Rising Stars: Meet Micki and Anthony Purcell of Newport Beach

Today we’d like to introduce you to Micki and Anthony Purcell.

Hi Micki and Anthony, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In 2010, my son Anthony misjudged a dive while vacationing in Miami Beach and broke his neck at C5–C6. He sustained a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed. That day changed everything. I refused to accept a fate of permanent paralysis for Anthony. Our fight together became to reclaim his independence—and the realization of how little insurance covered for the therapy he and so many others with a spinal cord injury desperately needed—this sparked something in our family. Later that year, we founded Walking With Anthony to make sure other survivors wouldn’t have to “walk” that journey alone. What started as our story has grown into a national community supporting survivors and families with financial grants to support necessary and critical rehab, equipment, caregiving, and hope. Thus, fifteen years ago, Walking With Anthony was born out of hope, perseverance, and a belief that recovery is possible.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Necessary physical therapy, rehabilitation, and essential equipment are all expenses that can exceed $1 million in the first year alone and are often not covered by insurance. It has definitely not been a smooth road. The financial burden of spinal cord injury recovery is staggering. Beyond that, there are the emotional and mental challenges. Anthony has been honest about the dark moments after his injury, when it felt impossible to see a future. Anthony always says “Recovery is not just physical—it’s about hope, strength, and mental well-being.”   But through family, faith, and relentless therapies, and a very motivated mother, he began to hit milestones that once felt out of reach. He also became an inspiring and motivated mentor to other spinal cord injury survivors. His struggles are what fuel us to help other families keep moving forward.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
With Walking With Anthony, we focus on impact you can see and feel right away. Through our grants, we help survivors access critical rehab hours, adaptive equipment, home modifications, caregiving support, and emergency assistance. We also build community and awareness through our annual Stand Up for a Cause gala, which brings together donors, clinicians, survivors, and advocates. Over the past 15 years, we’ve raised millions of dollars to support people living with SCI and remind them that recovery—however it looks—is possible.

This year, Stand Up for a Cause gala, taking place Friday, October 24, 2025, at the prestigious Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach. This year’s event also marks the organization’s milestone 15th anniversary of delivering critical funding, advocacy, and hope to SCI survivors across the country.

The dinner program will shine a spotlight on leaders whose groundbreaking work is reshaping the future of SCI recovery. This year’s event will honor Tony Award–winning actress and singer Ali Stroker for her groundbreaking contributions to authentic disability representation in the arts. As the first performer who uses a wheelchair for mobility to appear on Broadway and receive a Tony Award, Stroker continues to empower spinal cord injury survivors with
her motto: turn your limitations into opportunities.

In addition, the organization will honor the nationally recognized Hoag Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute and Hoag Spine Institute, known for their therapeutic innovation and patient-centered approach, as well as Daniel Amen, MD, Double-Board Leading Psychiatrist in the field of mental health and founder of Amen Clinics.

In addition to the honorees, the organization has an impressive roster of spinal cord injury community influencers Kevin Ortiz (@wheelchairkev), Anthony Sanchez (@wheelchairapapi), Chelsie Hill (@chelsiehill), Natalie Buchoz (@nataliebuchoz), and Jesse Billauer (@jessebillauer), alongside the cast and crew of the award-winning film DARUMA, a groundbreaking production redefining authentic disability representation in the arts & entertainment industry.

The unforgettable evening will feature a star-studded red-carpet entrance, hosted cocktails, gourmet dinner, raffles and prizes, live music, dancing, and highly anticipated live & silent auctions, all raising critical funds for SCI survivors. Proceeds will help cover recovery costs such as physical therapy, rehabilitation, and essential equipment—expenses that can exceed $1 million in the first year alone and are often not covered by insurance.

Thanks to our incredible sponsors for the evening and ongoing support: ADP, Bachik Methods, Bentley Newport Beach, Crystal Capital Partners, Darian Merage Foundation, Diamonds Direct, EverBank, Hoag Hospital, JetBlue, JP Morgan Private Bank, MemorialCare, MZT Technology, Nolan Brands, Riviera Magazine, Round Table Financial, Storelli Recycling, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and Vital Medical.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
We learned that the right therapy at the right time can be the difference between a life of isolation and one of independence. Recovery can’t wait. Don’t worry about being perfect—persistence matters more. For survivors and their families: build your team of doctors, therapists, and mentors, and keep fighting. Progress may feel slow, but every small gain counts. And for everyone: never underestimate the power of showing up. A ride to therapy, a word of encouragement, or help with a grant application can change someone’s life.

Pricing:

• Individual Tickets: $375
• Table of 10: $3,500
• Sponsorships range from $2,500 – $100,000

Contact Info:

• Website: https://walkingwithanthony.org/stand-up-for-a-cause
• Instagram: @WalkingWithAnthony
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WalkingWithAnthony
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PuauO3eCqg