“At the end of the day, it’s not about what you have, or even what you have accomplished. It’s about what you have done with those accomplishments. It’s about who you have lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.” Denzel Washington

Through Project 7in4, Steve is passionate about raising awareness and funds for two not-for-profit organisations which he has close affiliation with through his accident, SpinalCure and Surf Life Saving.

Following Steve’s accident, he lay in hospital while doctors deliberated over his case and decided on the best way to manage his injuries. However, all they could do was immobilise his neck and prevent the fractured vertebra from causing further damage to his spinal cord. The damage to Steve’s spinal cord, which had initially caused partial paralysis, was incurable. It would either heal by itself or Steve would be facing permanent paralysis.

As Steve lay in hospital staring at the ceiling, he asked himself, “why is it that with all the advancements in medical science, we can cure so many injuries and diseases, yet still have no means of curing a spinal cord injury?” Doing some research, Steve then came across SpinalCure, who combined with other partners are conducting Project Edge, a program undertaking cutting edge research to actually develop a cure for spinal cord injuries.

Spinal Cord Injuries are one of the most debilitating injuries imaginable and currently incurable. Effects extend far beyond paralysis and loss of movement. It robs people of their independence and freedom.

SpinalCure funds medical research that aims to take us closer to a day when a spinal cord injury is no longer a life sentence. Through Project Edge they are giving people renewed hope for recovery after spinal cord injury.

We now have the opportunity to profoundly change the lives of over 15,000 Australians – and more than 2.5 million people globally – who are living with spinal cord injuries, redefining the outcomes and changing the course of history.

Learn more about SpinalCure: www.spinalcure.org.au
Learn more about Project Edge: www.projectedge.org.au

SpinalCure Registered Charity No. ABN: 66 064 327 448

Had it not been for the rapid response and care provided by Lara and Gary Matier, two members of the Cottesloe Surf Life Saving Club, Steve’s future following his accident could have been extremely different. Their training in first aid and in particular spinal management, allowed them to correctly treat Steve without exacerbating the situation.

As they say, prevention is better than cure, and the Surf Life Saving Association is at the forefront of preventing injuries at beaches around Australia.

Steve’s story, like many others, is one that could have ended very differently were it not for the quick actions of volunteer surf lifesavers on the beach that morning. Thanks to the training they had undertaken they were able to jump into action and, recognising the injuries sustained by Steve, were able to apply appropriate rescue techniques, potentially saving Steve’s life and minimising the extent of his already severe injuries. Steve’s incredible journey, through rehabilitation and ultimately the training necessary to take on this challenge, is inspiring.

We are also grateful that he is using this opportunity to raise both awareness and funds for the amazing work that our volunteer surf lifesavers here in Western Australia do in keeping the beach going public safe. We look forward to following Steve’s journey and wish him all the best!

James O’Toole
Chief Executive Officer
Surf Life Saving WA

Surf Life Saving Western Australia (SLSWA) is the state’s peak coastal safety and rescue organisation. Saving lives is the core of what they do through patrolling beaches, the delivery of essential lifesaving services, running training and education programs in the community, teaching people lifesaving first aid and giving lifesavers the chance to hone their skills on the sand and in the water.

Beach, sand and surf is synonymous with Australian summer. Every time you make a conscious decision to swim between the red and yellow flags, or take your family and friends to a patrolled beach, you are using the service provided by volunteer surf life savers. The beach is free but providing this lifesaving service does cost.

Learn more about Surf Life Saving WA: www.mybeach.com.au
Learn more about Cottesloe Surf Life Saving Club: www.cottsurf.com

Surf Lifesaving Western Australia Inc. Charity License No. 18010

A dozen adventurers joined with Hike Himalaya Adventure to trek to Everest Base Camp. On the 8 day journey to Base Camp and just prior to the final leg of Project 7in4’s 7 Summits World Record Attempt, they met with Steve to provide a little support and encouragement.

Along the way dedicated Base Camp trekkers also helped Steve raise awareness and money for Surf Life Saving and SpinalCure.

Together with the Rotary Clubs of Turramurra and Cooma, the Mt Kosciuszko Wheelchair Summit Challenge saw kids in wheelchairs reach a height beyond their dreams.

It was an incredible day reaching the highest point in Australia with 6 wheelchair participants, and raising money for SpinalCure, Wheelchairs for Kids and Surf Life Saving WA.