Join Amanda

Hi All,

After thirty-one years of paralysis, I am always seeking ways to improve my quality of life. I have learned firsthand how important it is for my neuromuscular system to stay active. Last year I under went four horrific spinal surgeries to counter a bone infection in my spine from a former surgery in 2021, and to attempt to restore function to a neural stimulator that was accidentally cut during a fusion to my pelvis. From April 6, 2022, to June 24, 2022, I endured four massive surgeries in 10 weeks and spent 29 ½ long days in hospital. Astoundingly, my private health insurance would not fund physical therapy in my home as I recovered after my surgeries.

Keeping my body moving through Bridging Bionics with the gift of physical therapy 2 to 3 times a week has been my saving grace. My experiences have convinced me that having the opportunity to regain mobility and walk, even if it’s using robotic exoskeleton equipment, should be seen as a human right. Every person deserves access to innovative technology to enjoy a better quality of life. I am ten months out from my last spinal surgery, and I am gaining strength each day. My goal is to stand tall in the Ekso GT exoskeleton one year later, to feel the true gift of being upright by standing on my own two legs and feet. Despite being the executive director of this organization, I still wouldn’t be able to afford the out-of-pocket expense to fund private physical therapy three hours per week. I need help moving my body, and Bridging Bionics helps me do precisely that. I had been merely surviving and now I’m doing everything in my power to begin living to LIVE. Bridging Bionics is the gift that keeps giving, to help me live my best life. I can. I am. I will.

For this reason, I wanted to pay it forward by helping fundraise for their '23 Bridging Mobility Campaign. I am asking for your support to help me raise my personal goal of $500. With 64% of the athletes that Bridging Bionics serves needing financial assistance, donations will go directly towards scholarships that will cover their annual $500 program fee. Overall, by mobilizing together, we hope to raise a total of $20,000 for this cause and any amount of donation counts!

By becoming a donor, you will be giving the gift of mobility to all Bridging Bionics' athletes and will ensure everyone has access to a healthier, physically active, socially connected and fulfilling life!

I Appreciate Your Help,

Amanda Boxtel

• Spinal cord injury
• 7 years in program