On September 18, I co-chaired and attended the 6th NextStep Help Make a Difference Benefit to support fundraising efforts to open a NextStep facility in Washington, DC. As someone who could benefit from the opening of this facility, I was so appreciative and excited to see over 150 people at this event and make this the most successful DC Benefit- raising over $65,000.
NextStep Fitness, Inc. was founded by fellow Georgetown alumnus, Janne Kouri, and opened its first facility in Los Angeles in 2007 with the mission of providing "lifelong health and recovery for people living with paralysis and mobility impairments" through progressive, forward leaning equipment and therapies at a low cost to patients. I am lucky and proud to call Janne a good friend and clearly remember the day in 2006 when he was paralyzed during a diving accident almost identical to mine. I was called by two friends who didn’t know each other to tell me about their friend Janne’s accident and asked if there was anything I could do. I was immediately put in touch with Janne’s then girlfriend (now wife) to offer advice, insight and a positive voice. Once Janne was able to speak to me, we had our first conversation and have been good friends and champions ever since!
To learn more about NextStep Fitness, please visit www.nextstepfitness.org .