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
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.
The Team
Matt Curran
Founder/Executive Director
"After suffering a spinal cord injury myself, I am extremely passionate about maximizing the recovery potential of the whole person - whether that be emotionally or physically - and finding others who are looking to do the same."
Audra Curran
Executive Director
“Everyday, I witness first-hand the hard work that my husband Matt does in order to maintain his recovery level since suffering from a Spinal Cord Injury. I want to bring together others who have the same spirit and determination as Matt with those that want to help be a part of their fight to recovery.”
Loriann Murray
Creative Director
"Ever since I met Matt, through my friendship with Audra, I've been amazed by his enthusiasm, compassion and commitment to helping others. Both Audra and Matt inspired me to put my talent to work for people who have been impacted by spinal cord injury. I hope that through our efforts we can help provide hope, help and a little bit of lightness to the challenges faced in the aftermath of a life-altering injury."
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.
““Through personal experience, I understand the challenges of SCI. We are here to make an impact and help people find their way back. ””
(1) The National SCI Statistical Center, Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Facts and Figures at a Glance; https://www.nscisc.uab.edu/