Mathew Szymanowski, affectionately known as Shim, was born and raised in Kitchener, Ontario and took up rowing at a young age. Growing up and throughout university, Mathew loved a physical challenge, most notably applying himself at a high level in rowing and cycling. The founders of “Shim’s Ride” (Cole Glover, Nick Monette, and Sam Horn) met Mathew in university and shared a passion for cycling.

In August 2019, Shim was hit by a motor vehicle while out for a bike ride. Shim suffered punctured lungs, broken ribs and a C5 spinal cord injury. The ICU at Vancouver General Hospital treated Shim’s initial injuries before being transferred to the GF Strong Rehabilitation Center for initial physiotherapy. 

On July 25th, 2020, the founders (Cole, Nick, and Sam) rode from Port Hardy to Victoria (520 km) in a fundraising effort to support Shim and also raise awareness for Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). The event had incredible support along the way, and the community came together to raise $85,000.

Since then, “Shim’s Ride” has been an annual event with the focus of improving lives for those with spinal cord injury. Since 2022, we are proud to partner with Praxis Spinal Cord Institute, a Canadian-based not-for-profit organization that leads global collaboration in spinal cord injury research, innovation and care.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) therapy is limited not just in Canada but globally. Despite the body's ability to recover from most injuries, a SCI remains one of the few where full recovery is not possible. No matter how much therapy is done, it is limited by the biology of the human body.

It's devastating in that you lose complete control of your body permanently. The challenges extend beyond the inability to walk. People with SCI face daily issues that are often invisible to those without firsthand experience. These include complications with bodily functions, chronic pain, and the need for continuous care, making life significantly more difficult in every aspect. There have been advancements in research to address these complications through treatments such as physical and occupational therapies. These treatments are available in Canada but still have limits as to what they can achieve.

Shim’s recovery journey included pursuing treatments outside of Canada that have shown some promise in research. An example is the epidural stimulator implant (a device which helps with spasticity and functional movements) that Shim got in Thailand, which will eventually be available in Western countries as a treatment option once enough studies are done. Western countries like Canada have much higher regulations when it comes to approving novel treatment options like the epidural stimulator. Through research, this limit on treatment for SCI will eventually be lifted and no one would have to go through what Shim went through.Unfortunately, the cost to research and develop any new medical treatment in the Western world comes with a large cost that’s driven by the various trials that need to be run in order to obtain go-to-market approval. This is a key area in which our partner, Praxis Spinal Cord Institute supports progressing development in spinal cord injury treatment. They “incubate” small companies with great ideas and sponsor them through initial trials. All proceeds to Shim’s Ride go towards supporting Praxis in this effort.

On July 27th, 2024 we’re hosting Shim’s Grand Prix, a day filled with criterium bike racing on a 800-meter closed road course, held in Vancouver’s iconic Jonathan Rogers Park. Attendees can enjoy bike racing, food trucks, a beer garden (cheers, Nonny!), music, great raffle prizes, and support for local businesses.

All proceeds from the event will be donated to Praxis Spinal Cord Institute. Supported by Red Kilo Racing, it promises a day of community fun and support for a crucial cause.

Follow@shimsrideon Instagram for updates on giveaways and events leading up to Shim’s Grand Prix on July 27th!

Head over to shimsride.ca to snag yourself one this year’s dashing jerseys. Don’t wait too long though, our kit order is closing soon! As always, all proceeds are donated to Praxis Spinal Cord Institute.

Come out to Jonathan Rogers Park on 27 July 2024 and be a part of a community of people trying to make a change. Bring your friends out, tell your family, take an interest in getting to know more about people living with spinal cord injuries. We guarantee you will learn something and it may change how you think about existing in the world. If you are financially able, check out our website to support our cause by purchasing a jersey, a pair of socks, or making a donation. There are also free ways to support the cause, like volunteering at the event or sharing content on Instagram (@shimsride).