Foundation Background
On May 28th of 2005, Michael-Ryan Pattison broke his neck diving into Lake Chelan. This accident
left him a quadriplegic with little movement below his shoulders. Michael-Ryan graduated from
Woodinville High School in 2003 where he played all sports. At the time of his accident he was
heading into his junior year at Washington State University and was active in basketball, skiing,
bird hunting, weight lifting and about everything a 20-year old could do.
Following his horrific accident and injury, Michael-Ryan became keenly focused on helping others
with spinal cord injuries and has done an excellent job of raising awareness and funding for that cause.
The Michael-Ryan Pattison Foundation was established in 2006 so others with spinal cord injuries
can access the best possible care for their disability. Michael-Ryan serves as President of the
Foundation. His father, Michael Pattison, serves as Vice President and his mother, Jan Pattison,
fulfills the role of Secretary and Treasurer. The Foundation has organized several fundraising events
including auctions and golf tournaments organized with the help of his family and caring friends
including the Seattle Seahawks. In the last year, Foundation funds have been used to purchase specialized
equipment as well as fund specialized exercise therapy here in the Seattle area for others in need.
In his own words, "I’m so very thankful for the opportunities that have been placed in front of
me to help others that are less fortunate yet are in the same boat as myself. This community of
people will continue to get better and we will do so by reaching my ultimate goal of building a
rehabilitation facility here in the Seattle area.”
Michael-Ryan’s own recovery efforts continue along with ever increasing time and energy
dedicated to building his Foundation.
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