Background
In 1984 I decided to change my career path from the business world to helping others in need of personal assistance. After talking with other mental health professionals, I decided to go to USC because they had the #1 MSW program in the country.
I started a blog that describes the life changing events that took place on July 18, 1987. During this time of trauma I was on life support systems for 4 months. From this real life experience I have gained an understanding of pain, loss, extreme suffering, and dying that most professionals in my field would not be able to fully comprehend. Click on this link to find out more.
I accepted the invitation of Dr. Wise Young, head of neurology at Rutgers University, to become a moderator of the Computer and Life Forum on his CareCure Website.
I was asked by the president of the NTAF to become one of their peer support counselors. I have accepted her offer.
Website © 2008 Paul Nussbaum
From the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation
Runner Masters New Hurdles
At 28, Paul Nussbaum was a competitive runner
who finished near the front of every race. He had
just earned a master's degree in psychiatric social
work and planned to run the L.A. Marathon. Then,
in less time than it takes to cross a finish line, his
life changed radically. While stuck in traffic on a
freeway, in 1987, he was shot in the head by a
stranger. For three months he fought for his life.
Once his condition stabilized, he faced a new
battle: living with paralysis.
Nussbaum was diagnosed as an incomplete
quadriplegic, though he still had some function and
could move his legs enough to pedal a recumbent bicycle. Two years after he was shot, he completed both the Los Angeles and Long Beach marathons on a specially equipped bike.
But as Nussbaum said recently, racing had lost its allure because he could no longer lead the pack. He began to channel his will toward a new goal: spinal cord research.
Every year Nussbaum and his family send out some two hundred solicitation letters that have brought in more than $100,000 in contributions for the American Paralysis Association. Nussbaum encourages others with spinal injuries to join him in fundraising for research.
"The more people get involved, the better our chances of finding a treatment," he says.
From Sonoma State Alumni Magazine
Paul Nussbaum, BA Management and Psychology, '83, received an MSW from the University of Southern California in '87. He served with the Commission on Disabilities in Los Angeles and is currently fundraising for the American Paralysis Association.
From Dr. David Visott, M.D.
"Your courage is to become a light in this world."
Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.--Steve Jobs
