Injury inspires donor to help Sunnybrook seek spinal cure

Over 20 years ago, Barry Munro broke his neck in a diving accident. Becoming a quadriplegic changed his life forever.

Today, as the chairman of the Canadian Spinal Research Organization (CSRO), he is a tireless advocate for research in spinal cord injury and neurotrauma.

"Sunnybrook saved my life," Munro says. "The neurotrauma staff took such good care of me. They are never satisfied with status quo because they keep striving for excellence."

As the largest centre for orthopaedic surgery in Canada, Sunnybrook already treats more than 150 spinal fractures every year. To meet the growing demands of patients in the Greater Toronto Area and across Ontario, Sunnybrook needs a facility where staff can conduct more research to save more lives, and to ultimately find a cure for spinal cord injuries.

That's why, Munro insists, the time to build the research capacity for spine care at Sunnybrook is now.

And they're setting the pace. Munro and his fellow partners at the firm Falconeri Munro Tucci LLP have teamed up with the Canadian Spinal Research Organization to make a milestone gift of $5 million to create Sunnybrook's new Centre for Spinal Trauma, the first of its kind in Canada. The Centre launched on May 27, 2010.

The Centre for Spinal Trauma will unite Sunnybrook's expertise in orthopaedic spine care, trauma and neurotrauma, conducting research and clinical trials in spine care and spinal cord injury. Munro is delighted about CSRO's participation in the groundbreaking new Centre.

"Sunnybrook's reputation as the number one trauma centre in the country actually positions the Centre for Spinal Trauma as the place to learn more about spine care," he adds.

Committed to reducing spinal cord injuries by building awareness, the CSRO's mission is a natural complement to the Centre for Spinal Trauma's mandate - to find a cure for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury.

The CSRO also supports public events like the Run, Walk and Wheelathon, which will be held on July 15 this year at the Honda Indy Toronto, the day before the official race. The Run, Walk and Wheelathon will combat road racing and raise funds toward a cure for paralysis.

For more information about CSRO and how they are reducing spinal cord injuries through public awareness programs, visit csro.com.