Integlia was fortunate in having the support of his friends and community. From the beginning, they had a fundraiser to purchase Integlia’s first van (he has purchased three over the course of his disability) which was re-modified with the financial backing of Vocational Rehabilitation. Vinny began driving when he returned home after six months of rehab. at Boston University Hospital and five months at a local nursing home (he elected to be there while his parent’s remortgaged their home and built a separate, accessible addition in which a bathroom, bedroom and physical therapy area were created).

Vinny’s parent’s have always supported him throughout his injury. His mother, Mojca Integlia became an advocate for spinal core cure research after her son’s injury. She:

-Planned and implemented an innovative treaatment program for Quadriplegics by demonstrating initiative and the ability to document and express new concepts clearly to various segments of society. As a result, Hyperberic Oxygen treatment is available to any Paraplegic or Quadriplegic in Rhode Island (every 7-8 weeks at a cost of $6,000 per treatment).

-Obtained, assimilated and disseminated innnformation from throughout the world on regeneration of the Central Nervous System. Increased public awareness about existing Spinal Cord Injury Centers, social rehabilitation oriented agencies as well as the need for funds for possible cure of Spinal Cord Injury. Addressed this issue before groups such as Rhode Island State Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives (in addition to several presentations on radio and television). This resulted in giving help and referral to those who had been injured.

-Created and proposed what is now known asss the PCA Program (PCA Bill 79-S 874); gave testimony at hearing for Federal House Bill H.R. 4358 ( the Walgren Bill.) The PCA Program now covers many severely handicapped persons in the State of Rhode Island. The Walgren Bill should provide $16,000,000 for regeneration research.

-Formed a non-profit corporation to raise ffunds for research on regeneration of the central nervous system in this country Vinny also had the support of his brother, Mark and sister Sonja. Ultimately, Integlia’s family helped Vinny overcome and live with his injury. He returned home in 1978 to begin a new life as a disabled young adult.

Vinny’s life included unique challenges like three to four hours of daily personal care which still must be done by hired caregivers. He faced the “stereotypes” of others as a person confined to an electric wheelchair. Integlia began an intense 5 day physical therapy program and college courses at Salve Regina University near his home in Newport, Rhode Island.

Vinny’s mother and supportive friends created the Vinny’s Spinal Cord Research Foundation of Rhode Island. The foundation sponsored fundraising events which were featured in the media. One event, a “dive” to break the world record for underwater submergence by two local divers, lasted 5 days and raised over $20,000. At it’s termination, the foundation raised over $100,000 for cure research.

One year later, Vinny and his parents traveled to a hospital in Washington where a well known Doctor/researcher (Dr. Carl Kao, recognized for his research regarding finding a cure for Spinal Cord Injury) performed an anterior decompression on Vinny’s neck in an effort to take pressure off of his spinal cord. After the ten hour procedure, Integlia returned home.

Again, with the help of his parents, Vinny traveled to Allentown Osteopathic Hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania for Hyperberic Oxygen treatments. It was an innovative treatment using oxygen under pressure to promote potential spinal cord cell/nerve regeneration after surgery. Vinny traveled to Allentown, PA with his father and close friend/caregiver, Chuck Mureddu every 6 weeks while attending college. Several years later, Integliia attributed more movement in his triceps and better bladder function to his surgery and Hyperberic Oxygen treatments.

Vinny continued his education majoring in Political Science. He transferred to the University of Illinois in 1984 because of the University’s accessibility, living accommodations and wheelchair sports programs. Before Integlia graduated in 1986 (B.S. in Broadcast Journalism), he got out of his electric chair and into a ultra light basketball chair. He played wheelchair basketball, football and achieved a bronze medal for competition in table tennis.

To date, Vinny has been cancer-free for two years. His chances of survival will increase per year until he reaches his five year mark. At that time, the chance of it’s return will be 0%.

Thanks to Vocational Rehabilitation and Vinny’s counselor, Alvin Ventura (the organization purchased software and a myriad of other elements which enabled Vinny to live his life again), he is a motivational/inspirational public speaker, currently resides independently in Tucson, Arizona.