Matt Curran founded the 33 Foundation to bring together a community of beneficiaries and donors that are passionate about helping those living with and recovering from a spinal cord injury.
Through interactive events, corporate partnerships and ongoing fundraising, our mission is to provide funding and support to our beneficiaries in order to maximize their recovery potential by assisting with physical therapy, equipment and recreational costs.
Mission
The Team
Matt Curran
Founder/Executive Director
Executive Director
Audra Curran
Ashley Callahan
Board Member
Kyle Merritt
Board Member
Steve Callahan
Board Member
Hillary Corner
Board Member
Board Member
Brian Curran
Emily Knight
Head of Events
Amanda Driscoll
Event & Communications Lead
Loriann Murray
Creative Director
Meet Matt
Matthew Curran, a former Providence College hockey player, founded the 33 Foundation in 2010 and incorporated with the State of Massachusetts in 2012. His passion stems from his own personal triumph recovering from a spinal cord injury.
In 2001, an accident left Matt paralyzed from the chest down, with better odds of winning the lottery twice than ever walking again. It took a lot of intensive treatment, family and friend support and personal strength but Matt regained mobility and was able to walk again on his own. Today, he continues his recovery with fine motor training and has completed the 5K Ruckus Run, is working on his balance and jogging and has recently found a passion for boxing.
The significance of the number 33 in Matt’s life before and after the accident is how the foundation was named. Matt’s hockey number, 33, there are 33 vertebrae are in the human spine, and Matt fell 3 stories – approximately 33 feet.
His belief and passion behind the 33 Foundation is to help those that have a similar drive to his own and helping them recover from their spinal cord injury in whatever way that may be. Providing them support, funding, or a community where they can feel welcomed.
About SCI
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) can be a devastating injury with full life span consequences, both physically and financially. Most people who suffer SCI are male (1) (around 80%) and are between the ages of 20-40 years old. They are heartbreaking injuries, effecting young active men in their prime.
Most injuries are sustained via motor vehicle accidents, falls, violence such as gun shots and sports. The financial impact is staggering. With the most severe injuries life time costs for care are in the several millions, with the first year of injury costing the most. SCI also can impact a person’s ability to work. Even years after injury employment rates hover in the mid 30% (1) range. Loss of wages, productivity, health and additional benefits can be up to $70,000 plus per year1!
Obviously these statistics paint a challenging story. And for people who have SCI finding information about what to do and where to go for help are few and far between.
(1) The National SCI Statistical Center, Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Facts and Figures at a Glance; https://www.nscisc.uab.edu/