In Missouri alone, an estimated 30-40 crippling spinal cord injuries occur each year. Half of these catastrophic accidents involve student athletes, and coping with the emergency medical situation is only half the problem.

Imagine a young model athlete being paralyzed…for life.

Since our founding in 1975, we have provided direct aid, counseling and referral services to dozens of injured students and their families. Missouri K.I.D.S. is aimed primarily at school-aged young people who have sustained major spinal damage and have lost the use of their bodies below the waist or neck. Many such injuries occur during sporting activities, but those hurt under other circumstances are also eligible for assistance if they participate in athletics.

Missouri K.I.D.S. puts life back into living by helping injured students help themselves through: