Cody Unser and Allen Rucker in New Mobility Magazine

Cody

Transverse Myelitis awareness got a very big boost in the March 2010 issue of New Mobility Magazine.   There is a very dramatic and beautiful photograph of Cody on the cover and a fantastic article about Cody and her wonderful efforts in promoting scuba diving as a quality of life endeavor for people with paralysis and related disabilities.  The article chronicles Cody’s experience with getting TM and then establishing the Cody Unser Firststep Foundation.  Cody speaks candidly about her challenges with TM, being paralyzed, and how she intends to change the quality of life for people stricken with paralysis and spinal cord injuries.  She discusses how she decided to create the ‘Operation Deep Down’ Dive Team and the CUFSF partnership with PVA.   

Cody received her open water scuba certification in 2000.  She loved the sport so much that she wanted to share it with others.  In 2002, Cody’s Great Scuba Adventure was created and provided Open Water Adaptive Scuba training and a trip to the Caribbean for 11 Adaptive Divers.  Two of the divers on that great adventure were Pauline Siegel and Paula Lazzeri.  Then in 2005, Cody’s Great Scuba Adventure II collaborated with partners to enhance the lives of 40 individuals--20 paralyzed and physically challenged people and their 20 able-bodied partners-- and they dove Cozumel.   

Cody believes in using her voice for a ‘bigger mission.’  Like others, she knows that living with a disability can make leading a meaningful life more challenging, but she uses Adaptive Scuba Diving as one of her vehicles in finding fulfillment.  

The TMA is very proud of our partnership with Cody and Shelley and the Firststep Foundation.  And all of us in the TMA community want to offer the most heartfelt MAZEL TOV to Cody for her acceptance into The George Washington University Medical Center’s School of Public Health and Health Services Master of Public Health - Health Policy Program. Way to go, Cody!

Allen

In the same March 2010 Issue of New Mobility Magazine, Allen Rucker has a wonderful article entitled, “The Myth of Walking” (p. 23).  The 1971 vintage photograph of Allen on page 36 should provide sufficient motivation to pick up this issue of the magazine.  Allen offers a very interesting, funny and poignant perspective on walking or not walking.  Allen is a regular contributor to New Mobility Magazine.  His insights about life after paralysis are always filled with sensitivity, intelligence, thoughtfulness, realism, and a very very healthy dose of great humor. 

We are so thankful for Allen and Cody’s wonderful work in raising awareness about transverse myelitis.  We are also very grateful to New Mobility Magazine for their continued attention to transverse myelitis and the people in our community.  Jim Lubin was the New Mobility Person of the Year in 1999!