Spinal-Cord Injury Therapy OK'd by FDA Could Lead to Cures

Page 2 of 2

July 31, 2012

Promise for a Cure for Paralysis

"My family made a promise to Marc and all those living with paralysis that nothing will stand in the way of us finding a cure, absolutely nothing," Nick Buoniconti said in a prepared statement today. "FDA approval of this clinical trial is allowing us to follow through on this incredibly important commitment that impacts millions of families each day."

Spinal Cord Injuries: Life Changes in an Instant Watch Video

Quadriplegic Moves Fingers After Nerve Surgery Watch Video

First Spinal-Cord Surgery With Stem Cells Watch Video

Marc Buoniconti headed to the University of Miami to study psychology, graduating in 1993. He jokes that, "I got my Ph.D. in hard knocks."

Since then, he has been a tireless advocate for the disabled, sitting on a number of corporate boards and working for legislation to decrease car crashes, the primary cause of spinal-cord injuries.

He tries to stay in shape, especially for the day when the cure for which he has worked so hard comes.

"Always in the back of my mind, I am an athlete," Buoniconti said. "And have to prepare for the future."