Ernest Patti is a busy 22-year-old college student. This summer, he is working 11-hour days as an intern for NBC’s Gold Zone, helping to post highlights from the summer Olympics on social media. Yet when the opportunity arose to be an outreach ambassador for the Reeve Foundation’s Outdoors for Everyone initiative, he jumped on it.
“I’m excited to help my fellow brothers and sisters living with a spinal cord injury,” says Patti. “I’d love to be as involved as possible – to show people how accessible the outdoors can be and advise them to go to the Reeve Foundation for more information.”
Piloted in 2023, the Outdoors for Everyone initiative was created to ensure that the outdoors is equally accessible and inclusive for those living with paralysis, their families, and their caregivers. This summer’s focus on water accessibility expands key partnerships to provide water accessibility tips and resources and raise awareness of opportunities for inclusive water recreation across the U.S.
Now a junior at the University of Miami, Patti sustained a C6 incomplete spinal cord injury in 2020, just two weeks into his first year. He was 18 years old and in waist-deep water when he dove into a wave and hit a submerged sandbar. His dad is an ER physician, and one of his colleagues connected the family to the Reeve Foundation.
“The injury was difficult to process at first, and it took some time for me to understand what a great resource the Reeve Foundation is,” says Patti. “Now it is my go-to for everything. The organization has so many resources; it is amazing.”
Patti has used the Reeve Foundation website to look for doctors, research grants for wheelchair rugby chairs, and to look into adaptive sailing opportunities in the Miami area. He has also connected with others his age living with a spinal cord injury through the Reeve Foundation.
“I’ve reached out to a couple of people so far, and it is always really cool to speak with anyone living with a spinal cord injury,” says Patti. “We share ideas and tips on adaptive equipment. It is helpful to know others are out there.”
Patti is excited to expand his reach and inspire others through the Outdoors for Everyone initiative.
“For a while after my injury, I didn’t want to go outside or do anything. I was intimidated by the people around me,” says Patti. “Part of being outdoors is learning to be ok with yourself and knowing what you like and want to do.”