In the late afternoon of February 5, 1999, 12-year-old Cody was practicing sixth grade middle school basketball in Albuquerque when she began to feel excessively tired, developed a severe headache, and her legs "felt tingly." She was taken to the emergency room at Presbyterian Hospital and was sent home after evaluation. The next morning, February 6, Cody was unable to walk and returned to the hospital paralyzed below her chest.

For More Information: Telephone: 505.890.0086 Fax: 505.899.4044 Donations may be sent to: The Cody Unser First Step Foundation P.O. Box 56696 Albuquerque, NM 87187 Website: http://www.codysfirststep.org Media Inquiries: Bob Walters / Indianapolis / 317.580.9535

The culprit? Transverse Myelitis (TM), a rare condition caused by a neurological infection in the spinal cord.

It was April before Cody returned home. Now, after a year of physical therapy and medical evaluations, Cody remains paralyzed but is energized in her quest to help others.

Cody, 13, gets around well in a custom "Quickie" wheelchair and is able to "walk" with the aid of ARGO braces. Her exercise regimen includes daily workouts, weightlifting and frequent scuba diving. She is a seventh grader at Albuquerque's Bosque School.

In September 1999 the Cody Unser First Step Foundation was created to generate awareness of Transverse Myelitis and promote communication nationally among hospitals and researchers who are trying to understand the condition. NASCAR star Bobby Labonte serves as Honorary Chairman

More on The Cody Unser First Step Foundation

Cody's Excellent Adventure

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