Dear Friends of The Miami Project & The Buoniconti Fund,
Our planet, as we knew it, is spinning and churning in a state of chaos created by the historic Covid-19 pandemic. With that said, our leadership team remains healthy, strong, and unwavering in our commitment to finding a cure for paralysis. Over the last thirty five years, our researchers have impactfully changed the practice of medicine by creating new treatments and technologies which are used daily in clinics and hospitals around the world. How did this historic effort materialize? With your help! Our vision moved closer to reality over the years by investing heavily in research and development, and by recruiting hundreds of world class scientists, clinicians and technicians who continue to be supported by an elite corps of graduate students, fellows, residents and medical students. Our “home team” enhanced and leveraged their expertise by establishing innumerable collaborations with leading neuroscience centers around the world.
We have tried to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of scientific discovery. Our original mantra of curing paralysis from spinal cord injury has naturally evolved and expanded to encompass complimentary research studies and clinical trials involving injuries and diseases of the brain and peripheral nerves. Today, the repair and restoration of function of the nervous system, including the spinal cord, brain and peripheral nerves, has become the hallmark of our scientific efforts.
The basic science research started at the University of Miami Rosenstiel Medical Science Building in 1985 and was moved into the new Lois Pope LIFE Center (LPLC) in 2000. The clinical research was launched in the Bantle Center in the basement of the Jackson Memorial Hospital Rehabilitation Center in 1985 and was also moved to LPLC in 2000. This year the translational research and clinical trials are being transferred into the new and amazing Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center for The Miami Project Cure Paralysis at UHealth/Jackson Memorial Medical Center. This unique space age facility integrates acute inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs with The Miami Project’s human studies. All of the patients and research volunteers have unique access to the latest advances in rehabilitation medicine, physical and occupational therapy, and bioengineering.
Getting back to today’s crisis, we must ask, who among us are the most affected and devastated by Covid-19? At the top of the list are individuals with neurological injuries and diseases. We have created a resource page to help keep you safe and healthy during this pandemic. Their disabilities render them especially vulnerable to further health hazards and even death! Please help The Miami Project and The Buoniconti Fund team accelerate their efforts on behalf of the tens of millions of our fellow humans who deserve the opportunity to not only survive, but to enjoy greater independence and a better quality of life!
Finally, we must thank you again, in recognition of your importance in each of our scientific milestones and achievements. Now, more than ever, we need your help. Your loyalty, generosity and continued support will enable The Miami Project to accelerate our journey from bench to bedside. These efforts will result in new therapies and treatment opportunities for our friends in wheelchairs, along with the millions around the world suffering from neurological injuries and disorders. Now is their time!