split_second_foundation

Watch Mark Raymond Jr. on The Jennifer Hudson Show on Tuesday, May 7th

Mon, 06 May 2024 18:52:26 GMT

Watch Split Second Foundation founder Mark Raymond Jr. in his appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show this Tuesday, May 7th!

Diving Accident Survivor Dedicates Life to Helping Others: ‘Being Quadriplegic Is My Superpower'

Sat, 16 Mar 2024 14:46:25 GMT

The last thing Mark Raymond Jr. remembers in those final seconds before the accident was standing in the back of his buddy’s boat at the end of a perfect July afternoon in 2016, and staring down into the waters of Louisiana’s Lake Pontchartrain.

Then he dove in and instantly felt his forehead slam into the sandy bottom of the lake.

“I couldn’t move and realized, 'I’m probably going to drown,’ " Raymond tells PEOPLE in this week's issue. “My last thoughts were about my mom and just praying that my friends would realize what was happening.”

He was close to death when his pals pulled him out of the water and performed CPR.

Two weeks later, Raymond awoke from a medically induced coma in a New Orleans hospital to discover that he’d fractured the fifth vertebrae in his neck and could no longer walk or fully use his hands.

“I quickly learned that my life was going to be really different,” he says. “To call it a huge adjustment is an understatement.”

Nonprofit opens Louisiana’s first inclusive gym

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 14:43:18 GMT

Split Second Fitness founder Mark Raymond Jr. talks about his organization which is the first gym focusing on individuals with a disabling condition and transforming individuals’ hope into action.

For Assistive Technologies and More, ABLE Accounts are a Lifeline to Autonomy for Disabled People

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 17:25:27 GMT

It seems every month is associated with a specific cause or purpose. For example, April is Financial Literacy Month. For the majority of disabled people, financial anything often is fraught with stress. If one were to bottle ableism’s essence, it may well be society’s rules and regulations surrounding the disability community and money. In a nutshell, the expectation is people with disabilities are destined to live in squalor forever: earning and especially saving any amount of money is perilous, due to the risk of becoming disqualified for social services that one would otherwise be fully entitled to receiving. This issue pushes against other common activities that most people take for granted, such as getting married and owning property. It is possible for us to partake in these things, but it isn’t without its drawbacks. It’s a “measure a million times and maybe cut once” scenario. As with everything in our lives, consideration is key. At its core, the rules essentially signal society doesn’t believe members of the disability community to be competent and capable contributors to the world.

It’s important to note, not all disabled people are destitute. Indeed, there are many disabled people in the world—particularly those who work in Silicon Valley—who make more than a living wage. The point is merely that, by and large, disabled people are decidedly not high earners—if they actually earn anything at all.

The aforementioned tech workers are the proverbial exception to the rule. To help disabled people shed their life of impoverishment stigma, ABLE accounts are designed to help those in the community save money for whatever is necessary. Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE), came into existence by the passage of the eponymous Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2014. According to the National Resource Center’s website, ABLE accounts recognize the fact that “living with a disability is often associated with significant amounts of extra costs” and are meant to act as “tax-advantaged savings accounts that can fund disability expenses". Beneficiaries can save, depending upon the state, between $235,000 to $550,000—up to $17,000 per year. In an ABLE account, numbers that are exponentially higher than the $2,000 in liquid assets are necessary to maintain monthly government benefits such as Social Security. Eligible holders must have become disabled at age 26 or sooner. Although recently-passed legislation (going into effect in 2026) raises the eligibility age to 46, to account for people who become disabled later in life. To date, only 137,192 people, with a cumulative $1.25 billion saved, are active ABLE account holders.(Full disclosure: those figures include an account held by this reporter.)

One of the first people in the United States to get an ABLE account is Carol Akers. Akers, who lives in Columbus, Ohio, is the primary caretaker for her severely disabled 38-year-old son named Dustin. His father, who’s no longer living, shook him when he was four months old. As a result, Dustin is blind, has cerebral palsy, and is developmentally delayed. He requires assistance in all aspects of day-to-day life. Socioeconomically, Dustin had been on and off Social Security benefits due to his mother’s income, and authorities would regularly tell her she couldn’t keep meaningful savings as they would potentially harm his earnings potential, in terms of benefits. This led Akers to worry constantly about leaving a nest egg for Dustin’s care, in a future where she may not be around to give him the help he needs.

“I think it lessens the value of people with disabilities,” Akers said of the rigid monetary rules in place for disabled people. “They’re not treated equally for the government or other entities to say, ‘I’m sorry that you’re not allowed to save money.’ If you were without disabilities, you could save all kinds of money: you could invest, you could do so many things. But because you have a disability, we’re going to limit you. I understand that Medicaid pays for Dustin’s waiver and pays his medical [insurance], and that’s wonderful. But in a perfect world, if Dustin was a typical 38-year-old, by now he would have had his college degree, he would be driving car, he would have a family. He wouldn’t need the assistance that I give him physically or financially. It [the government’s rules] bothers me.”

For Mark Raymond, he couldn’t agree more with the frustration over the rules.

“It’s frustrating as an individual with a disability that had to confront all of these rigid laws and rules on how much money I can have or save,” he said in an interview with me last month via videoconference. “I understand their perspective, as they’re trying to prevent fraud and prevent people from abusing the system. But I don’t feel like having such rigid restrictions on people’s financial health is really accomplishing that goal of preventing fraud. That’s a challenge, and I think that’s where we, as disabled community members, have to confront our public officials and elected officials and leaders to [get them to] rethink these restrictions. I will say, I think that ABLE is another tool in the tool chest, but it doesn’t solve all the problems. If you need a hammer, it’s not a hammer, but it’s a good screwdriver.”

Raymond, who works with ABLE Today as its national outreach lead and is founder and Chief Executive of the Split Second Foundation , became disabled on the Fourth of July in 2016 after breaking his neck’s C5 vertebrae in a diving accident, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. The sudden thrust into the disabled life was a jolting experience for Raymond, not the least of which financially. He was “inundated” with the intricacies of the healthcare system, quickly realizing he’d need to renovate his home to be more wheelchair accessible, after his discharge from the hospital. He’d also require mental health support to emotionally navigate his new reality as much as was pragmatically possible. It was during this time he became inspired to start his foundation, telling me “going through that situation and feeling isolated [and] feeling denial [over his disability] was what drove me to my passion and purpose.”

New Orleans man creates gym for amputees, quadriplegics

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 16:12:52 GMT

For amputees and wheelchair-bound people, the world can be a little complicated. Life changed for many of these people in a "split second" after accidents.

Now a New Orleans man is trying to give them a safe space to work on their minds, bodies and souls.

Scripps News' national correspondent Tammy Estwick spoke to Mark Raymond Jr. about his first-of-its-kind gym for disabled people in Louisiana.

Family Focus: Man warns swimmers about shallow water diving

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 19:48:34 GMT

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) – Many people have already jumped in swimming pools and pulled out their boats following recent warmer temperatures, and some families will take vacations when students are out of school for spring break.

Mark Raymond Jr. encourages everyone to be careful if they plan to go boating. His life changed in a split second in 2016, while boating with his friends on Lake Pontchartrain.

“I wasn’t paying attention to the tide. What I thought was deeper water was not. Doved off the boat and hit my head on the sandy bottom, and I shattered the fifth vertebra in my neck, resulting in paralysis. I injured my spinal cord, and I woke up three weeks later with doctors telling me that I might be paralyzed for the rest of my life,” said Raymond. “The biggest thing for me was denial and accepting my reality. It’s a process when you get news like that. It takes a minute for the brain to process or understand and accept it.”

Doctors warn diving into shallow water can result in devastating and irreversible injuries to the spinal cord. They said most of the patients are males and the injuries are preventable. As many as one out of every 10 injuries to the cervical spinal cord is caused by a diving accident, according to physicians.

Safety experts said swimmers should enter the water feet first to determine depth before jumping off a boat or any other platform. Diving should be done in water at least 10 to 12 feet deep and never dive in an above-ground pool.

Raymond does not recommend people live in fear of diving but instead make smarter decisions. “The message that I try to get across now to people, in general, is be mindful of the risk you take,” he said.

Because of his injury, Raymond decided to help others with disabilities. He created the Split Second Foundation , giving people with disabilities a comfortable space to workout, engage with mental health professionals and find resources to enhance their quality of life.

“I didn’t understand how big the disabled community was prior to my accident. So our mission at the Split Second Foundation is to break barriers for people with disabilities,” Raymond stated.

The foundation is based in New Orleans and Raymond said plans are underway to expand with fitness centers in Baton Rouge and other parts of Louisiana.

Louisiana Resident Mark Raymond Jr. Overcomes Boating Accident Disability to Create Inclusive Fitness for the Disabled

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 19:44:54 GMT

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, over 600 people died as a result of boating accidents and over 2000 were injured in 2021.

ABC 31 News Reporter Keisha Swafford has the story on how a Louisiana resident overcame a boating accident disability to help others.

Diving into water while boating can lead to spinal cord injuries each year. To stay safe on the water, Red River Marine teaches us some boating tips.

Red River Marine Boat Parts Serviceman Jacob Waites says, “You always want to make sure you have this kill switch on you. You just connect to your life jacket or sometimes they come with a wrist strap. When you get thrown out of the boat, if it happens, it will automatically kill itself and your boat will just sit there.”

A split-second decision to dive off a boat left Mark Raymond Jr. in a wheelchair.

CEO of Split Second Foundation Mark Raymond Jr. says, “I was not paying attention to the depth of the water and as the day went on, the tide changed and what was a deeper lake became a shallower lake, and when I dove off the back of the boat, I hit my head on the sandy bottom and shattered the fifth vertebrate in my neck, leaving me paralyzed from about the chest down. My family definitely helped me pick up the pieces after my accident and as I was dealing with the grief and the depression, really made sure that I was surrounded by love and support.”

After his accident, Mark Raymond Jr. founded Split Second Foundation to provide the disabled community access to fitness.

“It’s amazing, every time I roll into our facility, I get goosebumps, seeing all the people who quite frankly need our services every day, and are happy to be there.”

Split Second Fitness Participant Ray Walker reached out to Split Second Fitness after a car accident left him paralyzed.

“They give me a chance to be consistent, and when I come into Split Second, we have our trainings, and they help you work different muscle groups to keep your strength up and to help you with everyday stuff like pushing. Me going into Split Second, lifting weights, it helps me push longer distances.”

Split Second Fitness is proof there is still life after disability.

The CEO of Split Second Foundation says, “We just have to find that community and find the people we can lean on that can understand and are empathetic to our situations and help us keep moving forward.”

Split Second Fitness plans to expand to Central Louisiana.

Through donations, Mark Raymond Jr. plans to open a Split Second Fitness gym in Alexandria in 2024.

Mark Raymond Jr: Broken Healthcare System is Leaving Millions Behind

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 19:07:55 GMT

By Rob Dillard -

March 9, 2023

There are currently 61 million Americans living with a disability in the US and with that high of a number, you would think the healthcare system would have resources, services, and tools in place to help someone who experienced a disability, either from a physical accident, heart attack, stroke, or other cause following hospital discharge. However, as noted by Mark Raymond Jr., a C-5 quadriplegic, the sad truth is most people living with a disability leave the hospital and are thrown into a confusing and gap-filled healthcare system they must try to navigate by themselves.

Mr. Raymond, who is the founder of the non-profit Split Second Foundation , spoke to DocWire News about his journey, and his foundation, and how he aims to help the disability community and fill in some of the gaps he noticed in treatment and services.

Foundation Promotes Financial Tools for People Living with Disabilities

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 17:11:33 GMT

Foundation Promotes Financial Tools for People Living with Disabilities

By Site Staff

NEW ORLEANS — The Split Second Foundation, a nonprofit that advocates for people living with disabilities, has announced a partnership with the National Association of State Treasurers to promote financial empowerment.

Split Second Founder and CEO Mark Raymond Jr. has been named the national outreach lead for ABLE today, a NAST Foundation campaign to promote awareness of ABLE accounts, state-run savings programs for eligible people with disabilities in the United States.

“ABLE today works to empower individuals with disabilities toward more independent and secure futures by offering tools and resources on the benefits of ABLE accounts,” said a Split Second spokesperson. “In this role, Mark will raise awareness for ABLE accounts to help those living with disabilities be better informed about their financial options.”

ABLE accounts allow individuals with disabilities to save for Qualified Disability Expenses without worrying about losing disability benefits such as SSI or Medicaid. Current eligibility for an ABLE account requires onset of an individual’s disability before age 26, but thanks to the ABLE Age Adjustment Act the new age will be 46, beginning Jan. 1, 2026.

Mark Raymond Jr: Split Second Life Change - From Tragedy To Entrepreneurship & Activism

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 18:03:33 GMT

Hosted by: Jimmie Johnson

In the episode of the Staying The Course Podcast, host Jimmie Johnson shares the story of Mark Raymond Jr, a businessman, activist, and founder of Split Second Foundation. Mark has an amazing story that began with tragedy but now he's using his pain to help make a difference in the lives of people who look just like him. We also explore his ties to two influential civil rights leaders in New Orleans.

Listen to the podcast.

Metaphorically Speaking

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 18:32:37 GMT

Hosted by: Delia Dolor

A lot can happen within a split second. Lives can be changed - for better or for worse. In this episode we look at different concepts of time and how we can change our mindset to become more present. Our guest is Mark Raymond Jr., founder of the Split Second Foundation.

Listen to the podcast.

Exercise for everybody, regardless of physical limitations

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 18:50:00 GMT

By: The Senior Scene Media

It's easy to hibernate when the weather is cold and dreary, but it’s important to stay on top of health and fitness routines. For those who have a disability or suffer the effects of a stroke or other medical condition, it may be hard to find exercises for home that work with physical limitations. Split Second Foundation , a non-profit organization that provides resources for the disabled and geriatric communities, has some health and wellness advice, including exercise tips. For instance:

Set goals and show up.

The biggest challenge of setting up a health and fitness routine is getting started and being committed to it. If you need to start small and just incorporate one workout a day into your weekly schedule or even just one exercise, do it. Keep adding days or exercises until you feel comfortable.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. That’s the length of a TV show, so take a break from the couch to focus on you. Or if you just can’t miss your shows, do your exercises while watching them. Not only will it help you stick to a routine, but it can also take your mind off the exercises you’re doing.

And you don’t need exercise machines or equipment. Find exercises that can be performed sitting, standing, or lying down. Just get started!

Your smartphone really is smart.

Search YouTube and other Internet platforms for exercise videos that break down and demonstrate each move. You can also check out trusted social media accounts for fitness and health tips and tricks.

Stretch daily.

Stretching is important for decreasing muscles stiffness and increasing range of motion. Additional benefits include reducing stress, reducing risk for injury, and decreasing pain in some circumstances.

Recommended exercises.

Ankle pumps. This exercise can be performed lying down, sitting in a chair, or standing up.

To do them lying down or sitting, and if you can’t move your feet on your own, get help from a partner or use a strap positioned around the ball of your feet. Point your toes down toward the ground as if pressing on a gas pedal, then lift up toward your body. Three sets of 25 repetitions is recommended. Take 30-second breaks between sets to allow muscles to rest.

To perform the exercise standing up, position yourself next to a sturdy surface to help with balancing, lift your heels off the ground so that you are standing on your toes, then slowly lower your heels back to the ground. Three sets of 25 repetitions is recommended, again with 30-second breaks.

Torso pushups. Can be done sitting in a chair either with legs bent, or seated on a firm surface with legs extended.

If you can use your hands, place them on the armrests of the chair or the surface where your body is positioned and push directly down, extending your elbows and pressing your shoulders down. Your torso may rise from your seat. Slowly lower your torso and relax your arms. Three sets of 10 repetitions is recommended.

If you can’t use your hands, position yourself in a chair with your forearms on the armrests, then push down through your elbows and depress your shoulders down. Your torso may or may not raise from your seat. Slowly lower your shoulders and/or torso and relax your arms. Three sets of 10.

Prone pressups. An alternative to chair pushups.

Lay on your stomach with your hands in the direction of your head. Your elbows should be bent and positioned beside your torso. Push down through your elbows and depress your shoulders down towards the floor. Lift your head and shoulders away from the floor. Slowly lower your shoulders and/or torso and relax your arms. Three sets of 10 repetitions and 30-second breaks between them is recommended.

Not Born Yesterday: Inclusive Health & Wellness Tips for Every Body

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 20:31:19 GMT

Set goals and show up.

And you don’t need exercise machines or equipment. Find exercises that can be performed sitting, standing, or lying down. Just get started!

Your smartphone really is smart.

Search YouTube and other Internet platforms for exercise videos that break down and demonstrate each move. You can also check out trusted social media accounts for fitness and health tips and tricks.

Stretch daily.

Recommended exercises.

Ankle pumps. This exercise can be performed lying down, sitting in a chair, or standing up.

Torso pushups. Can be done sitting in a chair either with legs bent, or seated on a firm surface with legs extended.

Prone pressups. An alternative to chair pushups.

Exercising After Joint Replacement

Sat, 31 Dec 2022 19:02:52 GMT

FOREVER YOUNG JANUARY 2023

Especially among older people, joint replacement is often what puts an end to years of painkillers, steroid shots, and difficulty walking or sleeping. But once the knees and hips have been replaced, getting back to pre-problem levels of activity can be challenging.

"Have confidence that your surgery was a success.

You will be able to return to regular activities."

There are no set timetables. Some patients take the better part of a year to fully recover from knee or hip surgery, while others take just a few months. "If you were very active, you will do better," says Quanteria Williams-Porche, a physical therapist with Split Second Fitness, who has worked for more than a decade with people recovering from hip and knee replacements.

Of course, the more active you were, the more eager you'll be to get moving. "Walking is your best friend, especially after hip surgery," says Williams-Porche. But check with your medical team about how much and how soon. Too much walking can stress implants prior to the ingrowth process.

Patients are often concerned about never being able to resume certain activities, says Williams-Porche. But the good news is, "People usually have no restrictions afterward."

Most patients won't be prohibited certain activities, but low impact activities are often recommended to longer preserve the integrity of the joint. Williams-Porche advises consulting with your surgeons as you "gradually work your way back."

The pros at orthoInfo.com suggest staying active with the caveat that you do not do too much too soon. Once you have your doctor's go ahead, "you can return to many of the sports activities you enjoyed before your hip replacement."

While there is caution, it's around high impact activities such as singles tennis, jogging, racquetball, basketball, and skiing, which may put too much stress on hip joints.

Consider lower-impact cardio options like golfing, bicycling, double tennis, and especially joint-friendly swimming. Recommendations for knee replacements are similar. Lower impact fitness activities as those described above "will help increase the longevity of your knee and are preferable over high-impact activities such as jumping, jogging, and skiing," according to orthinfo.

Contact sports, like football and soccer, pls sports that require jerking, twisting, or pulling should be avoided, as well as overly repetitive motions like running, heavy weightlifting, which can damage an implant over time.

At the gym, talk to a trainer about elliptical and stair machines or stationary bikes. Another option is low-resistance circuit training. This involves moving from one machine to the next with little or no resting time in-between.

Yoga practitioners should consult their doctors before resuming higher-intensity yoga and pass along any restrictions to the instructor who can help with appropriate modifications. Or they may ease back into practice with gentler, restorative routines or even chair yoga.

"Chair yoga is effective for the right person," says Silver Sneakers yoga instructor Olivia Ebsary. "This is typically a population over age seventy or senior citizens rehabbing from something." Pilates instructor Annemarie Gorman advises clients who had joint replacement surgery to ease back into a routine for at least six weeks.

She also advises that resuming pre-surgery levels of everyday activities--excluding intense exercise-- is a goal: "Don't be hesitant to do things. Have confidence that your surgery was a success. You will be able to return to regular activities. That's the whole reason why we have surgery."

I became paralyzed after diving into shallow water. Afterward, I founded the first inclusive gym in my state and dedicated my life to helping others.

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 19:08:59 GMT

Mark Raymond Jr. Courtesy of Shawn Colin

Kelly Burch Dec 29, 2022, 4:42 AM

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Mark Raymond Jr. It has been edited for length and clarity.

On July 4, 2016, I was celebrating on a friend's boat. But I wasn't paying attention to the tide. When I dove into what had been deep water, I hit the sand bottom, broke my neck, and started to drown. Three weeks later, I woke up in the intensive care unit.

There, I learned that I had shattered my fifth vertebrate and broken my spinal cord. Doctors told me I was paralyzed and that I might never walk again. Hearing that was like a freight train hitting me, over and over.

I quickly learned about the barriers to independence

Fortunately, I have a support system that could advocate for me after my accident. My parents, grandparents, sister, and friends all stepped in to help me.

When I was discharged from the hospital, I went to six weeks of inpatient rehabilitation, where I was getting three hours of therapy a day. Six weeks might seem like a lot, but it's nothing when you're relearning basic life skills to live independently. People with quadriplegia used to get four to six months of inpatient care, but insurance companies have reduced their coverage.

I left inpatient care and had to wait to get a new therapist. I didn't have a fitness facility or support group, and there was no caregiver training for my family. That was when I became keenly aware of all these specific barriers to increasing my quality of life.

I found hope but needed to make it accessible

I searched everywhere for information that could help me regain control of my life and body. On Instagram, I found a gym that was accessible to disabled people in California. The first day that I rolled in, I saw a bunch of empty wheelchairs and people like me pushing their limits. I felt hope for the first time.

But that gym cost $100 an hour. I was able to swing that long enough to get inspired, but that's completely unattainable to the many people with disabilities who are on fixed incomes.

In college, I studied chemistry and physics. Basically, my degree was in problem-solving. I knew I had to find a solution to these challenges. And I also knew that if these problems felt daunting to me — with my education, support system, and networks — they would be even more difficult for other people without my resources.

I'm offering hope, with actions to back it up

Last year, I opened the doors to Split Second Fitness . It's the first accessible gym in Louisiana and part of my nonprofit, the Split Second Foundation . Our goal is to transform hope into action.

Fitness is often focused on getting stronger or increasing endurance. But for people with disabilities, there are therapeutic outcomes as well that can increase independence. I can now transfer myself from my chair to the floor or my bed. That makes life easier for me and my caregivers.

I've seen similar results in my clients. One person came in after a car accident that severely injured him and killed his mother. Since joining, he's enrolled in college, got an apartment, and bought a car. He's thinking about his future a lot more intentionally now.

My life isn't about who I was yesterday. It's about who I have to be tomorrow. I want to help my clients see that, too, through physical and mental-health support, vocational training, financial literacy, and housing. That begins with providing a safe, affordable, and accessible space where they can be with people who understand exactly what they're going through.

Hope is one of the most powerful forces on earth. Before you can take action you need to give people hope. That's what our community aims to do.

Inclusive Health And Wellness Tips For Every Body

Sat, 10 Dec 2022 20:12:17 GMT

Set goals and show up.

And you don’t need exercise machines or equipment. Find exercises that can be performed sitting, standing, or lying down. Just get started!

Your smartphone really is smart.

Search YouTube and other Internet platforms for exercise videos that break down and demonstrate each move. You can also check out trusted social media accounts for fitness and health tips and tricks.

Stretch daily.

Recommended exercises.

Ankle pumps. This exercise can be performed lying down, sitting in a chair, or standing up.

Torso pushups. Can be done sitting in a chair either with legs bent, or seated on a firm surface with legs extended.

Prone pressups. An alternative to chair pushups.

About Split Second Foundation

20.6 million Americans live with some form of ambulatory disability, requiring a mobility device. Many of these people face an isolated world with few social interactions, health complications, a higher risk of suicide, a shorter life expectancy and few places to turn to for assistance. Split Second Foundation, a Louisiana-based non-profit 501(c)(3), helps provide support, recovery tools and tactics, ongoing fitness exercise, education, and answers to people living with a disability or medical condition.

Inclusive Health and Wellness Tips for Every Body

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 21:13:34 GMT

Set goals and show up.

And you don’t need exercise machines or equipment. Find exercises that can be performed sitting, standing, or lying down. Just get started!

Your smartphone really is smart.

Search YouTube and other Internet platforms for exercise videos that break down and demonstrate each move. You can also check out trusted social media accounts for fitness and health tips and tricks.

Stretch daily.

Recommended exercises.

Ankle pumps. This exercise can be performed lying down, sitting in a chair, or standing up.

Torso pushups. Can be done sitting in a chair either with legs bent, or seated on a firm surface with legs extended.

Prone pressups. An alternative to chair pushups.

About Split Second Foundation

Building Disability Awareness with Mark Raymond Jr.

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 21:24:04 GMT

In the United States, 61 million people live with a disability. Mark Raymond Jr. is one of them—and his life changed in one moment. He was 27 years old and hanging out with friends on a boat. He dove into the water, which, unbeknownst to him, was quite shallow. He broke his neck and is now a C-5 quadriplegic requiring a wheelchair.

Mark’s life changed in a split second, and now he’s dedicated to helping other people with disabilities through his non-profit the Split Second Foundation . Mark and the foundation were able to open the first inclusive gym in Louisiana, Split Second Fitness. And he’s got big plans for a lot more.

Mark spoke with Good People, Cool Things about the Split Second Foundation, raising awareness around disabilities, and his favorite sports moment.

What's something most people don't know about living with a disability?

I think the majority of society fears disability and therefore tries to ignore the issues related to disability until something life-changing happens to them. A prime example was me at 27 years old, never thinking I would be in this position, and now being so keenly aware of all the challenges people with disabilities face.

Living with a disability is not that bad when you have the right support and resources around you. The biggest challenge is the mental hurdle of accepting what you’re going through.

Why did you decide to start the Split Second Foundation?

I chose to start Split Second Foundation because there was a huge lack of resources and programs for me when I was discharged from inpatient therapy. That experience, being isolated with very few places to turn for help, was challenging, so we created this organization to be a resource for people going through similar experiences.

How does Split Second Fitness benefit individuals with a disabling condition and how have you helped grow the fitness center?

Split Second fitness is the first activity-based fitness center intentionally focused on recovery for people who have experienced paralysis, amputation, and other disabilities. The challenge created by the healthcare system and insurance companies is people are discharged from outpatient therapy with no place to turn to continue their rehabilitation.

We created the space to be a safe environment for people to go as a continuum of care. We charge $50 a month, and with that, clients get access to the facility and to one-hour guided exercise sessions per week, which is really about an $850 value.

What are the highlights of the Show of Love Gala?

Love is a verb… this event is the actualization of the love Split Second Foundation has been giving to this community. We raffled off a 2022 Honda Accord, we gifted a wheelchair-accessible van to a family in need, and we honored the caregiver of one of our clients with the Caregiver of the Year Award!

We had entertainment from Big Sam’s Folk Nation, Mannie Fresh, and DJ Rockaway! Food was provided by 12 different restaurants from the New Orleans area, providing a taste of New Orleans, and the silent auction offered plenty of experiences and items for everyone to enjoy.

What’s your favorite sports moment?

My favorite sports moment was Game 4 of this past year‘s NBA Finals, watching Steph Curry take over that game and silence all the haters.

What's next for you?

Continuing to grow Split Second Foundation. We are launching Split Second Cares, a trauma-informed mental health and case management advisement program to help guide people to the highest quality of life. We are looking to acquire a building and develop accessible housing.

I’m extremely interested in the accessible tourism space and how to encourage cities to be more inclusive and thoughtful about the needs of people with different abilities. In 2023 we plan to move to a bigger space and hope to impact more than 1,000 lives. And so much more…

From Paralyzed to Founder of Split Second Foundation

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 19:37:17 GMT

Today's guest on Be The Good with Kate explains, "I had to learn how to live this new life," as he describes the time immediately following a diving accident that left him a C5 quadriplegic at the age of 27. While quickly discovering how "underserved the disabled population was with resources and information", Mark Raymond Jr. made it his mission to help others be more informed and have stronger outcomes in the aftermath of injuries, strokes, and other disabling conditions.

Mark specifically noted a big gap in fitness resources and opportunities. Another, as he refers to it, was a lack of "social worker advisors''. So, Mark created Split Second Foundation, with Split Second Fitness and Split Second Cares.

It is the first rehab-based fitness center in the Gulf South and serves a host of disabilities. Mark describes it as holistically helping people to achieve a better quality of life.

Mark and team continue to expand their offerings, with post-injury financial literacy being the next addition.

Additionally, you'll hear Mark explain some of the advancements in technology for equipment that helps him move and work through each day. He goes into detail about how the body connects with the devices, especially when working with musculature limitations.

From the fitness resources, to financial insights into what is lacking for the disabled community, to the machine that gives him legs to walk, I was fascinated talking with Mark.

Split Second Foundation states their 'why': "20.6 million Americans live with some form of ambulatory disability, requiring a mobility device. Many of these people face an isolated world with few social interactions, health complications, a higher risk of suicide, a shorter life expectancy and few places to turn to."

Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate Cherichello

Listen to the recording.

Broken neck. Shattered life. Stuck in a New Orleans wheelchair

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 19:04:18 GMT

In a split second, Mark Raymond, Jr. inspires you

by: Wild Bill Wood

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – In a split second.

That’s how fast life changed for 33-year-old Mark Raymond Junior.

And how he got the name for his New Orleans gym Split Second Fitness.

WGNO Good Morning New Orleans features reporter Bill Wood says, “it was the Fourth of July, 2016, what happened?”

Raymond says, “I was out on Lake Pontchartrain with a bunch of friends, dove off back of the boat, not paying attention to the tide, dove into a foot and a half of water and broke my neck.”

Bill Wood says, “and here you are.”

Mark Raymond Junior says, “in a split second, my whole life changed and here we are.”

Because Mark became a guy now navigating life in a wheelchair, he became the hope for others with injuries.

Like Jean Dervil.

He had a stroke two years ago.

But after working with Mark and his team at Split Second Fitness, Jean does not need his wheelchair anymore.

Mark talks the talk.

And not long ago, he walked the walk.

For the first time in six years, in a robot suit that made him something of a miracle man.

Bill Wood says, “when we see you walking, what do you want us to see?

Mark Raymond Junior says, “I want people to see the innovation in rehabilitation technology and be inspired.”

Mark knows he’s lucky to be alive.

The rest of us are lucky he’s still here, too.

Mark invites you to his Split Se c ond Foundation’s Show of Love Gala .

It’s Saturday, October 22 at the Contemporary Arts Center in New Orleans.

Disability Beat Interview

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 19:40:36 GMT

Founder of Split Second Fitness, Mark Raymond was interviewed live on Disability Beat- WEFT-FM (Illinois) on Monday, October 17th, 2023 about the strides the disability community has made

with employment and the gaps that still exist.

Listen to the recording.

Quadriplegic man opens inclusive gym accessible for people with disabilities

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 19:44:09 GMT

After a life-changing accident in 2016, Mark Raymond founded the Split Second Foundation to provide inclusive community access to fitness and recovery support.

Blue Cross Grant Will Help Families Impacted by Life-Altering Injuries

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 15:20:42 GMT

Blue Cross Grant Will Help Families Impacted by Life-Altering Injuries

By Rich Collins

NEW ORLEANS — The Split Second Foundation announced that it has received a $98,300 grant from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation to help fund its Split Second Cares Program. A full-time director will operate the initiative, which will provide mental and emotional health services to individuals and families impacted by life-altering injuries.

SSF Founder Mark Raymond Jr. said Split Second Cares will fill a gap in services that weren’t available to him in 2016, when a boating accident left him a C-5 quadriplegic.

“My family and I were left thinking, ‘Now what?’ Your world is turned upside down and there are no maps or people to show you what you need, what support is available,” said Raymond in a press release. “That all changes with Split Second Cares.”

Raymond said the program will feature “evidence-based mental health therapies, support groups, case management and resource navigation for individuals living with a disability and their caregivers.” A previous Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation grant allowed SSF to create program metrics, an evaluation framework, partnerships and a pilot. The program will work in tandem with Split Second Fitness, a facility Raymond opened in 2021 to help people living with disabilities.

“When someone sustains a life-changing injury, they need and deserve answers, not just kind words,” Raymond said. “When we started this foundation, we wanted to ‘transform hope into action,’ and Split Second Fitness and Split Second Cares are those actions that will deliver positive results for our community.”

Breaking Down Physical and Societal Barriers for People Living with Disabilities

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 18:01:12 GMT

Anyone’s life can change in a split second from a catastrophic accident, stroke or other tragic event.

Our guest, Mark Raymond Jr., Founder of the Split Second Foundation, had his life change in a split second when he broke his neck after diving into shallow water while boating with friends in 2016.

The accident resulted in him becoming a C-5 quadriplegic. During Mark’s immediate recovery from his injury--inpatient and outpatient therapy--he learned that there are extreme gaps in the recovery process and few resources available to people after being discharged from therapy.

He founded Split Second Foundation in 2018 and dedicated it to making people aware of the growing but oftentimes invisible population of people with disabilities, advocating for their rights, funding cutting-edge research, and providing clear cut steps to immediately impact their lives.

Within three years of starting the foundation, Mark was able to open Split Second Fitness, which is the first inclusive gym in Louisiana with an intentional focus on people living with paralysis, amputation, or other neurological conditions.

Because the majority of people with severe disabilities cannot afford traditional fitness programs, the organization charges a $50 monthly membership fee, providing access to the facility and equipment as well as access to a physical specialist to assist them with weekly training.

Watch the interview.

After his own accident, he started Louisiana's first gym for people with life-altering injuries

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 15:25:16 GMT

Blue Cross Grant Will Help Families Impacted by Life-Altering Injuries

By Rich Collins

SSF Founder Mark Raymond Jr. said Split Second Cares will fill a gap in services that weren’t available to him in 2016, when a boating accident left him a C-5 quadriplegic.

Community Spotlight: Mark Raymond Jr

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 17:16:32 GMT

Posted by Reeve Staff in Daily Dose on September 01, 2022.

It was Mark Raymond, Jr.’s own experience with the healthcare system that inspired him to make changes for the disabled community in New Orleans.

Raymond, now 33, was 27 when he dove off a friend’s boat and shattered the fifth vertebra in his neck. Prior to his accident, he had worked as a broadcast engineer in the sports field.

Through navigating his stay in the ICU and then inpatient therapy, he learned firsthand how underserved the disabled community was. Once he was discharged from the hospital, it took him two months to get into an outpatient therapy program because there was a waiting list. When he got in, it was only for one or two days per week.

“It was a very inefficient process, and it led to a lot of isolation and depression for me,” says Raymond. “While I was simultaneously dealing with my own grief, not having a community to lean on in a way that was substantive and supportive was hard.”

After his allotted outpatient sessions ended, Raymond decided to go to an activity-based fitness center in California called SciFit , at his own expense.

“They challenged how my body could recover from a spinal cord injury,” says Raymond. “In the three months, I spent there, I felt stronger and like I was gaining more than in the whole year I’d spent in physical and occupational therapy previously.”

The center was very costly, but it was worth it in that it gave Raymond the idea of starting an organization that could provide the same types of services for people in New Orleans with spinal cord injuries and other debilitating conditions. He started to network and organize events so he could raise seed money to get the organization off the ground.

In April 2018, Raymond founded the Split Second Foundation . Its main goal was to make people aware of this sometimes-invisible population by advocating for their rights, funding cutting edge research, and providing clear-cut steps to immediately impact their lives.

Three years later, in 2021, Raymond opened Split Second Fitness , the first gym in Louisiana designed to exclusively serve people living with paralysis, amputation, or other neurological conditions.

Split Second Fitness members are initially assessed by staff, who evaluate their strengths, weaknesses, and deficits. Clients then receive an individualized regimen using exercises and treatments developed through activity-based therapy programs. Membership is not covered by insurance, but fees are nominal; most of the program is subsidized by the Foundation’s fundraising efforts.

Raymond is also determined to have an impact on increasing mobility options for people who are dependent on wheelchairs, scooters, and other assistive devices. New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell recently appointed him Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for the Regional Transit Authority, which operates, maintains, and administers the public transportation service in New Orleans.

“There are very limited transit options or transportation options for people with mobility challenges here,” says Raymond. “Uber and Lyft do not have a wheelchair accessible service yet. So, people either have to go through private companies that charge outrageous prices, creating another huge barrier for people.”

One of Raymond’s goals is to push for legislation that would require Uber and Lyft as well as some of the taxicab companies, to have wheelchair accessible vehicles available. He also imagines a nationwide policy that would require the major rental car companies to have a small percentage of their fleet consist of wheelchair accessible vehicles.

“That's another huge issue for folks,” he says. “I can't fly to Washington DC and just go to Avis and get a wheelchair accessible vehicle, and not having that option is just a huge disservice to folks with mobility challenges and who use mobility devices to get around.”

Raymond credits the adversity he’s faced with turning him into an activist.

“The power of adversity has always pushed human evolution,” says Raymond. “Adversity is the first step in most societal evolutionary processes—it goes adversity, inspiration, innovation, technology, which leads to the future. I'm really hopeful for tomorrow for all people who live with paralysis or some type of disability."

Split Second Members Go Water-Skiing

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 19:50:36 GMT

Non profit Ski-Dawgs Helps Disabled People Enjoy Water Sports

The dog days of summer have a new meaning at Split Second Fitness (SSF) thanks to Ski-Dawgs , a nonprofit adaptive water ski clinic. Ski-Dawgs, which is located in Bush, Louisiana, specializes in adaptive water skiing for most people with disabilities, including paraplegics and amputees or those who have spina bifida.

SSF Director Quanteria “Q” Williams-Porché had heard of the organization, and thought it would be a great opportunity to get some of our community members out on the water for some skiing fun. Not surprisingly, Ray “Speedy” Walker immediately wanted to go and he went out recently with another Split Second member. Not much later, a second group, including Sonya, Desmond and Split Second Foundation Board Member Nelita Manego Ramey, made the trip to Bush.

Q reports that everyone had a blast, and the dog days of summer have become a little less hot, wetter and a lot more fun.

Split Second Spotlight: Speaking Up for Your Body

david@dmscommunications.net (David Schmit) — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 19:24:29 GMT

Despite being a nurse, she had a hard time convincing her doctor something was wrong

You need to listen and speak for your body even when other people refuse to pay attention.

That’s a lesson that Ashley Speaks, a licensed practical nurse who grew up in New Orleans 9th Ward, learned the hard way. Ashley gave birth to her son Asher in February 2018, and afterwards, she knew something was wrong. She had gone back to work at a nursing agency and it was a physical struggle, and even worse, she found that she didn’t have the strength to carry her son and walk at the same time.

“Something was wrong, but no one was listening to me,” Ashley recalls. “I had always danced, and I told my doctor that I couldn’t dance, moving side to side and with my hips. All the doctor did was laugh and say, ‘I never could dance.’”

Frustrated, but determined to be heard, Ashley went online, researched her symptoms, and went to a neurologist.

“And lo and behold I found out I had multiple sclerosis.”

Multiple sclerosis or MS impacts the central nervous system, disrupting the flow of information between the brain and the body. People with MS report a variety of symptoms including fatigue, vision problems, numbness, tingling, mobility issues, pain and muscle spasms. Despite her diagnosis, Ashley continued working until 2020, and then in 2021, she found out about an inclusive gym for people living with disabilities.

She had been going to physical therapy when one day her therapist suggested Split Second Fitness. Ashley admits that she was hesitant at first, but eventually she made an appointment.

“When I finally went to Split Second, Kierra interviewed me, and I said, ‘Girl, sign me up.”

That was October 2021, and she has been regularly working out at the fitness center. It’s made a difference, and Ashley reports that she’s experienced improvements in her core strength, stamina and overall mobility.

“It didn’t happen overnight and it takes time and dedication to get better,” Ashley says.”The Split Second staff is amazing. They ask the right questions, they listen and they help.”

Split Second Fitness Director Named a 2022 Healthcare Hero

david@dmscommunications.net (David Schmit) — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 20:30:36 GMT

Split Second Fitness Team! Quanteria 'Q' Williams-Porché, Marcus Rullow and Kierra Matthews

New Orleans City Business honors Split Second Fitness Director Quanteria ‘Q’ Williams-Porché, DPT, as one of its 2022 Health Care Heroes.

“I’m really honored to be receiving this award,” says Williams-Porché. “But it’s really about the entire Split Second Fitness staff: their expertise and dedication. Since its opening, this center has been filling the need for a continuum of care in a community-based setting for those who had been discharged from therapy for spinal cord injuries, strokes, amputations and other neurological conditions.”.

Leading a staff of trained exercise professionals, Williams-Porché helps Split Second Fitness’ clients make improvements in their range of motion, activities of daily living, strength, conditioning and reducing secondary complications such as pulmonary embolisms, pressure sores and cardiovascular disease. Since we opened in February 2021, Split Second Fitness has exponentially grown to more than 100 clients.

“Opening Split Second was one of those ‘if you build it, they will come’ moments,” says Williams-Porché. “Because of his own experience, Mark knew there was a demand, we could begin filling it, and that the people would come. This is just the beginning and Split Second Fitness is a model. We need more inclusive centers like this in Louisiana for everyone living with disabilities.”

Split Second Spotlight: Returning to Joy

david@dmscommunications.net (David Schmit) — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 14:47:22 GMT

Sonya Shorty Comes Back Strong After Amputation

When you talk with Sonya Shorty, you immediately sense a bubbling joy within her. Her smile seems to beam through the phone and her voice feels infused with happiness. But it wasn’t always that way, and Sonya, who has a prosthetic leg, would be the first to tell you that.

“The days were dark and so heavy,” Sonya says. “And I was the worst. My mom could tell you. I just wanted to hole up in that room and die.”

Sonya is recalling her return home after spending four months in the hospital following a drunk driver hitting her Jeep Wrangler, leaving her with broken limbs and a severed leg. Before the November 3, 2019 accident, Sonya, 54, was very active, taking dance classes and swimming 3-4 times a week and the previous year had graduated from Tulane University with a master's degree in public health.

Making it worse for Sonya is that she returned to her home just as the COVID pandemic was beginning. Like many who suffer a catastrophic accident resulting in limb loss, she felt depressed and isolated in her grief, and it came when there were few opportunities to go out into the world.

An opportunity did arise in February 2021 when she heard on the news about a ribbon-cutting for the first inclusive fitness center, Split Second Fitness, for people living with disabilities.

“I remember it was a freezing cold day, but I went,” Sonya says. “Unfortunately, I couldn’t even afford the small monthly cost.”

That’s when the Ashé Cultural Arts Center came to her rescue. Led by Mama Jamila Peters-Muhammad, a group of women from the center banded together to pay for Sonya’s first year of her fitness membership. After additional surgery on her stump and a new prosthetic leg--Sonya calls her leg, Ms. Peggy (as in peg leg)--she began regularly working out at Split Second Fitness.

Between Ms. Peggy, driving again and working out, Sonya now feels very much connected to the world and her Split Second community . She is a regular at the fitness center, and she feels stronger all around.

“It’s strengthening not just my body, but also my mind and spirit,” says Sonya. “They encourage me and push me to do more. Just today. Marcus [a Split Second trainer] got me on the elliptical for the first time.”

Guest column: Better transit for people with disabilities is a civil right

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 20:31:37 GMT

By Mark Raymond Jr. The Advocate, March 8,2022

Photo: Crista Rock

The Advocate

March 8, 2022

Transportation is essential for any functioning society, and unfortunately the lack of transportation remains the biggest barrier for people living with disabilities.

You can’t get to health care facilities, work, school or spend time with friends. Why? There’s no truly regional public transportation system in the New Orleans metro area. On the private side, you can’t order a wheelchair-accessible vehicle from Uber, Lyft or a taxicab company in the metro area because they don’t offer the vehicles. The same goes for rental car companies. And keep this in mind: 1 in 4 Americans live with a disability.

It’s long past time that we address the transportation issue not just in the New Orleans metro area, but across the state and the country.

I know what it’s like to be isolated because of these transportation obstacles. When I suffered a diving accident in 2016 and became a C-5 quadriplegic using a power wheelchair, my transportation options became very few. My wheelchair is indispensable, allowing me to move independently in most spaces, but it also weighs at least 400 pounds, so you can’t throw it in the trunk; nor can you rent or order a vehicle.

And while public transit routes in Orleans Parish use wheelchair-accessible buses, what about riders like me whose disability requires curb-to-curb pickup and delivery?

For Mark Raymond Jr., Crescent City Classic race about way more than reaching finish line

david@dmscommunications.net (David Schmit) — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 20:21:16 GMT

BY ROD WALKER | SPORTS COLUMNIST PUBLISHED APR 9, 2022 AT 1:53 PM | UPDATED APR 9, 2022 AT 2:53 PM

Mark Raymond Jr. won’t be running or walking through the streets of New Orleans like the thousands of others on Saturday in the Caesars Sportsbook Crescent City Classic.

Because of a tragic accident six years ago that left him paralyzed, he isn’t able to.

But that’s not stopping Raymond and some of his peers from participating in the 10K race.

“Not many races do you see a bunch of people in wheelchairs trudging along,” Raymond said. “That’s the point. It’s intentional. We want people to see us and ask questions and learn about our mission.”

For Raymond, 33, the Crescent City Classic isn’t just about reaching the finish line. It’s more about reaching his goal of providing a better quality of life for people living with disabilities. It’s the reason Raymond founded the Split Second Foundation, a nonprofit whose aim is to help people dealing with what he has had to deal with.

Split Second Spotlight: A Meaningful Relationship

david@dmscommunications.net (David Schmit) — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 16:57:09 GMT

Erik and Bower

There are some professional relationships that go way beyond a working arrangement between two parties. There are strong attachments, history and even love.

A loving and long lasting bond is a definitive way to describe Erik Olivo and Bower Lyman’s relationship. Bower, a Split Second Fitness regular, is a joyful, highly intelligent 17-year old high school sophomore living with cerebral palsy, and Eric, 30, is Bower’s caretaker. But to hear Eric talk about Bower you wouldn’t think that caretaking is his profession, you would know it’s his passion.

“I function like he’s my little brother,” says Erik. “That’s the type of relationship we have. He’s my little bro.”

Erik, who is a certified personal trainer and a New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary graduate, first worked with Bower when he was an aide at Morris Jeff Community School’s special education program. They quickly bonded and Erik began working for the Lyman family as a personal care assistant, responsible for feeding, toileting and dressing Bower. Nowadays, Erik says he’s more of a fitness trainer for Bower, taking him to that track to train for races, swimming and working out at Split Second Fitness.

The two young men started going to Split Second Fitness last year, and Erik says it continues to be an invigorating activity for both.

“He loves going there and interacting with Q [Split Second Fitness Director] and Kierra [a Split Second trainer],” Erik says. “He knows it’s helping him become stronger and more independent, and I love it because it brings a sense of community. Prior to this, it was just the two of us. And now Bower gets to see people overcoming their own obstacles. I’m very thankful for Mark for curating a community with so many benefits.”

They first met seven years ago, and Bower’s mom, Jen Lyman, says that has been an indispensable experience for her son and family.

“Having Erik in Bower’s life has been exceedingly meaningful,” Jen. “He’s Bower’s best friend. “They get in trouble together and play together.”

And that truly is what the best of caretaking is about. Taking care of someone you love.

Editor’s note: Many of those living with a disability depend on caregivers (the terms “caretaker” and “caregiver” are used interchangeably), and the number of people in the US caring for others is staggering and is mostly family members taking care of another family member. The caregiving population ranges from 40 million to upwards of 50 million, and the vast majority of these caregivers are unpaid. The economic value of these unpaid services is an estimated $470 billion.

Mark's Transformative Thoughts: March 2022

david@dmscommunications.net (David Schmit) — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 19:15:53 GMT

The Power of Community

Dear Split Second Family,

I often think about the limitations of government. That might sound strange from someone within government, and someone who advocates for public policy changes. Please hear me out.

We can’t always rely on government services to take care of people--we know this and see this daily--but there is good news. That’s the power of community when it leans in and supports those organizations on the ground doing the work. And there are so many incredible nonprofits doing this kind of work like my friend Sonny, CEO of Son of a Saint, which is filling a critical social gap for fatherless young men. It’s succeeding partially because Son of a Saint is a hardworking nonprofit and not a large bureaucracy.

The Split Second Foundation is filling in gaps in care for people living with disabilities. Before we opened Split Second Fitness, there wasn’t an inclusive fitness facility in Louisiana focused on people living with SCI, other neurological conditions and amputees. Today, our facility is full on a daily basis with people out of their wheelchairs and their houses, working out, meeting others and continuing their personal recoveries.

We’re only able to do work because of people like you and the power of community!

The philanthropic season has started and there will be numerous opportunities--the Crescent City Classic, Give NOLA Day, Split Second’s Show of Love gala on October 22, and Giving Tuesday--to support nonprofits like us, and show to others how the power of community can lift us all.

Ps: If you haven’t yet, please sign up to walk, run, or roll with Split Second Foundation in this year’s Crescent City Classic.

With Gratitude,

Mark

Mark's Transformative Thoughts: Feb. 2022

david@dmscommunications.net (David Schmit) — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 21:50:37 GMT

Paratransit Problems

Dear Split Second Family,

Many of you know that I serve on the Regional Transit Authority’s Board of Commissioners. Mayor Cantrell appointed me to the board, so that I could advocate for the rights of people living with disabilities within our public transit system. We’ve had some success and the RTA is more accessible today than ever before, but we are far from where we need to be.

Transportation is essential for any functioning society, and unfortunately the lack of transportation remains the biggest barrier for people living with disabilities. You can’t get to healthcare facilities, work, school or spend time with friends. Why? There’s no truly regional public paratransit system in the New Orleans metro area. Our buses are wheelchair accessible, but different disabilities require different needs. What about riders whose disability requires curb-to-curb pickup and delivery?

Consider these facts:

Orleans, St. Bernard and Jefferson parishes all have curb-to-curb systems, but they don’t work together;
You can arrange pickup by RTA Paratransit Service in Orleans Parish and then a specific drop off in Jefferson Parish, but you can’t ask JET (Jefferson Parish Transit) to do the reverse; and
Parish paratransit services are specific to the parish, meaning only parish residents can use them.

So much for regional cooperation. Let’s be real: this lack of services is discrimination. People living with disabilities have as much right to use public transportation as those without disabilities. By creating a representative regional transportation system, we would be opening up the world for many people living with disabilities. And freedom is something we all deserve.

With Gratitude,

Mark

Split Second Spotlight: An Independent Man

david@dmscommunications.net (David Schmit) — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 21:43:46 GMT

Ray 'Speedy' Walker

There’s no question that Ray ‘Speedy’ Walker is an independent young man. The 20-year old lives alone, owns and drives a car, and is enrolled in business management courses at Delgado Community College. Plus, he’s actively pursuing his dream of starting his own clothing brand.

“I think my future is really bright, and I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished,” Speedy says. “If you had seen what it was like when the accident first occurred to where I am today, you wouldn’t think it was the same person.”

Speedy was in the backseat of the car when it crashed, costing him the use of his legs in April 2020. The accident also claimed the lives of Speedy’s mom and his aunt, and with them, much of his support system. He was just two months shy of his high school graduation, which should have been marked with celebrations and future plans. Instead, like many people who suffer spinal cord injuries, Speedy was isolated and felt shut out from society.

He rolled into Split Second Fitness in May 2021, and the world began opening again.

Speedy had discovered his community. He saw others with injuries like his, but they were out of their wheelchairs, working out and exercising with Split Second Fitness trainers. They were invested in their ongoing rehabilitation, taking charge and being independent. He was hooked.

He began going to the fitness center 2-3 times per week, and in addition to his increased mobility, strength and endurance*, he had found his people.

“Split Second Fitness gives you a place to go, to get fit and a community,” Speedy says. “I’ve built relationships there with many people. It’s about getting to know them and hearing everyone’s story. I’ve learned so much.”

Split Second Foundation (SSF) also assisted Speedy in finding a skilled attorney, who can help him navigate the complex social security system. SSF Founder and President Mark Raymond Jr. says it’s not a one way street--Speedy has helped him too.

“I look at Speedy, and I think about how many others are out there,” says Raymond Jr. “We started this foundation to provide resources for all of those like Speedy who need community, advocacy and a place to continue their recovery. Every time Speedy hits a new goal I feel it, and I’m grateful.”

*Split Second Fitness performs client evaluations every three months to measure functional gains.

Mark's Transformative Thoughts: Jan. 2022

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 22:02:24 GMT

Dear Split Second Family,

When I started Split Second Foundation, I met with many trusted friends and advisors. I wanted to get their take on the need for an organization that would break barriers for people living with disabilities. How many people were affected? How much was Louisiana and the United States impacted by disabilities?

It didn’t take long for me to realize that disability is something that involves all of us. Either we’re the one living with the condition or we know someone. There is no degree of separation, and I was reminded of this the other day when I saw the recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention fact sheet, “ Disability Impacts All of Us .”

Here are a few startling stats:

26 percent of adult Americans, 61 million, have some type of disability. In Louisiana, it’s 34 percent
13.7 percent of adult Americans have mobility issues (difficulty walking or climbing stairs). In Louisiana, it’s 17 percent
10.8 percent of adult Americans have a cognition issue (serious difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions). In Louisiana, it’s much higher at 17 percent
People with disabilities are more likely to have chronic conditions such as heart disease, obesity and diabetes

Looking over these statistics, it becomes clear that a large percentage of this country’s and this state’s population are impacted by disability. And it prompts the question: what are we collectively doing to help people living with disabilities live better lives?

Your support for Split Second Foundation answers that question. Yes, many of us live with a disability, but, perhaps more importantly, when we come together as a community, we can create positive change, because these are our friends, family, and neighbors...this really is us.

With Gratitude,

Mark

Split Second Spotlight: A Journey of Hope

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 22:02:14 GMT

Anthony “Stevie” Stephens II

A little less than two years, but it’s been a long journey with tragedy and now hope. In late February 2020, 20-year-old Anthony “Stevie” Stephens II crashed into an oak tree in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and was air flighted to a hospital in Rapides Parish, where physicians told his parents that their son, who had suffered a brain injury, had only a 10 percent chance of survival. As days turned to weeks, Stevie held on, but as his dad, Tony Stephens, points out, his prognosis remained bleak.

“They were talking about how Stevie would be in a vegetative state, and that he would never talk,” recalls Tony. “It was a lot of doom and gloom.”

His parents never gave up and became his caretakers. For months, Stevie went through a series of recovery steps and ping ponged between facilities in Gulfport, Alexandria and New Orleans. Finally in July, he was back at home in Hattiesburg, and weighed only 113 lbs. He continued his rehab in Hattiesburg.

January arrived and Stevie’s therapists wanted to cut his visits from three days a week to 1-2. Tony fought this because he knew Stevie could continue improving, and the family realized it was time to look for a new place. Unfortunately, there are very few facilities in the United States that specialize in working with individuals, who have experienced paralysis, or other neurological conditions.

Through a stroke of luck, Tony heard about the recently opened Split Second Fitness Center (SSF), and days later the family is at the center, meeting Fitness Director Quanteria “Q” Williams-Porche. The center has much more equipment than the previous facility, and Tony was immediately impressed with Q’s skills and presence.

“She’s this little lady, but she’s not scared or intimidated,” Tony says. “She stands him up, and she just knows what to do. We knew this was where we needed Stevie to come.”

Tony Stephens, Stevie and Q

Q reports that Stevie has made impressive progress in the few months he’s been coming to the center three times a week. He has improved range of motion and overall use with his left arm, he grips your hand tightly when he shakes it, and he’s now able to stand at the sink to brush his teeth. Tony is very happy with the results--so is Stevie who is always laughing and cutting up--and this proud father is thankful the journey found its way to the SSF center.

“There’s not a shadow of doubt that he wouldn’t be where he is without this place.”

Split Second Rollers

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 22:01:53 GMT

Happy New Year! Like many of us, you probably resolved to make 2022 a year to be healthier and more active. Great idea! And we’d like to help you by asking you to join the Split Second Rollers for the 2022 Crescent City Classic on April 16!

You’ll get into great shape, and you’ll be raising funds for an organization that is breaking barriers for people living with disabilities!

Yes, I’d like to join the Split Second Rollers team for the 2022 Crescent City Classic!

Easy instructions for registering:

When you go to the registration link, simply fill out the form (if you’re a returning roller, you’ll just need to sign in)
Select “Run it for Charity”
Select your t-shirt size
Put in your estimated finish time (a safe bet is 1 hour and 20 minutes)
Select “I/Charity--Orange” for your corral
Select “Charity Runner” and then “The Split Second Foundation”
From there, you will set up your personal page so you can collect donations and set your fundraising goal!

Need help? We’re here for you!

After the race, you’ll join us at the Split Second tent to enjoy the post-race party! Food, Beverages, Music and More!

The Crescent City Classic is one of our favorite fundraising events because we get to get out there and move with our friends, family and supporters! You can walk/run with anyone, but you can Roll with Us!

I want to be a Split Second Roller!

Hurricane Preparation for Disabled Community: Monitor and Have a Plan

david@dmscommunications.net (David Schmit) — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 20:03:48 GMT

Monitor and Have a Plan

AUGUST 21, 2020

NEW ORLEANS--2020 has been one helluva year and now we're looking at not one but two possible hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico. For people living with disabilities, hurricane season can seem challenging. But by staying up to date with the storm forecast and track, and having a sheltering in place plan and an evacuation plan, you will be prepared and that can relieve a lot of anxiety.

Monitoring the Storm

It's a good idea to know where the storm or disturbance is in the Gulf and to know the forecast. Anyone who has lived in the Gulf Coast generally has a favorite website, or newsite to monitor storms. Here are a few: Nola.com , WWLTV , Fox 8 , Weather Underground , and Weather.com

Sheltering in Place Plan

If you don't have a shelter in place plan yet, now's the time to do it. An easy way to do this is visit the NOLA Ready Hurricane page and scroll down to the section, "Shelter in Place." There you'll find a list of different things to consider and be prepared for such as a list of things you'll need, preparing for power and water outages and how to stay informed.

Additionally, please scroll up and look at the section, "Prepare for a Storm." Remember, each household should determine whether they want to shelter in place or evacuate.

Evacuation Plan

Again thanks to NOLA Ready, it's easy to learn about evacuation plans. Go to NOLA Ready Hurricane page and scroll down to the section, "Evacuate." Remember, if the City orders a mandatory evacuation, all residents and visitors must leave.

In this section, you'll find info about what to take with you during an evacuation, how you're evacuating (i.e. by car, plane, bus or train) and to leave as early as possible. Additionally, there is added info regarding COVID prep.

What if you don't have a means of evacuating? The City of New Orleans can help you. From NOLA Ready website: "If you can’t evacuate on your own during a mandatory evacuation, the City of New Orleans can help. City-assisted evacuation provides free transportation out of harm's way. Text EVACNOLA to 888777 if you might need to use City-Assisted Evacuation. The City of New Orleans will text you information if there is a mandatory evacuation." Text now and not later.

To find out more about the City-assisted evacuation plan, scroll down the NOLA Ready website.

Like any New Orleanians, we want these storms to turn and move away from us, but if they don't, it's always better to have a plan!

Calling All Runners and Walkers (Cancelled)

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 16:15:21 GMT

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority's "Reds on the Run" Race to Benefit SSF
Update: Race Cancelled but Delta Sigma Theta Still Donates to SSF

Due to City precautions surrounding COVID 19, The New Orleans Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has cancelled "Reds on the Run 5K Race," which would have taken place at 8am March 14, 2020. However, the sorority is still making a donation to SSF.

The fitness expo has also been cancelled.

Here's what New Orleans Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. had to say about the cancellation: While this is disappointing, we are pleased knowing that we were successful in raising funds for the event,

and we want to uphold the commitment that we made to you. We shall remain in communication with you

throughout this process. Once we resolve some administrative matters following this decision, we are proud

to share that we will still be making a donation to your organization!

Many thanks to New Orleans Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for this donation and showing a commitment to SSF and the disabled community!

2019 New Mobility Person of the Year: Karen Braitmayer

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 22:17:13 GMT

Karen Braitmayer is a certified architect, a wheelchair user with osteogenesis imperfecta and the founder of the Seattle-based accessibility consulting firm Studio Pacifica. She is well known within the world of Seattle architecture, and her clients – some of the largest companies in the world – include Amazon, Nike, Starbucks and Microsoft. Additionally, she consults with other award-winning architects as they complete projects that will shape the character of her city for decades to come.

Read the full article ...

WWL: Radio interview with Mark Raymond Jr. and Monica Pierre, August 4, 2019

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 16:15:17 GMT

Community Matters – Split Second Foundation

From WWL:

Monica Pierre and her guests discuss several topics including: the Split Second Foundation that is dedicated to finding advance treatments for spinal cord injury, funding research for new SCI treatments, and advocating for more progressive therapies; a series of free workshops from the New Orleans Public Library to help those seeking employment to be inspired to find work to being hired.

Listen here

Breakthru Media: A Dose of Laura - Every Split Second Counts, July 1, 2019

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 16:15:13 GMT

Photo courtesy of Crista Rock

From Breakthru Media:

For many, July 4th is a day to celebrate the history that has had an everlasting change on the United States. However, for Mark Raymond Jr., July 4th is the anniversary of his boating accident that created a lifelong adjustment for him as he now lives as a C-5 quadriplegic.

Read more

Louisiana Life: Split Second, July 1, 2019

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 16:15:08 GMT

In his ongoing recovery from a nearly fatal accident that left him paralyzed, Mark Raymond Jr. seeks to mobilize the paralysis community by providing advocacy, funding and fitness centers with his nonprofit foundation

From myneworleans.com:

At 27 years old, he had been celebrating the holiday with friends on a boat all afternoon in Lake Pontchartrain and periodically cooling off in the water— familiar territory to the New Orleans native and broadcast engineer who has a passion for athletics. But the tide in the lake had changed over the course of the day, and when he dove off the boat later, the water had gone down to three feet. He damaged the C-5 vertebrae by the base of his neck and nearly drowned as his lungs filled with brackish water.

When he woke up more than two weeks later, following a medically induced coma in the intensive care unit, he was 30 pounds lighter and learned that he’d lost his ability to walk. Newly quadriplegic, he was so weak, in fact, he could barely hold his head up, and on top of that he had a tracheotomy.

“I woke up and the first thing the doctors told me that I would never walk again. I was very new to all of this; it was a shocking moment in time before I could really begin to grieve,” he recalls.

WDSU: Local man is pushing forward to help others with paralysis, June 28, 2019

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 16:15:02 GMT

From WDSU:

Dozens of people gathered at Generations Hall Friday night to raise money for Split Second Foundation. Founder Mark Raymond Junior wants to start a fitness facility that will serve people living with paralysis. He believes the facility can benefit about 300,000 people in Louisiana.

Read more

WWLTV: The Split Second Foundation, June 25, 2019

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 16:14:57 GMT

From WWLTV:

Life can change in a split second, and that is what happened to one local man who is using his experience to help lobby for change in resources for the disabled community. Here with more on the Split Second Foundation is Founder & CEO Mark Raymond, Jr. The Second Annual Dependence Day Gala is Friday, June 28th at Generations Hall. Proceeds raised will go towards opening the first gym in Louisiana for those living with paralysis or amputation.

Read more

WDSU: Local 26-year-old quadriplegic defies odds with new foundation, June 24, 2019

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 16:14:52 GMT

From WDSU:

Mark Raymond Jr., became a C-5 quadriplegic on July 4, 2016, after a freak diving incident into shallow water while boating with friends.

In 2018, Raymond founded The Split Second Foundation a non-profit organization dedicated to finding advanced treatments for spinal cord injury (SCI) committed to funding research to find a cure for SCI and advocating for more progressive therapies in the community.

On Friday, June 28 the Split Second Foundation (SSF) will hold its second annual “Dependence Day” fundraising event to celebrate the anniversary of his accident and all individuals who have lost their independence due to spinal cord injuries (SCI) and other forms of paralysis.

WWLTV: Second Annual Dependence Day, June 20, 2019

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 16:14:47 GMT

Chef Todd Pulsinelli and Mark Raymond Jr. stopped by the WWLTV morning show to talk about the upcoming Dependence Day

Gambit: 40 Under 40, June 10, 2019

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 16:14:43 GMT

Meet the latest group of 40 people under 40-years-old making a difference in the New Orleans area.

Photo courtesy Crista Rock

From the Gambit:

In 2016, Mark Raymond suffered a spinal cord injury that left him a quadriplegic.

A year later, he visited an exercise facility in California designed to help people with severely limited motility walk and crawl. Louisiana offers few resources for people living with paralysis, so in 2018, Raymond founded the Split Second Foundation (SSF), a nonprofit dedicated to breaking barriers to health for the physically disabled. He has widened his mission to include people with other disabilities.

“I was diving into the numbers, and I realized that I can’t leave out people with strokes,” Raymond says. “I can’t leave out people who’ve lost a limb because of diabetes — you’re talking about four people a day.”

Raymond and SSF hope to open their first exercise facility by the end of the year, using donations from events such as SSF’s second annual Dependence Day Gala on June 28 ( www.splitsecondfoundation.org/dependence-day) . He plans to expand geographically and add mental health and case management resources.

“Going back to the hospital and talking to people with injuries like mine and helping them through the darkness [was crucial],” he says. “It can be really gloomy in there, especially when you’re hearing ‘never’ from doctors. That was where I transformed hope into action.” — KATHERINE M. JOHNSON

WGNO: Split Second Hosting 2nd Annual Dependence Day Gala, May 31, 2019

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 16:14:36 GMT

From WGNO:

This is a story of love and determination. It begins with a mother's love for her son in the wake of a life-changing accident in 2016.

Mark Raymond Jr.'s boating accident was only three short years ago, and it's taken a lot of hard work and support to move forward.

Through fierce determination, his mother Ronda Raymond helps her son through each day.

WWLTV: In a split second a man's life changed forever, May 10, 2019

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 16:14:32 GMT

The New Orleans native wants to bring the exercise that has helped him back to his hometown, where thousands could use it.

From WWLTV:

Going to a gym to work out is easy for most, but more than 300,000 people in Louisiana have some form of disability when it comes to walking and moving.
Tens of thousands live in the New Orleans area.

One young man, whose life changed in a split second, wants to build a special gym for them.

"As I was praying, I remember, I didn't make it to the end of the prayer," said Mark Raymond.

WWLTV: Give NOLA Day, May 1, 2019

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 16:14:27 GMT

Greater New Orleans Foundation's Andy Kopplin and Mark Raymond Jr. talk about May 7's GiveNOLA Day

Times Picayune: Split Second Foundation receives substantial donations after CCC, April 20, 2019

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 16:14:22 GMT

Photo courtesy Crista Rock

From the Times Picayune:

Mark Raymond Jr.’s dream took a big step toward becoming a reality Saturday.

After finishing a charitable run of the 2019 AllState Sugar Bowl Crescent City Classic, Raymond announced two substantial donations to his foundation, totaling $35,000, from Darryl Willis and Lance Thomas.

Willis is Raymond’s godfather and also serves as the vice president of oil, gas and energy for Google. Thomas was the captain of the 2018-19 New York Knicks, and has known Raymond since he played for the New Orleans Hornets.

Both said they could not envision Raymond’s organization being in any better hands.

R ead more

WDSU: Paralysis patient turns hope into action, April 19, 2019

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 16:14:15 GMT

Paralysis patient has dream of opening fitness center

Times Picayune: Watch Mark Raymond Jr. roll at the Crescent City Classic and see hope in motion, April 17, 2019

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 16:14:10 GMT

Photo courtesy Crista Rock

From the Times Picayune:

Mark Raymond Jr. never envisioned himself as an inspirational figure, at least not until he was forced to redefine what “never” meant to him.

Never was the word that cleaved his life into two parts — his 27 or so years before July 4, 2016, and the time that has passed since he was told: You will never be able to walk again.

It was the stark finality of the word that weighed on his mind after he shattered his C5 vertebra in an accident on Lake Pontchartrain, leaving him paralyzed. Implicit in the word “never” is the absence of hope. That was not good enough.

Look at him now. His eyes are full of a fire that would not be extinguished. He may not be able to walk now, and he may not ever fully regain that ability, but he’s damn well going to try — and along the way, he’s trying to let everyone else have a little of that hope to hold onto, too.

Fox 8: Split Second Foundation - Mark Raymond Jr. and Dr. Eric Griggs, March 29, 2019

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 16:14:03 GMT

You’ll find all types of runners at the Crescent City Classic and this year, that will include a local man who became a quadriplegic a few years ago after a diving accident in shallow water. Mark Raymond Jr. shares his inspiring story along with Dr. Eric Griggs.

Advocate: Paralysis doesn't slow Mark Raymond from bringing help, hope, March 22, 2019

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 16:13:43 GMT

From the Advocate:

“Transforming hope into action” serves as the motto for the Split Second Foundation.

The organization’s founder, Mark Raymond, worked as a broadcast engineer for television networks such as CBS and ESPN. The New Orleans native traveled across the country regularly and lived an independent lifestyle.

But on July 4, 2016, Raymond’s life was altered in just a split second.

During a boating outing with his friends at Pontchartrain Beach, Raymond dove in shallow water near the shore and instantly broke his neck.

The break in his neck caused a spinal cord injury, and from that moment on, he started to face the reality of being a C-5 quadriplegic.

Advocate: Philanthropy Just as Big a Part of CCC as the Racing, March 16, 2019

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 16:13:37 GMT

From the Advocate:

It'a about philanthropy and good times for the Crescent City Classic.

The Allstate Sugar Bowl Crescent City Classic has been known for letting the good times roll for its participants.

The internationally-known 10K race has runners who come as far as New Zealand take part in festivities before, during and after the race, which includes the famous postrace party.

Six years ago, race director Eric Stuart and his brother-in-law Ricky Thomas decided to put more of a philanthropic spin to the Crescent City Classic by making it a platform for fundraising.

The Crescent City Fitness Foundation, which is in charge of the race’s production, does not generate any dollars toward the race.

Split Second Foundation - Mark Raymond Jr. and Dr. Eric Griggs

Fri, 29 Mar 2019 18:33:50 GMT

You’ll find all types of runners at the Crescent City Classic and this year, that will include a local man who became a quadriplegic a few years ago after a diving accident in shallow water. Mark Raymond Jr. shares his inspiring story along with Dr. Eric Griggs.

Watch the full interview.

split_second_foundation

Watch Mark Raymond Jr. on The Jennifer Hudson Show on Tuesday, May 7th

Diving Accident Survivor Dedicates Life to Helping Others: ‘Being Quadriplegic Is My Superpower'

Nonprofit opens Louisiana’s first inclusive gym

For Assistive Technologies and More, ABLE Accounts are a Lifeline to Autonomy for Disabled People

New Orleans man creates gym for amputees, quadriplegics

Family Focus: Man warns swimmers about shallow water diving

Louisiana Resident Mark Raymond Jr. Overcomes Boating Accident Disability to Create Inclusive Fitness for the Disabled

Mark Raymond Jr: Broken Healthcare System is Leaving Millions Behind

Foundation Promotes Financial Tools for People Living with Disabilities

Foundation Promotes Financial Tools for People Living with Disabilities

By Site Staff

Mark Raymond Jr: Split Second Life Change - From Tragedy To Entrepreneurship & Activism

Metaphorically Speaking

Exercise for everybody, regardless of physical limitations

Not Born Yesterday: Inclusive Health & Wellness Tips for Every Body

Exercising After Joint Replacement

FOREVER YOUNG JANUARY 2023 ﻿

"Have confidence that your surgery was a success.

You will be able to return to regular activities."

I became paralyzed after diving into shallow water. Afterward, I founded the first inclusive gym in my state and dedicated my life to helping others.

Mark Raymond Jr. Courtesy of Shawn Colin

Inclusive Health And Wellness Tips For Every Body

Inclusive Health and Wellness Tips for Every Body

Building Disability Awareness with Mark Raymond Jr.

From Paralyzed to Founder of Split Second Foundation

Broken neck. Shattered life. Stuck in a New Orleans wheelchair

In a split second, Mark Raymond, Jr. inspires you

Disability Beat Interview

Quadriplegic man opens inclusive gym accessible for people with disabilities

Blue Cross Grant Will Help Families Impacted by Life-Altering Injuries

Blue Cross Grant Will Help Families Impacted by Life-Altering Injuries

By Rich Collins

Breaking Down Physical and Societal Barriers for People Living with Disabilities

After his own accident, he started Louisiana's first gym for people with life-altering injuries

Blue Cross Grant Will Help Families Impacted by Life-Altering Injuries

By Rich Collins

Community Spotlight: Mark Raymond Jr

Split Second Members Go Water-Skiing

Non profit Ski-Dawgs Helps Disabled People Enjoy Water Sports

Split Second Spotlight: Speaking Up for Your Body

Despite being a nurse, she had a hard time convincing her doctor something was wrong

Split Second Fitness Director Named a 2022 Healthcare Hero

Split Second Spotlight: Returning to Joy

Sonya Shorty Comes Back Strong After Amputation

Guest column: Better transit for people with disabilities is a civil right

By Mark Raymond Jr. The Advocate, March 8,2022

For Mark Raymond Jr., Crescent City Classic race about way more than reaching finish line

Split Second Spotlight: A Meaningful Relationship

Erik and Bower

Mark's Transformative Thoughts: March 2022

The Power of Community

Mark's Transformative Thoughts: Feb. 2022

Paratransit Problems

Split Second Spotlight: An Independent Man

Ray 'Speedy' Walker

Mark's Transformative Thoughts: Jan. 2022

Split Second Spotlight: A Journey of Hope

Split Second Rollers

Hurricane Preparation for Disabled Community: Monitor and Have a Plan

Monitor and Have a Plan

Calling All Runners and Walkers (Cancelled)

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority's "Reds on the Run" Race to Benefit SSF Update: Race Cancelled but Delta Sigma Theta Still Donates to SSF

2019 New Mobility Person of the Year: Karen Braitmayer

WWL: Radio interview with Mark Raymond Jr. and Monica Pierre, August 4, 2019

Community Matters – Split Second Foundation

Breakthru Media: A Dose of Laura - Every Split Second Counts, July 1, 2019

Louisiana Life: Split Second, July 1, 2019

In his ongoing recovery from a nearly fatal accident that left him paralyzed, Mark Raymond Jr. seeks to mobilize the paralysis community by providing advocacy, funding and fitness centers with his nonprofit foundation

WDSU: Local man is pushing forward to help others with paralysis, June 28, 2019

WWLTV: The Split Second Foundation, June 25, 2019

WDSU: Local 26-year-old quadriplegic defies odds with new foundation, June 24, 2019

WWLTV: Second Annual Dependence Day, June 20, 2019

Chef Todd Pulsinelli and Mark Raymond Jr. stopped by the WWLTV morning show to talk about the upcoming Dependence Day

Gambit: 40 Under 40, June 10, 2019

Meet the latest group of 40 people under 40-years-old making a difference in the New Orleans area.

WGNO: Split Second Hosting 2nd Annual Dependence Day Gala, May 31, 2019

WWLTV: In a split second a man's life changed forever, May 10, 2019

The New Orleans native wants to bring the exercise that has helped him back to his hometown, where thousands could use it.

WWLTV: Give NOLA Day, May 1, 2019

FOREVER YOUNG JANUARY 2023

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority's "Reds on the Run" Race to Benefit SSF
Update: Race Cancelled but Delta Sigma Theta Still Donates to SSF