Gloria Estefan’s life-changing tour bus crash in 1990 led her to become a passionate advocate for spinal cord research, dedicating $42 million to finding a cure for paralysis.
At a Glance
- Gloria Estefan’s 1990 tour bus crash left her temporarily paralyzed.
- She has donated over $42 million towards spinal cord injury research.
- Estefan partnered with the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, advancing research efforts.
- Her advocacy is influenced by personal experience and family history.
- Estefan remains optimistic about finding a cure for paralysis.
A Crash That Changed Everything
In 1990, Gloria Estefan’s world was turned upside down following a severe tour bus crash that left her with a broken back. The accident resulted in temporary paralysis, with doctors warning her that she might never walk again. Undeterred, Estefan, renowned as the “Queen of Latin Pop,” defied the odds and returned to the stage within a year of the accident, illustrating her determination and the power of modern medicine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpOUqG7oC0c
Her journey of recovery included significant milestones, like managing to dress herself six months after the accident, a feat which marked her perseverance. Twenty days shy of a year post-accident, Estefan performed again, though she later admitted it took three full years to feel wholly recovered.
https://twitter.com/CBSMiami/status/1840812582082359788
Turning Adversity into Advocacy
Estefan’s injury and rehabilitation ignited a passion for spinal cord injury research. Her personal journey, combined with her father’s experience in a wheelchair, provided her with deep insight into the challenges faced by individuals with paralysis. This empathy fueled her drive to advance research efforts significantly, leading to her partnership with the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. Founded by Nick Buoniconti and Dr. Barth Green, this initiative has been pivotal in the quest to develop groundbreaking solutions.
The project explores innovative avenues such as brain interfaces to restore muscle movement, positioning Estefan as a key figure in the fight against paralysis. Her actions have invigorated scientific inquiry and placed a spotlight on a condition that affects many, yet garners insufficient attention.
https://twitter.com/FoxNewsEnt/status/1840914288996761908
God bless her!
