Event supports teenagers and young adults living with spinal cord injuries
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – RWJBarnabas Health’s Children’s Specialized Hospital hosted the 3rdannual True Grit Spinal Cord Injury program at Rutgers University from July 12-18.
The week-long summer sleepaway camp, in collaboration with Rutgers University School of Health Professions and with support from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, was created to provide hope, healing, and inspiration to adolescents and young adults with spinal cord injuries.
The 2026 program served 15 teenagers from all over the country living with Spinal Cord Injuries. Throughout the week, participants receive goal-directed therapy designed to increase independence along with opportunities to experience adaptive sports while using adaptive equipment.
A highlight of the week was the first ever integration of golf into the True Grit SCI summer curriculum. The golf session took place at Rutgers Golf Course, and was led by the NJ Golf Foundation, the charitable arm of the New Jersey PGA Section, and a longtime supporter of RWJBarnabas Health and Children’s Specialized Hospital.
The intense heat was no match for the participants, as they enjoyed learning the fundamentals of the game, such as chipping and putting, while using adaptive equipment and working with some of the most accomplished PGA of America Golf Professionals in the country.
This session reinforced how PGA Professionals play a critical role in making golf accessible to all, thanks to specialized training with adaptive equipment from the NJ Golf Foundation – including solo rider golf carts & Snag Golf Clubs, and custom teaching techniques.
“Adaptive golf programs led by PGA Professionals enable individuals living with physical and cognitive challenges to learn the game in an inclusive and supportive environment, while experiencing the physical, mental and social benefits of golf,” said Greg Zohovetz, Director of Operations, NJ Golf Foundation.
The golf session was led by Greg Zohovetz, Director of Operations, New Jersey Golf Foundation; Lisa Jensen, Head PGA Professional, Rutgers Golf Course; Kevin Beirne, President, New Jersey PGA Section, 2026 NJPGA Golf Professional of The Year – the highest annual honor for the NJPGA Section and VP Spirit Golf Management; Mike Sargenti, Head PGA Professional at Forest Hill Field Club & NJ Golf Foundation Trustee and Brian Crowell, 2026 PGA of America Golf Professional of the Year – the Association’s highest annual honor, and General Manager at Bally’s Golf Links at Ferry Point in the Bronx, New York.
“True Grit SCI is such a terrific program, it was an honor and a privilege to introduce the game of golf to the teens and young adults, while showcasing the opportunities available to play the sport using adaptive equipment,” said Crowell. “I could not be more impressed with their resilience and determination. It was truly rewarding to see the smiles and sense of accomplishment, as the participants discovered what they can do with a golf club in their hand.”
The weeklong program also featured activities such as swimming, cooking, basketball and a keynote address on entrepreneurship from Eric Legrand, the former Rutgers Football player who suffered a spinal cord injury on the field in 2010. Legrand is now a Motivational Speaker, Entrepreneur, Sports Analyst, Philanthropist, Author, and an inspiration to so many.
“When planning the TrueGrit SCI curriculum, we intentionally choose experiences that help teens and young adults build confidence, foster independence, and discover opportunities they may not have thought were possible after a spinal cord injury,” said Kassie Boyd, occupational therapist at Children’s Specialized Hospital and creator of True Grit.
“Golf was an incredible addition to this year’s program. Our participants were fully engaged, and several have already begun researching golf courses in their communities that offer single-rider adaptive golf carts so they can continue enjoying the game long after camp ends.”
The support staff throughout the week consisted of expert clinicians in occupational therapy, physical therapy, recreational therapy and nursing from RWJBarnabas Health’s Children’s Specialized Hospital and Rutgers School of Health Professions, as well as peer mentors to help foster the success of participants.