As 2025 draws to a close, we thank you for being part of a community that is shaping the future of spinal cord injury (SCI) research and care. Together, we have helped build the foundations for a future where SCI is no longer a lifelong sentence, but a challenge science and collaboration can overcome.
Thanks to you, our research programs across Australia, including the world-first eWALK1 clinical trial and the ongoing eWALK2 and Get a Grip trials, have continued to place Australia at the forefront of SCI research. Across 14 sites nationally and internationally, these studies under Project Spark have treated 124 participants to-date, testing experimental spinal cord stimulation interventions that have the potential to directly improve function for people living with SCI.
Alongside our community of donors, Project Spark has been made possible through the support of CatWalk NZ and the Australian Federal Government’s Medical Research Future Fund — a powerful example of what can be achieved when philanthropy and government unite behind a shared vision for change.
We’ve also expanded Australia’s discovery research portfolio, funding two world-first, big-idea projects led by our brilliant postdoctoral researchers. Dr Laura Grice, funded through the valuable backing of Forward Ability Support, and Dr Ramon Martinez-Marmol, funded through the generous support of Caroline Farrell.
In 2025, we’ve welcomed meaningful contribution from the Cybec Foundation, Lloyd’s, the ATC Foundation, KPMG, Westfund, NSW Health and the Insurance Commission of Western Australia. This year has also been one of new partnerships with Hilton Sydney, Oroton, TAB, M.J. Bale and SydCap. Continued support from the Neilson Foundation and Hearts and Minds Investments have also strengthened our mission.
Charting the path toward a cure
As many of you know, SpinalCure is leading a national initiative to accelerate progress toward a cure. In close collaboration with researchers, clinicians, the community, and sector partners, we have developed Australia’s first National Roadmap Toward a Cure for SCI.
The Roadmap is designed to:
✅ Address the key challenges limiting progress toward a cure
✅ Build alignment across the sector around nationally agreed priorities
✅ Bridge the gap between research and clinical care
✅ Accelerate better outcomes for people with SCI
This initiative is desperately needed in the SCI space, and we hope the Roadmap will attract significant government and philanthropic support to drive the change we all want to see. If you would like to be involved, whether by providing insight and advice, investing, advocating, or lobbying your local politician, please get in touch. Now is the time to act.
Our community, our progress, our thanks
Our community is united by challenging circumstances, yet strengthened by determination and hope. Every person doing what they can helps move the dial and brings us closer to a future without SCI. It has been wonderful to see our community step up. People like Alex Richter and the Knox Grammar annual Ride with Richter fundraiser, to a group of ladies walking 35km in support of a close friend. Let’s not forget our Patron, Sandra Sully, who made Deal or No Deal history by winning the top $100,000 prize. It’s a powerful reminder of the incredible energy and support behind us.
This progress reflects the strength of our shared commitment. I would like to personally thank each and every one of you for being part of our incredible community of supporters. You are all champions of a cure and we are proud to share this journey with you.
Thank you for your donations. Thank you for spreading awareness. Thank you for helping us build meaningful connections. You are driving science, fostering collaboration and fuelling hope for every person living with SCI.
From all of us at SpinalCure, we wish you a peaceful festive season and a healthy New Year.