You can make every sip count in November and help raise money for spinal injury research.
SIP week, which runs from November 8-14, encourages people to seek sponsorship to drink every drink through a straw through the week to help with fundraising efforts for the Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation (PCSRF) and try and identify with the daily struggles of quadriplegia sufferers.
PCSRF president Perry Cross became a quadriplegic at 19 after a rugby accident in 1995 left him unable to move from the neck down and able to breathe only through a mechanic ventilator.
Cross established the foundation in 2010 to try and change the lives of others suffering the same daily challenges he has.
The cause is one close to the Wallabies’ hearts with defence coach Nathan Grey an ambassador for the foundation and a long-time friend of Perry.
Grey is one of many who will be supporting the cause next month.
Cross said SIP week was a vital way to continue to fund research into treatment and possible cures for spinal injuries.
“Every day in Australia another person sustains a spinal cord injury,” he said.
“Unfortunately, the impacts of such an injury are usually life-long and devastating - stripping you of your independence and routine way of life.
“By taking part in SIP week, you help raise much-needed funds to increase knowledge, treatment techniques and ultimately, find a cure for spinal cord injury.”
In 2014, SIP week raised more than $21,000 in Queensland and the Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation hopes to raise $50,000 this time around.
PCSRF patron, the Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce, said contributions had already made a difference.
“A cure for paralysis is absolutely possible,” she said.
“Researchers from Perry’s foundation were involved in groundbreaking medical trials in Poland last year, which resulted in a 38 year old year old quadriplegic man able to walk again.”
Register for SIP week or donate to the cause, by heading to sipweek.com
