The Split Second Foundation, Inc.

OUR MISSION:

The Split Second Foundation, Inc. is a New Orleans-based 501(c)(3) organization committed to deliver comprehensive care, resources, education and advocacy to those affected by disabilities, promoting independent living and enhancing their quality of life. Split Second Foundation provides tools for recovery through ongoing fitness, education, case management support, mental health services, and community partnerships. Our programs empower individuals who live with a disabling condition such as a spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, amputation, visual impairment, and other neurological conditions. These services work together to address the full spectrum of the emotional and physical needs of individuals living with disabilities in order to achieve recovery and reintegration into life, work, and the greater community.

OUR STORY: 

The Split Second Foundation was created by Mark Raymond Jr. whose life changed in a split second when he broke his neck and became a C-5 quadriplegic in 2016. Following a diving accident, Mark woke up in a hospital bed nearly three weeks later on a life support machine. He learned that he had damaged his spinal cord and was paralyzed from the chest down. He was told that he would never walk again. Mark was then transferred to a rehabilitation hospital where he began his recovery journey. After spending six weeks in inpatient therapy where he had access to doctors, nurses, therapists and counselors around the clock, he was discharged. All of the services with which he had been provided were gone, and his care became the responsibility of himself and his family. Additionally, there were very few community resources to turn to for help.

During this first year, Mark grappled with grief, depression, and suicidal thoughts that nearly took his life again. His new disability, however, ultimately pushed him to advocate for millions of others by transforming the split second that led to his injury into a life filled with awareness, hope, and action. He founded Split Second Foundation to make people aware of this growing but often invisible population, advocate for their rights, fund cutting edge research, and provide clear cut steps to immediately impact their lives. 

OUR PROGRAMS:

Split Second Cares: a comprehensive mental health program providing holistic resources for recovery 

Split Second Fitness: Adaptive fitness facility enabling physical and emotional healing

Education: Offering critical answers and case management

Community Integration: Building networks of support and opportunity