“I’m Still Rolling” is a series by WCBS 880 reporter Mike Sugerman that tells the stories of people with disabilities and their caregivers.
NEW YORK (WCBS 880) -- The World Health Organizations estimates that worldwide up to a half-million people suffer spinal cord injuries each year. Most are male, and many are young men in their 20s and 30s.
Most of the spinal cord injuries are said to come from preventable causes such as traffic accidents, falls or violence. While the economic impact is enormous, the human toll, especially to caregivers, is also significant.
Mike Sugerman and his wife Janice Wright know this all too well.
Reporter Mike Sugerman lost his ability to walk after a serious heart operation earlier this year. Janice was forced into the role of caregiver ever since.
The two radio professionals are now using their talents to help raise awareness, and provide some advocacy for those dealing with loved ones who have spinal cord injuries.
Mike is calling his podcast series, “I’m Still Rolling.” In radio parlance, “rolling” means recording.
In his new life, rolling means getting used to the wheelchair. Dealing with those frustrations is the topic of the latest episode of the podcast. Their guests are the co-founders of the group WAGS of SCI, or Wives and Girlfriends of Spinal Cord Injury.
Mike said WAGS has been a place where caregivers can trade techniques of caring, vent about the hard times, but also share happy moments. Janice is a believer and calls the two co-founders Brooke Pagé and Elena Pauly “rock stars” in the community.
In the “I’m Still Rolling” podcast, Pauly said the issue that comes up most for new caregivers is “accessibility.” She said friends, family and neighbors want to host people with spinal cord injuries but few of them give much thought about important aspects of a home visit, like positioning around the meal table or use of the bathroom facilities. Allowing caregivers a forum to talk about these hurdles is a helpful first step.
Janice tells the women that she quotes some bit of WAGS wisdom to Mike every day and says what she is so struck by is how many young couples are dealing with these injuries in their lives.
Brooke and Elena said until they put this group together they had no clue how spinal cord injuries are something that happens to mostly younger people. It’s why they also use social media like Instagram to reach out to those who need their help.
They call their work advocacy and sisterhood, describing it in their Instagram bio as “women loving their partners in chairs.” The group is focused on providing love and support for caregivers around the world, hoping to call attention to the need for care for the caregivers.
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