Paul's Story
In 1987 I was the victim of a violent crime. While
driving on the freeway I was shot by a drunk,
angry motorist. The bullet entered just below my
left ear. I spent four months in ICU on life
support. My total stay in the hospital was nine
months. After being discharged, I decided to
dedicate my time and energy to my recovery as
well as to raising money for spinal cord injury
research. To this day, I continue to help others
who are dealing with some of life’s toughest challenges. Nothing in my life or education prepared me for my ordeal in the hospital, or after being discharged. I have written my story on a blog which includes pictures along with a one-hour video. Click on this Link to find out more.
In 1988 I started fund-raising for the American Paralysis Association (APA) which is now the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, and the University of California at San Diego. I continue to fund raise for spinal cord injury research, and have raised over $300,000.
Appointed by Los Angeles Supervisor Dean Dana I served as a county commissioner for the disabled. Although I represented individuals with different disabilities, my specialty was the mentally disabled because of my MSW and background as a psychiatric social worker.
I accepted the invitation of Dr. Wise Young, head of neurology at Rutgers University, to became a moderater of the Computer Forum on his CareCure Website. This has been a good learning experience for me to help others in the use of their computers as a lifeline for physical and mental health. To this day I continue to volunteer on CareCure and work with Dr. Wise Young.
From the American Paralysis Association Publication
Runner Masters New Hurdles
At 27, 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."
Website © 2008 Paul Nussbaum
