and service agency in Ireland for people who have sustained a spinal cord injury, ahead of the Fergus Walks US activation and kickoff.
In 2018, Fergus Farrell was told he had a 5% chance of ever walking again after suffering from a spinal cord injury. Now, supported by the Reeve Foundation and Spinal Injuries Ireland, he will begin a 75-day journey across the US.
Farrell is an ambassador for mental health awareness, a motivational and keynote speaker who advocates for perseverance, mental strength, and authenticity. His recent book, “Rebuilding a Man” details his personal journey following his accident, including the fear, self-doubt, weight of expectation, and courage it took to seek help.
Farrell has walked across Ireland, one year after his accident in 2019, rowed seven marathons in seven days in 2020, attempted the North Atlantic Row in 2022, and ran across Ireland in 2023.
“I was told I wouldn’t walk after my accident, and now I’m walking across the United States,” Farrell said.
“My goal is to prove, both to myself and many others like me, that disability does not mean inability. Connection remains at the heart of this journey, and I look forward to the communities I will meet along the way.”
The 3,000-mile journey is dedicated to individuals suffering from spinal cord injuries. Starting on the Brooklyn Bridge, the walk will traverse the Midwest, cross the Rocky Mountains, brave the desert, and culminate on the Santa Monica Pier in California.
“The Reeve Foundation is proud to serve as an official partner of Fergus’ historic coast-to-coast fundraising campaign,” said Maggie Goldberg, president and CEO.
“This is much more than an endurance challenge. Fergus’s determination and advocacy is a powerful symbol of resilience and possibility that underscores our organizations’ shared values and our vision of a world in which spinal cord injury does not result in paralysis and paralysis does not result in diminished quality of life.”
“Our mission is to advocate for spinal cord injury care on a global scale,” said Fiona Bolger, chief executive officer of Spinal Injuries Ireland.
“Fergus’ trek across the United States is more than a physical feat, it is a mission to amplify vital conversations and build a global community along the way.”
Through this mission, Fergus, the Reeve Foundation, and Spinal Injuries Ireland aim to encourage more people to help bolster the research and aid that people with spinal cord injuries receive.
