About Cole Sydnor

On August 11, 2011, Cole was with some friends on the James River and, after diving into the river, struck his head on a submerged rock. Fortunately, he was quickly noticed and pulled from the river. Cole suffered a “horrific” fracture of the spine leaving him paralyzed from the chest down. He initially went into traction at the Medical College of Virginia at VCU to align the vertebrae; then surgery to stabilize the spine. Once stabilized, Cole was airlifted to The Shepherd Center for 122 days of rehabilitation. Prayers, financial support, letters of encouragement and visits from friends were crucial to him during his recovery.

This link shows a video of Cole during the first months of rehab and our incredible support network of friends and family who saved him.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0NLBdBiJ2s&t=1s

After 12 years, Cole realizes his journey is far from over; he has much to accomplish in life and is determined not to let this injury prevent him from achieving his goals. He works hard to recover as much physical function as possible and continues to seek meaningful clinical trials for additional spinal cord injury recovery. Since graduating from the University of Richmond with a degree in Psychology, with a concentration in NeuroScience, he has started 2 businesses, volunteers his time with several organizations and hospitals in RVA, and has a successful YouTube channel with his beautiful wife, Charisma (Roll with Cole and Charisma). Cole is a special young man who has overcome huge challenges and credits his amazing community of family and friends who continue to love and lift him up. We thank God for everyone who has committed time, talent and treasure to restoring Cole. We ask that you continue to “RollwithCole” as he strives to focus on supporting and encouraging OTHERS transitioning into their new normal after catastrophic injury through our non-profit, RollwithCole NFP.

RollwithCole NFP, Donations Accepted!

RollwithCole NFP (501 c3 status) was launched by Kelly and Cole Sydnor September 20, 2016.

Our mission is to foster active, healthy, and mobile lifestyles through sporting and educational events, while increasing awareness and access to an array of recreational opportunities for the physically challenged within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

You can donate by clicking the link below. Once re-directed, scroll down to donation form. Thank you!

http://www.rollwithcole.org/campaigns/roll-with-cole-nfp/

Posts

New Generation Philanthropy Award 2018 goes to Cole Sydnor

On November 16, National Philanthropy Day, Cole Sydnor received the New Generation Philantropy Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals.  A YouTube video link is below showing Kelly Merrick’s introduction and Cole’s acceptance speech. Cole made a commitment to ‘Give Back’ to his community after his injury in 2011 and he tirelessly offers his time …

Welcome to Roll with Cole

In April, 2017, Cole became the first adaptive rower, ever, to compete in a collegiate regatta.

Competing with the University of Richmond crew team, he and his able-bodied partner, Jenn Wicks, stunned a huge crowd at Rocketts Landing with their skill and paved the way for many others with disabilities to compete at the college level.

Way to Go, Cole!

Contact Us

Hi There,

Thanks for your interest in RollwithCole NFP. We are looking forward to hearing from you. Correspondence can be emailed to:

RollwithCole@aol.com