DJ's Story
Dartmouth, Massachusetts · C4 Quadriplegic · Founder & President
"My goal is to help improve the lives of those impacted by a life changing spinal cord injury — to inspire others like me to make every day count."
— David (DJ) Bishop, Founder
Inspired by One Person's Strength
Founder and president of the Bishstrong Foundation is David (DJ) Bishop of Dartmouth, Massachusetts. On May 29, 2016, DJ suffered a severe spinal cord injury in a diving accident — fracturing his C4, C5, and C6 vertebrae, resulting in a complete spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed from the shoulders down. Life as DJ knew it changed in that instant.
Doctors told DJ there was little chance of recovery, but through his consistent exercise regimen he continues to get stronger every single day. Prior to his injury, DJ was a lifelong athlete whose drive and determination led him to compete as a collegiate baseball player.
Injured before completing his degree, DJ put his education on hold to focus all of his energy into his recovery. While continuing rehabilitation, he returned to school and in 2021 — five years after his injury — he graduated. The drive and determination that DJ has exhibited throughout his life has only intensified. The Bishstrong Foundation was created with the hopes of inspiring others like him — and to provide the resources necessary to help them achieve their goals.
Diving accident — C4/C5/C6 fracture, complete spinal cord injury
Daily rehabilitation, adaptive athletics, and return to college
Graduated from Bridgewater State University
Established the Bishstrong Foundation — providing adaptive equipment grants to those living with paralysis
Our Mission & Values
Empowering Independence
We believe every person with a spinal cord injury deserves the equipment they need to live actively and independently — regardless of what insurance will cover.
Community & Connection
From our Annual 5K Run, Walk and Roll to Comedy and Fall Fundraisers, we build a community that rallies around real people — sharing in both the struggle and the victory.
Never Give Up
DJ's story is proof that a never-give-up attitude changes everything. We carry that spirit into everything we do — and instill it in everyone we serve.
Make Every Day Count
DJ's story didn't end with his injury — and neither does yours. Support the foundation or apply for a grant today.