The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis: Pioneering Research and Hope for Spinal Cord Injury Patients

Every year, approximately 18,000 new traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCI) occur in the United States. This means that every hour of every day, another person experiences a life-altering event that can lead to significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges. For decades, a spinal cord injury often meant a life confined to a wheelchair, but The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis is changing that narrative through pioneering research and a relentless pursuit of a cure.

The Genesis of Hope: A Promise Born from Tragedy

The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis emerged from a personal tragedy. In 1985, Marc Buoniconti, son of Miami Dolphins Hall of Fame linebacker Nick Buoniconti, sustained a spinal cord injury while playing college football. Driven by a father’s love and a promise to his son, Nick Buoniconti joined forces with Dr. Barth A. Green to establish The Miami Project.

Located at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, The Miami Project has grown into the world’s most comprehensive spinal cord injury research center. Since its inception, the project has raised over $275 million and employs over 200 scientists, researchers, and clinicians dedicated to finding effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for paralysis.

A Multifaceted Approach to Restoring Function

The Miami Project adopts a multifaceted approach to address the complexities of spinal cord injuries. Their research spans various areas, including:

Neuroprotection: Investigating ways to protect nerve cells from further damage immediately after injury.
Neuroregeneration: Exploring methods to stimulate the regeneration of damaged nerve cells and promote the formation of new connections.
Cell Transplantation: Pioneering the use of cell therapies, such as Schwann cell transplantation, to promote nerve repair and functional recovery.
Brain-Computer Interfaces: Partnering with Neuralink to develop brain-computer interfaces that allow paralyzed individuals to control external devices with their thoughts.
Rehabilitation: Developing innovative rehabilitation strategies to maximize functional recovery and improve the quality of life for individuals with SCI.

Groundbreaking Research and Clinical Trials

The Miami Project has achieved several significant breakthroughs in spinal cord injury research. Some notable accomplishments include:

Schwann Cell Transplantation: The Miami Project was granted approval by the U.S. FDA to proceed with a Schwann cell implantation clinical trial. In 2012, doctors implanted the first patient with their own Schwann cells, initiating a phase 1 trial to test the safety and efficacy of the technique.
Therapeutic Hypothermia: Miami Project researchers discovered that cooling the brain or spinal cord after injury improved outcomes. This led to multicenter therapeutic hypothermia clinical trials for acutely injured patients with severe spinal cord or traumatic brain injury.
Neuralink Partnership: The Miami Project is the second U.S.-based site for Neuralink’s PRIME Study, an early feasibility study to assess the safety and functionality of Neuralink’s brain-computer interface implant. In September 2025, surgeons at The Miami Project implanted a paralyzed United States military veteran with the Neuralink device.

These clinical trials are testing the safety and efficacy of different neuroprotective, reparative, or modulatory interventions. Clinical studies are also investigating questions regarding exercise science, nutrition, rehabilitation training, pain, male fertility, aging, and brain-machine interface technology.

The Buoniconti Fund: Fueling the Mission

The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis, established in 1992 by the Buoniconti family, serves as the fundraising arm of The Miami Project. This non-profit organization raises funds and awareness to support The Miami Project’s research efforts. The Buoniconti Fund also focuses on educating the public about the research being conducted at The Miami Project through various channels, including personal contact, presentations, videos, and social media.

Legal Rights and Resources for Spinal Cord Injury Patients

Beyond the scientific advancements, it’s crucial for individuals with spinal cord injuries to understand their legal rights and available resources. Spinal cord injuries often result from someone else’s negligence, such as in vehicle accidents or falls. In such cases, SCI victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Legal avenues for SCI victims include pursuing personal injury claims, seeking settlements, or exploring insurance claims. An experienced personal injury attorney can help navigate the legal process, gather evidence, establish negligence, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure fair compensation.

Additionally, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides protections and accommodations for individuals with disabilities, including SCI survivors. These accommodations may include workplace modifications, accessible parking spaces, and assistive technologies.

The Importance of Legal Representation

Navigating the legal landscape after a spinal cord injury can be overwhelming. An experienced attorney can provide invaluable assistance by:

Evaluating the case and identifying liable parties.
Gathering and preserving crucial evidence.
Handling insurance negotiations.
Representing the client in court, if necessary.
Ensuring the client receives full and fair compensation.

A Beacon of Hope for the Future

The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis stands as a beacon of hope for individuals living with spinal cord injuries. Through its pioneering research, innovative clinical trials, and unwavering commitment to finding a cure, The Miami Project is transforming the lives of SCI patients and offering a brighter future for those affected by paralysis.

While there is currently no known way to reverse damage to the spinal cord, researchers are continually working on new treatments, including prostheses and medications, which may promote regeneration of nerve cells or improve the function of the nerves that remain after an SCI. SCI treatment currently focuses on preventing further injury and empowering people with an SCI to return to an active and productive life.