Blog

We’re counting down the weeks until our Triumph Foundation Gala on August 7th! Each week, we’re sharing stories like Alan's to show the real impact your support has on people living with paralysis. Your generosity changes lives and helps our community keep moving forward.

Rebuilding Life & Regaining Community with a Wheelchair

After initially suffering three herniated discs—one at C5-C6 and two at L4-L5/S1—Alan underwent surgery to fuse the C5-C6 vertebrae and repair the others. Unfortunately, a severe re-herniation at L4-L5 caused permanent damage to the spinal cord on the left side, drastically affecting mobility.

For the past 11 years, Alan has relied on forearm crutches to walk, but progressive weakness in the left leg has made that increasingly difficult. Most recently, he was diagnosed with both cervical and lumbar spinal stenosis, with compression on both sides of the spine—causing bilateral leg difficulty. A spinal cord stimulator implant offers some relief from the chronic pain.

Although he's able to walk, a wheelchair became necessary to participate in daily life and community events.

Triumph Foundation’s grant has provided Alan with his own personal wheelchair—restoring freedom, stability, and connection. With proper mobility support, Alan is now better equipped to manage daily life and rejoin the community with greater confidence.

Help Triumph impact more lives

We are thrilled to announce the Triumph Foundation 2025 Gala – happening on Thursday, August 7th at the iconic Peterson Museum in Los Angeles.  

This year’s theme, Rebuilding Lives, Redefining Strength, captures the heart of our mission.

Triumph Foundation meets people in the aftermath of a spinal cord injury – often at the most vulnerable time in their lives – and surrounds them with empathy, understand, community, and hope.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of; craft cocktails, gourmet appetizers, live entertainment, and meaningful moments.

We’ll have our popular silent auction plus an all-new live auction experience. It’ll be a celebration of resilience, connection, and transformation.

Don’t miss this exciting Triumph Foundation tradition that supports our programs all year long.

If you or someone you know needs help, please contact us.