Mike Utley Foundation

MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Mike Utley Foundation is to financially support an effective function-restoring treatment for spinal cord injuries, to encourage through education that of adopting a rehabilitative lifestyle for the spinal cord injured and a public awareness of spinal cord injuries. We appreciate the support of our contributors and know that together we can make a difference in the lives of those living with SCI. "Finding a Cure for Paralysis” On November 17, 1991, Detroit Lions’ offensive guard Mike Utley (#60) was paralyzed during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at the Silverdome in Detroit, MI. Mike’s courageous “Thumbs Up” gesture as he was carried from the field has come to symbolize his fighting spirit. In the years since sustaining his injury Mike has focused all of his time and energy through countless hours of therapy and rehabilitation striving to fulfill his goal; to someday walk unassisted off of the Ford Field. In addition to his rehabilitative efforts to walk again, in January of 1992 Mike took on a new challenge; that of helping all people disabled by spinal cord injuries (SCI). The Mike Utley Foundation was therefore established to provide financial support for research, rehabilitation and education for SCI related injuries. We are dedicated to finding a cure and to provide motivational and emotional support for individuals who have been disabled with such injuries. In addition to the support of select research, the Mike Utley Foundation financially supports patient and family assistance programs, patient equipment, patient and family education and therapeutic recreation for those living with spinal cord injuries. The Foundation seeks financial assistance through individual and corporate support and special events. Additionally, Mike travels extensively for motivational speaking engagements to raise awareness of those living with SCI. Mike works closely with various medical and physical fitness experts in developing programs for increasing self-sufficiency in spinal cord injured persons. He also spends a great deal of time in an effort to educate the community of the importance of accessibility to public services. The Mike Utley Foundation encourages those disabled by such injuries to expand their potential through rehabilitation, physical training, education and a determined pursuit of personal goals. Mike’s philosophy concerning SCI is that although everyone does not have the same level of injury, financial, social or career opportunities he believes in the positive influence of setting, moving towards and reaching individual goals that provide solid foundations for building self-esteem. These disciplines directly mirror the training of an athlete. “Go into battle prepared to win”. The Mike Utley Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Our mission is to shepherd an effective function-restoring treatment for spinal cord injuries, to encourage through education that of adopting a rehabilitative lifestyle for the spinal cord injured and a public awareness of spinal cord injuries. We appreciate the support of our contributors and know that together we can make a difference in the lives of those living with SCI. HISTORY MIKE UTLEY FOUNDATION The Story Begins Throughout his impressive career with the Washington State Cougars and later the Detroit Lions, Mike Utley (#60) channeled his competitive drive into being a winner. A former college All-American who started playing at the age of 7, all believed that his major accomplishments would be playing the game that he loved, football. During one fateful day on November 17, 1991 in a game against the Los Angeles Rams, Mike Utley was attempting to throw a block during a pass play when he went down. He knew immediately that something was wrong. An eerie silence descended over the stadium as Mike lay motionless. As they wheeled him off the field Mike gave the crowd a “Thumbs Up!” to let them know he would be back. Mike Utley suffered a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed. With the help of his agent Bruce Allen, the Mike Utley Foundation was established January 2, 1992 to provide funding for research, rehabilitation and education for those living with spinal cord injuries. Mike is adamant that a cure will be found while aknowledging the progress the scientific community has made during the past 16 years. The Mike Utley Foundation historically has raised over 2 million dollars. In addition to innovative research, the Foundation financially supports rehabilitation projects, patient and family assistance programs, patient equipment, patient and family education and therapeutic recreational programs. The Mike Utley Foundation encourages those disabled by such injuries to expand their potential through rehabilitation, physical training, education and a determined pursuit of personal goals. Mike is pro-active in the sense that he believes that the more self-sufficient a spinal cord injured person becomes the more it will increase their quality of life. “Go into battle prepared to win” describes Mike’s philosophy regarding life, his Foundation and his determination to help others living with spinal cord injuries. “Thumbs Up!” The Mike Utley Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) organization.