The Mike Utley Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for spinal cord injuries. It is committed to providing financial support of selected research, rehabilitation and education programs on spinal cord injuries. It is further committed to provide motivational and emotional support for individuals who have been disabled with such injuries. The Foundation will seek financial assistance through special events, fundraising, including direct mail, and corporate and individual support throughout the United States and Canada.


Mike's Philosophy Concerning SCI

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) can be a terribly disabling condition. In addition to the loss of physical sensations and movement control, SCI often results in the impairment of basic bodily functions, including waste elimination, sexual functions, and in some cases the ability to breathe. The impact of such losses on emotions, the psyche, and quality-of-life issues can be a less obvious, but equally tragic loss for those that suffer SCI and their closest loved ones. However, many with SCI many have been able to find meaning, contentment, and even happiness in their post-injury lives. With the help of Dani, my wife, I have been thankfully able to do so. But just as everyone with SCI does not have the same level of injury or degree of functional loss, neither are their financial, social, or career opportunities the same. Therefore, while I firmly believe in the positive influence of setting, moving towards, and reaching individual goals that provide solid foundations for building self-esteem and that express the spirits within us, common sense tells me that contentment and happiness are not equally within the reach of all. Also, while career retraining and caregiving are vitally important issues, the only change in the present status quo that could equally benefit all, included the injured, their loved ones, and those destined to suffer SCI, would be the advent of an effective cure for chronic SCI. Therefore, the purpose of the Mike Utley Foundation is to help make this dream come true. With teamwork we can do it!