Stephen Murray Donating $10,000 To Medical Research

Dec 18, 2009

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 2282 times

Since the release of the Stephen Murray Signature Series Special Edition Hijinx™ in June 2008, one person in particular has been an inspiration for Murray to Stay Strong. Neurologist and research scientist, Dr. John McDonald of Kennedy Krieger Institute and former doctor for Christopher Reeves, continues to make advances in his field of stem cell research that bode well for Murray’s future.

Murray chose Dr. McDonald’s foundation as the first recipient of his royalty money from the sale of his signature series eyewear.

On June 22, 2007, Stephen was competing in the BMX Dirt Finals at the Dew Action Sports Tour in Maryland when he crashed in the middle of a double back flip. The 27-year-old athlete suffered what has been described as the worst crash ever seen in BMX. Three of his cervical vertebrae were crushed and he suffered severe damage to his spinal cord. The front of his vertebrae had been shattered, leaving him paralyzed from the shoulders down.

“Stephen represents a level of courage and strength that honors not only the athletes of action sports but anyone who has ever faced seemingly insurmountable challenges, and we are saluting him with this special edition of Oakley Hijinx™,” said Colin Baden, president of the company. “Oakley is proud to honor Stephen’s fighting spirit by helping support his ongoing recovery efforts with donations from the sales of this sunglass. Twenty dollars from each sale will be provided, half of which will go to the charity of Stephen’s choice,” Baden concluded.

“Oakley has given me the opportunity to give back to those that have helped me with my injuries,” said Stephen Murray. “Their support has been a huge aid in my recovery and rehabilitation,” Stephen concluded. Dr. McDonald expressed gratitude for the donation, declaring that “private donations like those from Stephen and Oakley allow rapid discovery and progress in our field of stem cell research for neurological diseases.” Through this royalty money, Murray is able to influence the future of medical research and continue bring his Stay Strong message to others who have suffered life-altering accidents. Oakley is pleased to provide its athletes with the opportunity to give back and looks forward to Murray’s future donations.