About The Miami Project and The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis

THE DOCTOR AND THE DREAM

Many great people have had dreams and followed them through to great accomplishment.  Those successes have ranged from ideas and inventions that have bettered everyday living, to advancing world peace and helping to put a man on the moon.  In 1985 Barth Green, M.D. and NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Nick Buoniconti had a dream to leave their mark on the world after national attention focused on The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis following the spinal cord injury of Nick's son, Marc.

Since those early days, The Miami Project has assembled a broad spectrum of researchers, clinicians, and therapists whose expertise all relate directly to the problem of spinal cord injury and whose full-time focus is spinal cord injury research. By uniting this broad range of knowledge and talents, The Miami Project team of scientists is accelerating the search for effective treatments for spinal cord injury and have changed the way the world views paralysis.  Today The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis is a Center of Excellence at the University of Miami School of Medicine, and stands at the forefront of the spinal cord injury field.  It is the world's largest, most comprehensive research center dedicated to finding more effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for paralysis that results from spinal cord injury.

THE FATHER'S PROMISE

Nicholas A. Buoniconti is a man of action.  He sees challenges and attacks them with the same vigor that made him a National Football League Hall of Fame linebacker and a two-time World Champion.  As remarkable as his career has been in sports, business and broadcasting, his most challenging foe has turned into his passion and driving force.  Since Marc's injury, he has focused most of his attention on raising awareness of, and funds for, spinal cord injury research at The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis.  He and his family founded The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis to help The Miami Project achieve its goal of finding a cure for paralysis.  To that end, through the direct involvement of the Buoniconti family, millions has been raised in support of The Miami Project's research programs.

"Years ago I made a promise to Marc that nothing would stand in the way of finding a cure for paralysis.  I fully intend to do everything in my power to make good on that promise.  We have no interest in making a better wheelchair.  Our mission is singular, to get Marc and the millions of people confined to wheelchairs on their feet again," said Nick.

THE SON'S RESOLVE

If courage is grace under fire, Marc Buoniconti may rank among the bravest men you'll ever know.  Marc suffered a dislocation of the C-3, 4 vertebrae, a severe spinal cord injury left him paralyzed from the shoulders down.  At the time, medical wisdom taught us that damage to the spinal cord was irreversible and irreparable.  Marc faced a long, agonizing recovery.  Rehabilitation meant learning to breathe without a ventilator, and mastering the breath-controlled wheelchair that would provide his only mobility. Marc began the painful journey to a new life under the care of University of Miami neurosurgeon Dr. Barth A. Green, who longed to answer the many questions raised by spinal cord injury.  As Marc struggled to free himself from the ventilator, Dr. Green and Nick committed their energy to raising the funds for The Miami Project's revolutionary strategy.  They launched an all-out assault on paralysis.  Marc has since become ambassador for The Miami Project and President of The Buoniconti Fund, undertaking a vigorous campaign to let the world know that paralysis does not have to be forever.  Marc strongly felt The Miami Project could use powerful new scientific tools to unlock the secrets of spinal cord repair and regeneration.  His message touched millions around the world with its hope for a better future.  A spinal cord injury left him unable to move a muscle below his neck, yet each day he moves people. He moves them to understand the tragedy of paralysis and to join him in finding a cure.  "Everyday The Miami Project works to find a cure for paralysis so that people like me can experience the miracle of getting up and walking again.  I truly believe in my heart that The Miami Project holds tremendous promise for those who are spinal cord injured.  In 1985, The Miami Project was a dream. Today, it is a reality and we will find a cure for paralysis," said Marc.

MOMENTUM

Advances in research do not occur in a vacuum though.  They happen because of the involvement of remarkable philanthropists, corporations and volunteers.  The Buoniconti Fund serves as a catalyst for their involvement and through them; The Miami Project has not only existed but thrived.  Fundraising and awareness campaigns are at the heart of The Buoniconti Fund's activities and success.  Through unique and innovative events, The Buoniconti Fund continues to raise the bar when it comes to fundraising and supporting research.

The Miami Project works hard to set the pace for the entire spinal cord injury research community.  People look to The Miami Project for guidance, support and ultimately the key that will unlock the mysteries of spinal cord injury.  It is because of the direct involvement of The Buoniconti Fund that The Miami Project has been able to achieve its successes to date.  The work will continue until we can help the doctor, the father and the son realize their dream and change the way the world looks at paralysis.

For more information about The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis of The Miami Project please call 1 800 STAND UP or find us on the web at www.themiamiproject.org