Additional Coverage:
- Gloria Estefan’s near-fatal tour bus crash inspired $42 million pursuit to cure paralysis (foxnews.com)
In 1990, music star Gloria Estefan’s life took a tragic turn when a semi-truck crashed into her tour bus. The impact left her temporarily paralyzed with a broken back. Doctors initially feared she might never walk again.
Despite these dire predictions, Estefan’s determination and medical intervention enabled her to return to the stage less than a year later. She became a dedicated advocate for paralysis research, donating millions to support spinal cord injury research.
Estefan’s father’s experience in a wheelchair made her acutely aware of the challenges faced by those with disabilities. She used her platform to highlight the importance of research for finding a cure for paralysis.
Estefan’s recovery was slow, but each accomplishment felt significant. Six months after the accident, she was able to put on her own underwear, a milestone that brought her great joy. She returned to the stage 11 months after the crash, though it took three years to feel fully recovered.
Estefan remains optimistic about the future of paralysis research, believing that cures for a range of neuro-related diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, could result from these advancements.