NextStep's Founder, Janne Kouri, speaks at TEDx Venice Beach
"I found 'life's calling' after paralyzing injury"
In one day, everything can change. In August 2006, Janne Kouri, an avid athlete, dived into the ocean between volleyball games and hit a sandbar. In a brief moment, both his C5 and C6 vertebrae fractured, and he became paralyzed from the neck down. That moment also led to his new life mission and passion—an organization that would help disabled citizens all over the country.
CBS "The Doctors" TV Show - In sickness and in health
In Sickness and in Health Janne was a “guys’ guy” and Georgetown University football player when he met Susan – a young woman with a promising career in finance. The two fell in love and enjoyed being active together, until a tragic accident left Janne paralyzed, changing the couple’s life forever. Now, more than six years later, Janne and Susan are married and not only helping Janne regain control of his legs, but others who’ve suffered from spinal cord injuries.