Jeff Marquis

35, Louisville

Following a nasty crash while out riding his mountain bike with a roommate in Montana in 2011,

Jeff was left paralysed from the chest down as a result of a broken neck. Following treatment with an epidural stimulator and months of intensive rehab he became the first participant in this study to attain bilateral steps.

“The first steps after my mountain biking accident were such a surprise, and I am thrilled to have progressed by continuing to take more steps each day,” he said. “In addition, my endurance has improved, as I’ve regained strength and the independence to do things I used to take for granted, like cooking and cleaning. My main priority is to be a participant in this research and further the findings, as what the University of Louisville team does each day is instrumental for the millions of individuals living with paralysis from a spinal cord injury.”