Kessler Foundation

10/16/2026

Spinal health matters. So does access to research, rehabilitation, and ongoing support.

This World Spine Day, we’re highlighting Kessler Foundation’s commitment to improving life after spinal cord injury.

Our researchers study ways to improve health, function, independence, and community participation across the lifespan. That work extends beyond the laboratory through education and programs that help individuals and caregivers navigate everyday challenges.

By bringing research and lived experience together, we’re working toward a future with more opportunities for people living with spinal cord injury.

Explore our research and resources: https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-spinal-cord-injury-research

10/10/2026

WOW... Fall Fest 2026 was our best year yet!

Thank you to everyone who made it possible, including our attendees, families, volunteers, vendors, sponsors, scientists, community partners, and staff. Your energy, enthusiasm, and support turned Fall Fest into an unforgettable celebration of research, resources, inclusion, innovation, and community.

Despite a few raindrops, the smiles, connections, adaptive sports, research demos, and shared experiences made the day truly special. We are grateful to everyone who joined us and helped showcase what’s possible when a community comes together.

Thank you for celebrating with us. We can't wait to do it all again next year! 🍁✨ Save the Date: Sunday, September 26, 2027 | 12 - 3 PM | Kessler West Orange Campus

10/04/2026

10/04/2026

Fall Fest is TODAY! Are you ready for an amazing day? 🍁

Join us at the Kessler West Orange Campus from 12–3 pm for an afternoon of fall fun, community, and discovery. And remember, Fall Fest is FREE!

Special thank you to our presenting sponsor, FBTGibbons!

🔬 Explore research demonstrations
🤝 Meet Kessler Foundation researchers and community exhibitors
🍴 Enjoy food and refreshments
🎃 Take part in fun fall activities
🎁 Complete your Fall Fest passport for a chance at a prize

📍 Where to go:
Kessler West Orange Campus
1199 Pleasant Valley Way
West Orange, NJ

Bring your family and friends and join the fun! We can’t wait to welcome you to Fall Fest. 💙🍂

🔗 Plan your visit: https://kesslerfoundation.org/fall-fest

10/03/2026

🎉 Tomorrow is Fall Fest🎉

Join us tomorrow for an afternoon of fall fun, community, and discovery at Kessler Foundation!

🍂 Sunday, October 4
⏰ 12–3 pm
📍 Kessler West Orange Campus, 1199 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange, NJ
🎟️ Free to attend!

Come explore research demonstrations, meet our team and community exhibitors, enjoy food and activities, and learn more about the exciting work happening at Kessler Foundation.

Bring your family and friends. We can’t wait to see you tomorrow! 🍁

🔗 Register and Learn More: https://kesslerfoundation.org/fall-fest

09/30/2026

As Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month comes to a close, Kessler Foundation is highlighting free programs that help people with SCI, caregivers, and loved ones build skills, find connection, and feel supported.

💙 Community Connect provides personalized education and practical caregiver training, including virtual support throughout the U.S. and in-home training for New Jersey residents when appropriate.

🤝 The SCI Caregiver Peer Mentorship Program connects caregivers with trained peers who offer guidance, encouragement, and strategies informed by real-life experience.

💬 Inner Strength is a monthly virtual gathering where people with SCI and their loved ones can connect through shared experiences and meaningful conversations about emotional and social well-being.

Whether you are new to life after SCI or your needs have changed over time, support is available.

Learn about Community Connect and caregiver peer mentoring:
https://kesslerfoundation.org/free-sci-caregiver-training

Learn about Inner Strength:
https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-usdriven-purpose-leading-impact/events

Explore more SCI research, programs, and resources:
https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/spinal-cord-injury

09/30/2026

Looking for KF-Stride this October? We’ll be attending resource fairs and community events across New Jersey all month long!

Stop by the KF-Stride table to learn how our strengths-based employment readiness tools help neurodivergent individuals build confidence, recognize their strengths, and prepare for meaningful employment opportunities.

We look forward to connecting with job seekers, families, educators, vocational rehabilitation professionals, and employers who are committed to creating more inclusive workplaces!

💙Thank you to all of the organizations who will be hosting these wonderful events. We are excited and proud to be contributing as a vendor!

09/29/2026

🍂 Only 4 days until Fall Fest 2026!

Join Kessler Foundation for a free afternoon celebrating accessibility, inclusion, and community. Meet our researchers, explore local resources, and enjoy adaptive recreation, hands-on activities, food trucks, a pumpkin patch, and seasonal fun for all ages and abilities.

📅 Sunday, October 4, 2026
🕛 12:00 to 3:00 pm
📍 Kessler Campus
1199 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange, NJ

The countdown is on! Learn more and register: https://kesslerfoundation.org/givingsupport-research-changes-lives/fall-fest

09/28/2026

Kessler Foundation is proud to support the Spinal Cord Injury Patient-Focused Drug Development Meeting on September 29.

This free, virtual meeting gives individuals with spinal cord injury and care partners an opportunity to share their experiences, priorities, and unmet needs directly with the FDA and treatment developers.

You do not need to be an expert or polished public speaker to participate. Attendees can listen, respond to live polling, and add their perspectives to the discussion.

What participants share will become part of an official Voice of the Patient report that the FDA, researchers, and treatment developers can use to better understand daily life with SCI and help shape future treatments.

📅 Tuesday, September 29, 2026
🕙 10:00 am to 3:00 pm ET
💻 Free and virtual

Whether you live with SCI, support someone who does, work in SCI care or research, or advocate for the community, you are welcome to attend. The more people who participate, the stronger the message.

Register here: https://www.scipfdd.org/register

09/27/2026

What if volunteering your time could help shape the future of rehabilitation care?

In a new Media Center article, Jacqueline Leddy, research recruitment manager at Kessler Foundation, shares three reasons to join a research study:

🔬 Help scientists make new discoveries
📍 Choose from flexible in-person and remote options
🧠 Take part in hands-on research, from memory tests to new technology

People with disabilities, caregivers, and healthy volunteers can all play a role in advancing research. Each person who takes part helps researchers learn more and improve care for others.

Read “3 Reasons to Join a Research Study with Kessler Foundation”:
https://kesslerfoundation.org/blog/3-reasons-join-research-study-kessler-foundation