#262 Reinventing Yourself Post-Injury with Andrew Skinner of The Triumph Foundation

Andrew Skinner shares his powerful journey of resilience and purpose following a spinal cord injury in 2004. In this heartfelt conversation, he opens up about the critical role his wife Kirsten played in his recovery, the emotional toll of navigating anger and grief, and the ways he rebuilt his life with intention and hope.

Andrew reflects on the founding of the Triumph Foundation, born from his desire to help others living with SCI reclaim their independence and thrive. He discusses the Foundation’s impact through community engagement, adaptive recreation, mentorship, and peer support.

We explore the importance of caregivers, the dynamics of family post-injury, and how setting personal goals—and finding joy—can fuel long-term recovery. Andrew’s story is a testament to faith, perseverance, and the power of turning adversity into a mission that uplifts others.

Resources:

Triumph Foundation – https://triumph-foundation.org

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BLINK of an Eye® Podcast is sponsored by BLINK of an Eye® Non-Profit:

A non-profit which originated the first SCI Navigator Program in the country for newly injured SCI Families by SCI Families as an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injured families in the first days, weeks and months of SCI crisis when life turns upside down and few medical teams in the US have SCI expertise or lived experience. They bring essential support, connections, life expertise and resources. BLINK of an Eye non profit deploys a rapid response HEAL Team for ICU bedside support to create an Extraordinary Experience despite the devastation for SCI families and a personal SCI Navigator for 24/7 support in the first 90 days and throughout the Miracle Year. BLINK of an Eye non profit also provides a Multidisciplinary Wrap Around Team and SCI Expert Medical Panel. Stay tuned for their launch of a National Digital Resource Library, the SCI PLAYBOOK, chocked full of essential SCI information and trauma informed responses for the first hours, days and months after injury. To find out more, get involved, or make a donation, visit www.BLINKofaneye.org.

To find out more about Louise visit: www.BlinkofanEye.org, www.BaltimoreMediation.com, www.BeingRelational.com

and www.BaltimoreMediation.com

Blink of an Eye is sponsored by New Mobility:

For more than three decades, New Mobility has published groundbreaking content for active wheelchair users. We share practical advice from wheelchair users across the country, review life-changing technology and demand equity in healthcare, travel and all facets of life. Please visit https://newmobility.com/ to learn more

Blink of an Eye is sponsored by Baltimore Mediation:

To find out more about cutting edge conflict transformation skills courses to learn relational conflict theory and advocacy, mediation interventions and support for leaders and anyone navigating or facilitating difficult situations, conflict, or trauma, visit the website www.BaltimoreMediation.com and register for nationally certified 40 hour courses, including the Enneagram of personality for mediators to know themselves to stay neutral while offering opportunity for other’s empowerment.