Why not help out existing SCI fundraising groups and 3 Priorities

[dprast]

Don't shoot me but before we go and re-invent the wheel, there are established, credible SCI fundraising groups everywhere, many working in an international affiliation called the International Campaign for Cures of SCI Paralysis (ICCP for short). Check out their web site via ICCP. If you aren't already helping out one of these 9 groups then I reckon they'd love to hear from you. Their mission, like all of us is to EXPEDITE a cure.
Beyond that I reckon there are 3 prongs to a strategy where we can all help out.

1) Working with your local ICCP member to raise money, raffles, concerts, cake stalls..it all helps.
2) Advocacy to government to establish Neurotrauma Research Programs in your state/ province. This is raising MAJOR SCI research bucks. It's not all perfect cure research funding but be pragmatic, again every dollar helps. In the US these programs are co-ordinated by Quest for a Cure, in Canada, the Rick Hansen Institute, in the UK its the ISRT and in Australia the ASRT, and we're working on it in Europe.
3)Venture Capital investment in SCI biotech startups like Acorda et al. I think this is a key priority for those now wishing to raise the funds to bring home cures. If you ain't got bucks to invest, go out and grab some SCI researchers, a stockbroker and get crackin on a start-up! :-)

The ICCP will be meeting in San Diego on 11th Nov. If you have a stand out fundraising idea I'm certain they'd love to hear from you, so email me if you wish. Like Wise has said, success in finding SCI cures is about international collaboration and co-operation.
Just my thoughts,David