New England PVA Leaders Participate in Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation Summit
By: Mark Murphy, Executive Director
The New England PVA was proud to have 2 members of our Board of Directors, Vice President Mike Moran and Director Keelan Zenion, participate as speakers at this year’s Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation Summit in Boston.
The Reeve Summit brought together healthcare professionals, advocates, researchers, caregivers, nonprofit leaders, and individuals living with paralysis for a day focused on accessibility, innovation, community resources, advocacy, and improving quality of life for individuals living with spinal cord injuries and related disabilities. The event highlighted the importance of collaboration between organizations, healthcare systems, and people with lived experience in helping individuals navigate life after injury.
Mike and Keelan participated in discussions centered on the real-world experiences of individuals living with paralysis and the importance of peer support, advocacy, independence, and community connection. Their participation reflected the mission and values of the New England PVA by ensuring that the voices of veterans and individuals with lived experience remain at the center of conversations surrounding accessibility, rehabilitation, and long-term support systems. Both Mike and Keelan brought unique perspectives shaped by their own experiences, leadership, and ongoing involvement within the disability community. Their contributions emphasized not only the challenges individuals may face following spinal cord injury, but also the opportunities that exist through adaptive sports, peer mentorship, advocacy, employment, recreation, and community engagement.
The Summit also provided an opportunity for organizations throughout the region to strengthen partnerships and share ideas related to healthcare access, adaptive technology, caregiving resources, transportation, housing, and independent living initiatives. Events like these are an important reminder that improving quality of life for individuals living with paralysis requires not only medical care, but long-term investment in accessibility, inclusion, and community support.
Our New England Chapter is grateful to Mike and Keelan for representing our organization and for continuing to advocate on behalf of veterans and all individuals living with spinal cord injuries and diseases throughout New England. Their participation at the Reeve Summit reflects the leadership, experience, and commitment that continue to strengthen our Chapter and the communities we serve.
Get Involved