Soulfree

28/04/2026

Veteran Pushes Past Limits with Wheelchair Record-

Mike Egan, a Marine veteran and a bilateral amputee veteran set a new Guinness World Record by covering the greatest distance in a wheelchair, driven by a personal goal to challenge his own limits. Rather than stopping once the record was achieved, he continued pushing forward, highlighting resilience, determination, and the power of adaptive athletics.
Read all about his resilience…………..

Mike Egan carried out the impressive feat in November 2025

27/04/2026

From Marine to Mentor -
This article tells the story of Sherman Gillums Jr., a Marine Corps veteran and father of six whose life changed after a spinal cord injury left him paralyzed following a serious car accident. Drawing on military resilience, family motivation, and determination, he rebuilt his life, earning a doctorate and becoming a national advocate for people with spinal cord injuries. Today, he channels his experience into inspiring others and driving policy, accessibility, and research efforts to help people live fully after injury.
Read all about his journey…………..

After a devastating accident ended his active career, Sherman Gillums Jr. found a new mission advocating for the paralysis community.

26/04/2026

From Paralysis to Purpose -
Former NFL linebacker Ryan Shazier, paralyzed by a spinal cord injury in 2017, shares his remarkable recovery journey as he prepares to participate in the Wings for Life World Run on May 10, 2026. Now able to walk miles and serving as the event’s app host, Shazier is using his story to inspire others and help raise funds for spinal cord injury research and support worldwide.
Read all about his journey…………..

Nine years after a life-changing spinal cord injury, former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier has joined the Wings for Life World Run to power spinal cord research.

25/04/2026

Hand-Cycling Hope to Everest -
A former British serviceman, Ollie Thorn, who was paralysed from the chest down after a road accident, is attempting to become the first person to hand-cycle to Everest Base Camp, relying solely on his upper body. Beginning April 18, 2026, he will traverse extreme high-altitude terrain to raise funds for spinal cord injury research through the Wings for Life charity. His journey is driven by renewed hope for a cure and a desire to show that paralysis does not limit extraordinary achievement.
Read all about this dream…………..

A FORMER Brit­ish ser­vice­man para­lysed in a road traffic col­li­sion is attempt­ing to become the first per­son to reach Everest Base Camp by hand­cycle, using only his upper body, tak­ing on one of the most phys­ic­ally demand­ing envir­on­ments in...

24/04/2026

INDIA'S FIRST, INDIA'S BEST INTEGRATED SPINAL CORD INJURY REHABILITATION CENTRE OFFERS EXOSKELETON SERVICES FREE OF COST

The Soulfree INSPIRE Centre at Tiruvannamalai has become the first rehabilitation centre to offer exoskeleton training services free of cost for persons with spinal cord injury in the country.

I am so thankful to all our supporters and sponsors for believing in me.

For many who are left paralyzed after a spinal cord injury, the thought of walking again remains a mere dream. However, with the use of cutting edge technology like the exoskeleton, as well as traditional medical systems like Ayurveda, at the Soulfree INSPIRE Centre at Tiruvannamalai, we have deployed a uniquely practice based framework for treatment that is holistic, individualised and catered towards optimising self-reliance from a physiological, psychological and socio economic perspective for our beneficiaries.

If you would like to join our workforce, volunteer, know more about our transformative services please visit our website www.soulfree.org

If anyone you know is in need of spinal cord injury rehabilitation but is unable to afford paid care, they can reach out to us at +91 999 428 2299 between 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday.

I request you to share this message as far and wide as possible so that we may be able to reach those in need. thank you!

24/04/2026

A Brave First Walk to Santa -

Six-year-old Paul Doherty, who has cerebral palsy and previously relied on a wheelchair, achieved a heartfelt milestone by walking with a walker to see Santa for the first time after life-changing surgery. Following intensive fundraising and Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy treatment in the US, Paul’s mobility has improved dramatically, making this Christmas moment especially meaningful for him and his family.
Read all about this special moment…………..

A delighted Paul Doherty gets into the Christmas mood. (North West Newspix)A young boy who underwent life-changing surgery has fulfilled a lifelong Christmas w...

23/04/2026

Spinal Cord Injury Recovery: What to Expect -
Recovery time after a spinal cord injury varies widely based on injury severity, location, and timely treatment.
The page explains recovery phases, influencing factors, and realistic expectations for healing and rehabilitation.

Read all about …………..

Learn about spinal cord injury recovery time, healing stages, and treatment options. Expert insights by Dr. Sunil Kutty, Neurosurgeon in Navi Mumbai.

22/04/2026

Running Forward for a Cause -

The article highlights Southborough resident Grace Bellefeuille, who is running her third Boston Marathon to raise funds for Journey Forward, a nonprofit that supports people with spinal cord injuries and disabilities. Once paralyzed after a hockey accident, Bellefeuille credits intensive physical therapy and community support for helping her walk—and now run—again. Her story emphasizes resilience, invisible disabilities, and the power of kindness and perseverance while using the marathon to give back to a cause deeply personal to her.

Read all about this unique cause…………..

[Between now and Patriots Day, I'm featuring stories of community members donning Boston Marathon bibs for a cause.] Read the full article → from 2026 Marathon: Grace Bellefeuille for Journey Forward, again

21/04/2026

Expanding Outdoor Access Through Adaptive Wheelchairs -

A Kentucky couple is designing specialized, all-terrain wheelchairs to help people with disabilities enjoy outdoor adventures. Their innovative approach removes mobility barriers and opens up nature experiences that were previously inaccessible to many.
Read all about this initiative …………..

A Western Kentucky nonprofit is working to make the outdoors more accessible for people with disabilities.

20/04/2026

Real Power of Mindfulness Meditation -
Mindfulness meditation trains the mind to stay present, offering benefits that include reduced stress, better focus, and improved emotional balance.
Read all about this technique…………..

In a 2014 study, participants found sitting quietly so challenging that they chose give themselves an electric shock instead of continuing.

19/04/2026

India’s Para Athletes Train in Extreme Heat With Little Support -

India’s para athletes, many unable to sweat due to spinal cord injuries, are forced to train in extreme heat because accessible indoor or air conditioned facilities are lacking, putting their health and performance at serious risk.

Read all about their challenges…………..

Heat has become a major challenge for para sports in India, says Dr Manish Rana, a musculoskeletal physiotherapist, and Director of sports development

18/04/2026

127. Art From the Heart -

Art from the Heart is an inclusive exhibition founded by Sravani Ramachandran after her spinal injury. It showcases diverse artworks by artists with disabilities, helping them gain visibility, confidence, and income. Now in its fourth edition, it features around 40 artists and aims to expand nationally.
Read all about this initiative…………..

BENGALURU: What began as a deeply personal journey of healing has today evolved into a growing, inclusive platform for artists with disabilities across India. A