Today marks a truly momentous occasion, a day I’ve long anticipated, and one that fills me with a profound mix of excitement, anticipation, and deep gratitude. I am thrilled to announce significant progress in our research – a step that brings us closer than ever to transforming the lives of those affected by spinal cord injuries.

Funded by the Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation and other partners and led by Griffith University, the world-first clinical trial that aims to test the safety of a cell transplantation therapy that is designed to restore motor, sensory and autonomic function in people with spinal cord injuries is set to formally commence. All approvals have been received, and people can express their interest in participating in the trial now – click here. 

This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, a testament to my unwavering dedication and relentless perseverance. It has been 11,442 days since the accident at Ballymore changed my life forever. In that time, I’ve witnessed countless individuals grapple with the devastating impact of spinal cord injury, not only on themselves but on their families and friends. Each story has fuelled my determination, strengthening my resolve to find a different path forward, to find a treatment for spinal cord injury.

There were moments, many of them, when the path felt insurmountable. Living with the daily challenges of being reliant on life support was immensely taxing. Beyond that, the constant pain, the battles with secondary complications, and the sheer effort required for even the simplest tasks often made the journey feel overwhelming.

I remember vividly in the early days of my injury, my mother coming into my bedroom and asking me why I was still in bed, urging and pushing me to get up for the day. In those moments, she showed me I could make something of this new life, that I had to get up and keep going. Perhaps I didn’t fully grasp it then, but I look back now with immense gratitude. It was a powerful push to get up, keep going, and live with purpose. I knew I couldn’t change my situation, and neither could she, so we had to work with what we had. This instilled in me the drive to be a valuable member of the community, to live a rewarding and fulfilling life, no matter the circumstances.

Facing an uncertain future and pushing through exhaustion, I truly felt the weight of it all. There were voices that doubted, and times when it felt like all was lost. Yet, I pressed on. I embraced the unique position I was in, understanding that no one else in the world was doing what I was. I leaned into the challenge, forging connections with Hollywood actors, politicians, and world-class researchers, driven by the belief that this work had to be done. Every single day, I pushed myself to get out of bed, into my wheelchair, and keep driving towards this vision to find a treatment for spinal cord injury.

And now, as our work moves towards fruition, we are on the cusp of something truly special. This achievement isn’t just about scientific breakthroughs; it’s about offering a tangible hope for a different future. It’s about providing a chance for healing, recovery, and a life reimagined for those who have been told it wasn’t possible.

None of this would have been possible without you. Your belief in my mission, your unwavering encouragement, and your many generous contributions have been the lifeblood of this journey. You stood by me through every challenge, every setback, and every triumph. This is as much your victory as it is mine. It has been a huge team effort, and I am profoundly grateful to you for making this possible.

Thank you for being an integral part of this groundbreaking work. Together, we are building a future where spinal cord injury no longer means a life defined by limitations, but one filled with possibility. This is just the beginning of Griffith University’s human clinical trials in pursuit of a treatment and the best is yet to come!

‘Everything is Possible’

Perry Cross AM