The 33 Foundation exists to empower individuals recovering from spinal cord injuries by providing funding, resources, and community support that maximize their potential for recovery. Inspired by founder Matt Curran’s incredible journey — overcoming 1-in-10-million odds to walk again after being paralyzed — we believe in the power of determination and the strength of support.
What makes us unique: we directly connect our donors with the individuals they’re helping — so every generous dollar is more than a donation; it’s a relationship, a face, a story, and a shared journey of resilience.
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.
““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/