Spinal Cord Injury Patient Support

Our program offers a variety of resources for individuals and families affected by a spinal cord injury. Research shows patients with spinal cord injury who receive peer mentorship have:

  • More active involvement in rehabilitation.
  • Greater confidence in achieving their goals and increased independence.
  • Fewer hospital readmissions.

Comprehensive Evaluations

You will benefit from specialized follow-up evaluations in our outpatient clinic after your discharge from the inpatient rehabilitation program. These are typically once a month for six months and again at one year. Our team recommends comprehensive annual reviews for at least the first three to five years after your initial rehabilitation to insure that your ongoing specialized needs are met. For more information, please contact the nurse case manager at 414-805-2614.

Discussion Group

The Spinal Cord Injury Discussion and Support Group provides interesting conversations, ideas and stories about life with a spinal cord injury. Regularly scheduled programs cover special topics such as pain, travel, personal care, benefits and relationships.

  • A supportive, welcoming group where all can find fellowship and information
  • For anyone affected by spinal cord injury, including family and friends

The group meets virtually every Tuesday from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Register here and we will send you a link to join.

For questions, e-mail Taylor Rickard, recreational therapist and discussion group facilitator at [email protected].

Peer Mentor Program — One-on-One Visits

Peer mentors are individuals who have had a spinal cord injury and now are living in the community or are friends and/or family members of a person with a spinal cord injury. Peer mentors are volunteers at Froedtert & MCW Froedtert Hospital.

Our team can help you and your peer mentor set up an in-person or virtual visit with face-to-face conversation, e-mail, phone or video.

Become a Peer Mentor

To be a peer mentor, you must:

  • Have a spinal cord injury or be a family member of a person with a spinal cord injury
  • Complete the volunteer peer mentor requirements each year, including:
    • TB blood test
    • Review of immunization records and possible MMR booster
    • Mandatory flu vaccination (unless you have a religious or medical exception)
    • Background information disclosure form
    • Volunteer services screening and questionnaire
  • Meet with the coordinator of Volunteer Services
  • Meet with an occupational health nurse
  • Commit two to four hours per month for mentoring
  • Adhere to the rules and regulations of confidentiality

For more information on how to become a peer mentor or to coordinate a visit, please contact: Michelle Wesline, RN, SCI program coordinator at 414-805-2785, or email Taylor Rickard, recreational therapist and group facilitator, [email protected].

Facebook Group

If you have a spinal cord injury or have been affected by one, please join the Froedtert & MCW Spinal Cord Injury Support Group on Facebook.

  • Connect with and learn from others.
  • Receive information about spinal cord injury events, meetings and classes.
  • Continue discussion from group meetings.

Learn More

Please note: Before admitting you to this group, we will send a verification message via Facebook. Please check your "other" message folder where this message is most often delivered.

Friend requests will be considered regardless of level of injury, demographic or facility of rehab. We may not accept your friend request if your profile does not indicate an affiliation with a spinal cord injury, persons living with spinal cord injury, support systems for spinal cord injury, caregivers or healthcare providers.

Virtual Visits Are Available

Safe and convenient virtual visits by video let you get the care you need via a mobile device, tablet or computer wherever you are. We'll assess your condition and develop a treatment plan right away. To schedule a virtual visit, call 414-777-7700.

Learn More