In today's episode we sit down with Matthew Rodreick, Executive Director of Unite 2 Fight Paralysis (U2FP).Matthew became an advocate and activist on behalf of the SCI community after his son became quadriplegic from a spinal cord injury in 2008. With a background in healthcare management and community organizing his skills were instrumental in passing the SCI/TBI Research Grant Program in 2015. That success led to establishing and leading Unite 2 Fight Paralysis’ Cure Advocacy Network (successfully passing similar legislation in PA, WA and OH) until being hired as Executive Director in 2017. Rodreick is responsible for management and operations of U2FP’s initiatives, staff and mission to expedite cures for paralysis. Roderick has delivered presentations on SCI advocacy strategies at The National Institutes of Health, National Neurotrauma Society, American Spinal Injury Association, Society for Neuroscience as well as other institutions and organizations across the United States and Canada.Unite 2 Fight Paralysis: https://u2fp.org/As mentioned in the podcast, here is a link to Gabriel Rodreick (aka Freaque). Gabriel is a talented musician and songwriter whose music is a raw and honest telling of life with a spinal cord injury: https://gabrielrodreick.com/Thank you again to Matthew for joining us on todays episode! This production is a collaborative effort of volunteers working to create a quality audio and visual experience around the subject of spinal cord injury. A special shout out of appreciation to Clientek for providing studio space and top-notch recording equipment. Most importantly, thank YOU for being part of the Spinal Cast audience!Interested in watching these episodes?! Check out our YouTube playlist! https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL40rLlxGS4VzgAjW8P6Pz1mVWiN0Jou3vIf you'd like to learn more about the MCPF you can visit our website - https://mcpf.org/Donations are always welcomed - https://mcpf.org/you-can-help/