MEMBERS
At the heart of United Spinal Association are the 59,000 diverse members who drive the chapters, support groups and programs and create the rich tapestry that binds the organization’s community. But what is it like to be a member?
Meet
RHONEL CINOUS R
Photo by Jeffrey Salter
honel Cinous’s United Spinal story began when he found a Florida SCI support group in the wake of his 2016 C5 injury. Before his injury, he was a popular Miami radio personality. He joined the group looking for advice and connections to help him continue to pursue his passions. That pursuit hit a road bump in early 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. As in-person support group meetings were no longer an option, Cinous and other members moved online. “It became necessary and essential to connect and reach out to different people,” he says. “We were able to share our stories and input and even share some supplies.” The support group had recently signed on as a United Spinal chapter, and when Cinous learned the organization was distributing COVID relief grants, he applied. He ended up being one of over 700 individuals to receive a $500 relief grant. Additionally, his application caught the eye of a United Spinal reviewer who contacted New Mobility Editor Ian Ruder to suggest Cinous might make for a fun profile.
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