BACKBONES

08/31/2026

Mark your calendars!

ConnectNight Chicago is happening September 18, 2026, and we're putting the call out for volunteers!

If you're able to lend a hand with physical tasks like setting up and breaking down the event space, we could really use you. Whether you can stay for the whole night or just swing by for an hour, every bit of help counts.

This is a great way to be part of a night built around connection and community.

No experience needed, just a willingness to pitch in.

📩 Ready to help? Email us at [email protected], and we'll get you set up.

We can't wait to see this event come together! 💙

08/29/2026

Be Part of the Conversation
Register for the 2026 Spinal Cord Injury PFDD Meeting
September 29th, 2026 - 10 AM – 3 PM ET / 7 AM – 12 PM PT
Virtual Event | Free to Attend

What is PFDD?
Patient-Focused Drug Development (PFDD) is an FDA initiative that brings the voices of people living with spinal cord injury into research, clinical development, and FDA decision-making.

Be Part of the ConversationRegister for the 2026 Spinal Cord Injury PFDD Meeting September 29th, 2026 10 AM – 3 PM ET / 7 AM – 12 PM PT Virtual Event | Free to Attend Click here to register Who should attend? People Living with SCI Caregivers &Family Members HealthcareProfessionals Researchers,I...

08/28/2026

BACKBONES is gearing up for ConnectNight Chicago on September 18, 2026, and we need hands on deck to make it happen!

If you're able to help with physical tasks like event setup and breakdown, we'd love to have you. Whether you've got an hour or the whole evening, your help makes a real difference in creating a space where our community can connect.

No experience necessary, just a willingness to jump in and be part of something meaningful.

📩 Interested? Email us at [email protected] to sign up or ask questions.

Let's make this ConnectNight one to remember. 💙

08/25/2026

Accessibility isn't an afterthought for us - it's the foundation. ♿

We're excited to host ConnectNight: Old Chicago, New Connections at Trigger Chicago, a venue chosen with our community in mind:

♿ Open, flat-floor layout with wide, flexible space — easy to navigate for wheelchairs and mobility aids
🚻 Four full ADA-compliant restrooms on-site
🅿️ On-site parking plus nearby street parking along Addison Street
💵 Pay-What-You-Can, because cost shouldn't be a barrier either

Everyone deserves a space where they can show up fully and comfortably, and that's exactly what we're building on September 18.

📅 Sept 18, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM CDT
📍 Trigger Chicago, 2810 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60618
🔗 RSVP: https://www.backbonesonline.org/events-1/connectnight-chicago-2026

08/24/2026

There's something special about the way our community shows up for one another — and community is built one conversation at a time.

Join us Friday, September 18, 2026, for "Old Chicago, New Connections" at Trigger Chicago. It's a night to honor our roots and grow our future together.

We've made this a Pay-What-You-Can event because your presence is what matters most. Let's make some new memories.

When? Sep 18, 2026, 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM CDT
Where? Trigger Chicago
2810 W Addison St
Chicago, IL 60618, USA

RSVP at: https://buff.ly/vLcUQK1

08/17/2026

What questions do you have about bladder management after SCI/D?

Join us for Bladder Talk: Real Questions, Real Answers — a PeerConnect session with guest speakers Melissa Morrison-Jacobus, RN, CURN, and Meredith Cole, BSN, CRRN, presented in partnership with Hollister Incorporated.

📅 Wednesday, August 19th
🕠 5:30pm CST

Bring your questions, we'll bring the answers. Link to register below 👇

https://www.backbonesonline.org/events-1/bladder-talk-real-questions-real-answers

08/16/2026

Did you know that nearly 40% of people with SCI report urinary incontinence in any given month?

If bladder control has been affecting your daily life, this conversation is for you.

PeerConnect: Bladder Talk: Real Questions, Real Answers,
with guest speakers, medical experts on bladder health from Hollister Incorporated🩺

August 19 at 5:30pm CST
RSVP: https://www.backbonesonline.org/events-1/bladder-talk-real-questions-real-answers

08/16/2026

Did you know that nearly 40% of people with SCI report urinary incontinence in any given month?

If bladder control has been affecting your daily life, this conversation is for you.

PeerConnect: Bladder Talk: Real Questions, Real Answers
with guest speakers, medical experts on bladder health from Hollister Incorporated🩺

August 19 at 5:30pm CST
RSVP: https://www.backbonesonline.org/events-1/bladder-talk-real-questions-real-answers

08/14/2026

☀️ Introducing the members of our 2026 BACKBONES Youth Summer Program! ☀️
🌴Meet Jamille 🌊
Jamille is a 16-year-old participant in this year’s BACKBONES summer youth program. She has a deep love for her dog Lucy, likes to spend time with her friends and listen to music, and is eager to explore how these forms of expression can bring people together over the summer. Outside of her academic interests, Jamille is incredibly creative and enjoys spending her time drawing and engaging in various crafts. Through this program, she is mostly looking forward to meeting new peers, sharing her own experiences, and hearing other people’s unique stories. She is excited for a memorable summer filled with connection, art, and community.
Welcome to the 2026 BACKBONES Youth Program, Jamille! 🌟

08/07/2026

☀️ Introducing the members of our 2026 BACKBONES Youth Summer Program! ☀️
🌴Meet Preston 🌊
Hi my name is Preston, I had a spinal cord injury May 22 2025. Pre-accident I was a motocross racer and did every activity that you could think of. I spent every second outside. I’m still that person right now and still doing those same activities they just look a little more different and may be a little more challenging. My goals and perspectives have changed and I am ready to keep moving forward and pushing through this injury and keep recovering.
Welcome to the 2026 BACKBONES Youth Program, Preston! 🌟