Mission

Motion Project inspires those with spinal cord injuries to rise above their challenges by promoting physical independence; and providing emotional support and spiritual healing to foster hope for a successful and fulfilling life.

Vision

A place for people to come to recover after a life-changing spinal cord injury. We never stop moving forward to bring the best outcomes for individuals as they progress through their journey toward recovery; providing state-of-the-art equipment, exceptionally trained therapists, research, care navigation, advocacy and support.

Board of Directors

CHAIRMAN
Kevin English,
Partner, Philips Lytle LLP

PRESIDENT AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Natalie Barnhard, PTA, LMT
Founder, Motion Project Foundation

VICE PRESIDENT/TREASURER
Mary Lynn Barnhard
Assistant, Town of Cheektowaga

SECRETARY
Laura Krysta
Paralegal, Philips Lytle LLP

DIRECTORS MEMBERS
Jane Brady MLS
Research, Christ the King Seminary

Peter Brady
Motion Project Foundation

Honorable Shannon Filbert
West Seneca Town Justice Judge

Joyce Seneca MBA, PMI
Owner, Joysss, LLC

Our Founder

Natalie Marie Barnhard PTA, LMT, president and founder of Motion Project Foundation, suffered a spinal cord injury while at work in 2004. Early on in Natalie’s recovery process, Motion Project Foundation (formerly Wheels With Wings Foundation) became a vision and personal goal. Experiencing firsthand how challenging it can be to obtain critical items such as intense rehabilitation therapy, home modifications and other equipment that is needed as a result of a spinal cord injury, motivated her to start such a foundation.

Natalie’s hope is not only to help people with spinal cord injuries through Motion Project Foundation, but also raise awareness in the Buffalo and surrounding areas. Her biggest dream is about to come true with the opening of a spinal cord recovery center here in Western New York for people to get the best possible care and support they need. We pray the Lord continues to guide her path to doing extraordinary things to help people with this traumatic injury.

Natalie’s Story

At the young age of 24, Natalie Barnhard was working as a physical therapist assistant when she suffered a spinal cord injury resulting in her paralysis. On October 22, 2004 a catastrophic accident changed her life when a 600 pound exercise weight machine fell over and landed on top of Natalie. Her prognosis, quadriplegic.

Since 2004, with her strong faith in God, and support from her parents, family and friends, Natalie has been dedicated to intense rehabilitation and recovery therapy. She is committed to programs in Atlanta, Georgia at the Shepherd Center and First Step Physical Therapy that practice Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT). These facilities have different rehabilitation and healing philosophies, although collectively believe in the ability of people with spinal cord injuries to recover with the possibility of walking again. Natalie continues to work extremely hard and has made incredible improvements and physical gains.

Motion Project Foundation, formerly Wheels With Wings Foundation, established in Buffalo, New York, is a recognized 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. The foundation became a vision and personal goal of Natalie’s early on in her injury while experiencing how challenging it can be to obtain critical items such as intense rehabilitation therapy, home modifications, and other equipment which is needed as a result of a spinal cord injury.

Natalie’s hope is not only to help people with Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI’s) through Motion Project but also raise awareness in the Buffalo and surrounding areas. Her biggest dream is coming true with the opening of The Natalie Barnhard Center for Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation and Recovery Center here in Buffalo for people to get the best possible care and support they need. We pray the Lord continues to guide her path to doing extraordinary things to help people with this traumatic injury.

Thank you so much! I am so excited about my new shower chair! Having this chair will enable me to have a safe and clean routine greatly benefitting my health and my life.

Morgan Waite

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