Born: 1986 (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
Biography:
Cody Unser, born on May 31, 1986, is a disability awareness advocate, adaptive scuba medical crusader, and peer mentor. As the offspring of a renowned Indy 500 racing family, Cody has carved her own path in making a positive impact on society. At the young age of 13, she founded the Cody Unser First Step Foundation, aiming to raise awareness, facilitate medical collaborations, and develop quality-of-life programs for individuals with transverse myelitis, the autoimmune condition that left her paralyzed.
Born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Cody’s journey with transverse myelitis began in 1999 when she was just 12 years old. This life-altering condition led to her paralysis, but it also ignited a fierce determination within her to overcome challenges and empower others facing similar struggles. Her personal experience, combined with the unwavering support of her family, drove her to establish a foundation that would make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Cody Unser’s foundation has been at the forefront of promoting adaptive scuba diving as a therapeutic tool for individuals with paralysis. Through her foundation’s programs, such as Cody’s Great SCUBA Adventures and Operation Deep Down, she has not only created opportunities for people with disabilities to experience the wonder of diving but has also pioneered groundbreaking medical research in collaboration with doctors from Johns Hopkins.
One of the notable achievements of Cody and her foundation was the initiation of the first conventional SCUBA-medical study. Partnering with her doctors at Johns Hopkins, she delved into examining the neurological and psychological effects of SCUBA diving on paralysis. This pioneering study brought unprecedented attention to the potential therapeutic benefits of adaptive scuba diving and opened doors for further research and advancements in the field of exercise science.
Cody Unser’s relentless advocacy and dedication have garnered widespread recognition and support. She has become a prominent figure in the disability awareness movement, shaping public perceptions, and challenging societal preconceptions about abilities and limitations. Her work has not only improved the lives of countless individuals with disabilities but has also inspired others to pursue meaningful change in their communities.
Motivated by her own journey, Cody has been an incredible force in promoting the welfare and inclusion of people with disabilities. Despite the challenges she faced due to her own health condition, she pursued her education with determination. Currently, Cody resides in Washington, D.C., where she is pursuing a Master’s in Public Health at George Washington University. Her academic pursuits are aimed at further empowering individuals with disabilities and continuing to make a lasting impact in the field of public health.
Cody Unser’s advocacy work and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities have made her a true pioneer and role model. Her foundation continues to drive change, break barriers, and create opportunities for a more inclusive society. Through her perseverance, she has left an indelible mark on the world, inspiring generations to come.
Awards:
– [List of awards or recognitions received by Cody Unser]