High-Spirited BACKBONES Scavenger Hunt Raises Awareness About Spinal Cord Injury

Participants learning about the spinal cord at Rehabilitation Institute of Oregon.

Portland, September 9th. At a freewheeling Scavenger Hunt organized by the nonprofit BACKBONES, one person per team was required to be in a wheelchair; some people were trying it for the first time. The hunt started at the Mercy Corps Building and took teams around the Rose City. Participants learned about spinal cord research at the Rehabilitation Institute of Oregon and had a great time doing it. The event marked Spinal Chord Awareness Month and attracted a wide range of attendees.

Ashley Schahfer holds up a team t-shirt from the Scavenger Hunt.

“Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world.” – Mohandas Gandhi

Reveca Torres, founder of BACKBONES from Illinois, gets a hug from one of the competitors.

The nonprofit was started in the Chicago area by Reveca Torres whose spinal cord was fractured in an automobile accident when she was a teenager. BACKBONES launched in Portland last year.

From BACKBONES:

BACKBONES exists to provide free support for people with spinal cord injury and their families. Through our network we facilitate telephone, in-person, or web-based connections and encourage growth by the sharing of experiences and ideas. As a host to events, BACKBONES creates an inviting atmosphere where people can ask questions, learn from each other informally, and make lasting friendships. If you’d like to get involved, here’s a link: http://backbonesonline.com/

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.