A Note from Our Founder

Dear Friends,

The Carl Edward Foundation was born out of love—love for my uncle, Carl Edward Carlson, and love for the incredible individuals and families navigating life after a spinal cord injury or a progressive neurological disease.

Carl was more than my uncle—he was my hero. He showed me what resilience looked like from the time I was little, letting me play in his bright green racing wheelchair, sharing stories of wheelchair basketball, and demonstrating fierce independence by standing in his leg braces to load his own chair into his car. He defied the odds and inspired me to pursue a career where I could advocate for others just like him.

But I also witnessed the challenges that insurance didn’t cover—the constant fight for the right equipment, the financial burden of home modifications, and the emotional weight of being overlooked by a system that wasn’t built to serve people like Carl. As his body endured the medical sequelae of his injury, I saw firsthand how denied resources and delayed care stole his dignity, independence, and quality of life.

I have spent my career fighting for patients like Carl, and that mission extends beyond spinal cord injuries. My work has also specialized in treating patients with progressive neurological diseases, particularly Parkinson’s disease. I have walked beside patients and families as they navigate the devastating cost of falls—falls that could be prevented with the right equipment, home modifications, and caregiver support.

Falls in individuals with Parkinson’s, Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), ALS, MS, and similar conditions are one of the most significant and costly complications.

• One bad fall can mean the difference between living independently and needing 24/7 care.
• The average cost of hospitalization after a fall exceeds $30,000.
• A simple home modification, such as a grab bar or ramp, could prevent these life-altering injuries.

Yet, private insurance does not cover the essential items that could reduce these risks and preserve independence—no financial support for grab bars, roll-in showers, fall detection devices, home safety evaluations, or caregiver training.

 No one should have to choose between independence and affordability.
No one should be forced to stay in bed because mobility is too expensive.
No one should suffer a preventable injury because a ramp, chair, or caregiver wasn’t covered.

I created this foundation to bridge the gap—to step in where insurance fails and to give people the dignity, freedom, and support they deserve. This isn’t just a nonprofit; this is a movement to change lives, restore independence, and rewrite what’s possible for these patients and their families.

Thank you for being part of this mission. Your support doesn’t just fund equipment—it gives people a chance to live fully. Together, we can honor Carl’s legacy and ensure that no patient faces these challenges alone.

With gratitude,
Dr. Corey Winn
Founder, The Carl Edward Foundation