The Thomas E. Smith Foundation (TESF) is a catalyst for transformative change in the lives of individuals living with paralysis. $2,000,000 Donated

Joined April 2011
268 Photos and videos
Thank you for an incredible 2025! From TD Garden to 25 states nationwide, you helped us prove that access changes everything. Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2026! 🎉 #HappyNewYear #RedefiningPossible #TESF
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#givingtuesday is about supporting the causes that matter to you. For TESF, that's providing equipment, care coordination and resources to people with disabilities and those living with paralysis. Your donation makes real impact. đź’šđź’™ givebutter.com/support-tesf
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Meet Michael. After a spinal cord injury and infection, recovery felt out of reach. A TESF Stronger Together Grant helped him move from full assistance to independent transfers, renewed core strength, and real neurological gains. Together, we redefine possible.#strongertogether
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Congratulations to our Board Member and NHL legend @zeechara33 on this incredible honor 🙌 The @NHLBruins will retire Zee’s No. 33 on Jan 15, 2026, celebrating his leadership, impact, and legacy. 💙💚 We’re proud to have Big Zee as part of TESF! #TESFCureParalysis #BostonLegend
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Earlier this week we wrapped the inaugural TESF Courage Cup at TD Garden. $250K raised to better lives of families living with paralysis. Thank you to our coaches Chara, Sweeney, Bourque, Raycroft, players, sponsors, volunteers @NHLBruins Foundation! #TESFCureParalysis
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🏒 What if one shift could change a life? Next Monday, during #SCIAwarenessMonth, the first-ever TESF Courage Cup takes the ice at @tdgarden! 4 teams. Coaches: Chara, Bourque, Sweeney & Raycroft. One mission: support those living with SCI & paralysis. 💚💙 #TESFcureparalysis
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Meet Jeremy. A devoted husband, father of six, and outdoorsman from Michigan, Jeremy’s life changed after a spinal cord injury sustained during a hunting fall left him paralyzed. While navigating recovery, he and his wife Emily welcomed twins, bringing new strength and joy into their lives. Their home wasn’t built for a power wheelchair, making everyday life harder. With the support of TESF donors, Jeremy now has an accessible bathroom, restoring independence, easing Emily’s load, and helping their family move forward. 💚💙 #StrongerTogether #SCIawarenessmonth #CommunityImpact #TESFcureparalysis #redefinepossible
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Meet Mikayla. After a spinal cord injury in 2022, life looks very different for this 29-year-old mom from Alabama. Thanks to the generosity of TESF donors, Mikayla received a Hoyer lift that makes her daily care safer and eases the load on her mom, her biggest supporter. This #SCIAwarenessMonth, we celebrate Mikayla’s resilience — and the impact that’s possible when a community comes together. 💚💙 #StrongerTogether #SCIAwareness #MobilityMatters #TESFCureParalysis
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Join us on Sat Oct 4 → @BrettYoungMusic LIVE at Park City (South Boston) for the 2025 TESF Legacy BASH. Celebrating 15 years of impact, raising funds for SCI paralysis. Watch the trailer lock in your spot 🎟️: tesflegacybash.eventbrite.co…
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15 years ago, Tom Smith & Tucker Mullin turned unimaginable adversity into a mission. After 3 spinal cord injuries & a one-in-a-million recovery, they launched @tesfoundation to ensure people living with SCI have the access & support they deserve, while continuing to drive prevention efforts for the future. This #SCIAwarenessMonth follow along as we reflect, share, and invite you to take action in expanding access, supporting prevention, and redefining what’s possible. 💚💙 #TESFcureparalysis #RedefiningPossible #September
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Meet Ramon. Once a truck driver, Ramon's life changed after a gunshot injury left him paralyzed from the neck down. He now lives in a group home where daily activities and transportation often depend on staff schedules and availability. One of Ramon's favorite activities is visiting Lake Michigan, a peaceful outing that gives him a break from the group home and a chance to enjoy fresh air outdoors. Through our Stronger Together Grant Program, generous donors made it possible for Ramon to receive an Apple iPad with ModularHose stand for his power wheelchair. Beyond keeping him connected with family and friends, the iPad has helped transform Ramon's daily routine, making his outings easier, safer, and more independent. đź’šđź’™ #StrongerTogether #sciawareness #AccessibilityMatters #AssistiveTechnology #Independence #tesfcureparalysis
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As the 4th of July weekend approaches, we're looking forward to fireworks, cookouts, and time well spent with family and friends . Safety is the foundation of freedom. Each year, thousands face spinal cord injuries from water accidents — a reminder that mindfulness matters. 💚💙 Wishing everyone a safe and memorable Independence Day. 🇺🇸🎆 #tesfcureparalysis #SCIAwareness #WaterSafety #independenceday2025
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We’re proud to share that Boston Bruins Captain, Stanley Cup Champion & NHL Hall of Famer, Zdeno Chara, has joined the TESF’s Advisory Board of Directors!! A passionate advocate & longtime partner, his appointment marks a meaningful milestone as TESF expands its mission to empower individuals and families affected by paralysis. Please join us in welcoming, @zeechara33 to the team! #TESFcureparalysis #SCIawareness #Leadership
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Judith, a mom of 5 from Colorado, has lived with paralysis since sustaining a SCI in 2002. Thanks to the generosity of TESF supporters, she now has a 6-way transfer seat in her van—giving her freedom to drive to therapy and get her kids to school on her own terms. #StrongerTogether #SCIawareness #MobilityMatters #tesfcureparalysis
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Juneteenth symbolizes freedom, equity, and empowerment — core principles that guide our work at TESF. We remain dedicated to dismantling barriers and expanding access for individuals living with paralysis. True equity means ensuring that no one is left behind. #juneteenth #equityinaction #tesfcureparalysis
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Meet Yaidel. At 12, he sustained a spinal cord injury while swimming in Cuba. Now in his 30s, gaining independence — especially transportation — has been key to pursuing his dreams. With support from TEDF and @MiracleToyota, Yaidel secured a position at the Avon Park Chamber of Commerce and gained access to a vehicle equipped with hand controls. Yaidel says it best: “Thanks to you, I will be able to be more independent.” #StrongerTogether #SCIawareness #AdaptiveDriving #TESFcureparalysis #IndependenceMatters
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Our 15th Annual TESF Golf Tournament was a SOLD-OUT success — $75K raised for those living with spinal cord injury and paralysis 💚 💙 Thank you to every player, sponsor & supporter who made this possible. We’re just getting started. Visit our website to see the photo gallery from this year's event now: thomasesmithfoundation.org/t… #TESFcureparalysis #GolfforGood #AccessibilityMatters
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Meet Cody. At just 16, he was dominating motocross tracks, earning enough points to race in the pro class, a big achievement, particularly at such a young age. But in 2016, during a practice run, a crash changed everything. He went over the handlebars, and the impact left him paralyzed from the waist down. Now 25, Cody likes to stay active and enjoys fishing, hunting, and, for work, he can be found crafting incredible high-end fly fishing lures by hand. When he’s not busy with those activities, he likes spending time with his girlfriend and his dog, Quarter. Thanks to the support of our generous donors, Cody received a @vitaglide — a piece of adaptive fitness equipment designed for wheelchair users that helps build back strength and reduce shoulder pain, giving him more freedom and comfort to do the things he loves to do. 💚💙 #sciawareness #inspiration #adaptiveliving #strongertogether #tesfcureparalysis
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This Memorial Day, we honor the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Their courage inspires us to keep fighting for others—like the individuals living with paralysis who show strength and resilience every day. At TESF, we’re proud to stand for access, support, and a better quality of life for all. #memorialday🇺🇸 #honorourheroes #tesfcureparalysis
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When special education teacher Leah suffered a life-changing spinal cord injury, her world was turned upside down. Yet through every challenge, her spirit and determination never wavered 💚💙 Today, we're honored that our grant has helped transform Leah's home with critical accessibility modifications: widened doorways, an adapted bathroom, and functional spaces where she can cook, craft, and plan her next career chapter. These aren't just physical changes; they're gateways to independence. While the financial burdens remain significant—from daily caregiving costs to the need for a wheelchair-accessible van—Leah continues moving forward with strength and purpose. With support from family, friends, and grants like ours, she's creating a new future. Your generosity makes this new future possible. Together, we're able to build a world where everyone can live with dignity and independence. Just like Leah. #tesfcureparalysis #accessibilitymatters #qualityoflife
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