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Gloria Estefan on how a life-changing accident sparked a $42 million mission to cure paralysis
In 1990, a devastating tour bus crash left Gloria Estefan temporarily paralyzed and doctors warned she might never walk again. Thirty-four years later, the Grammy-winning icon is not only walking but dancing, performing, and giving back in a significant way. Estefan has donated more than $42 million to paralysis research, dedicating much of her life to finding a cure.
Estefan, widely known as the “Queen of Latin Pop,” has sold more than 100 million records and won a number of awards throughout her career, including multiple Grammys. She also made history last year as the first Hispanic woman to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. But beyond her musical success, Estefan’s commitment to paralysis research remains a core part of her life.
Reflecting on that day of the crash, Estefan recalls being told she might never walk again.
“They always have to give you the worst-case scenario,” she said on “CBS Mornings” on Monday.
Paralyzed after the accident, the now 67-year-old singer underwent surgery in New York and spent months in recovery.
Estefan recalled installing an elevator in her home with her husband, Emilio, long before her accident, sensing she might need it one day. That decision proved vital, as she relied on it during her recovery
Estefan’s experience fueled her passion for supporting research into spinal cord injuries. She’s closely involved with the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, a foundation co-founded by Dr. Barth Green and former Miami Dolphins player Nick Buoniconti. The project, now led by Buoniconti’s son Marc, has made strides in using brain interfaces to help restore muscle movement. She said there are 175 people working towards finding a cure and she believes that a breakthrough is possible.
Estefan’s recovery from the crash took time, but it was made possible through several personal milestones
“About six months after the accident, I was able to put my underwear on by myself. That was a big deal,” she said. A year after the crash, she was back on stage, determined to show people that recovery is possible.
Beyond her philanthropy and quest to end paralysis, Estefan is working on new creative projects, including an original Broadway musical with her daughter, Emily. The musical, which has been in the works for two years, is nearing completion, and Estefan has also been recording a new Spanish-language album.
The new album is inspired by her love story with her husband, Emilio. The couple, married for 46 years, continues to enjoy a strong relationship.
“We’re very blessed. We have a very beautiful relationship. It’s just grown closer and tighter through the years,” she said.
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While inflation has steadily declined over the last year and, now, interest rates have started to be reduced, the economic burdens millions of Americans have felt in recent years are still lingering. The average American owes approximately $8,000 in credit card debt currently and, overall, the total credit card debt nationwide now sits at approximately $1.4 trillion. That’s a lot of money to pay back and it won’t be repaid overnight, either.
Fortunately, if you’re one of those borrowers stuck with credit card or other high-interest debt right now, there are options to pursue to help you dig out. Debt relief companies offer varied services from debt consolidation loans (in which you can consolidate your debt into one, preferably lower-rate loan) to debt management programs to credit card debt forgiveness. To position yourself for success, however, you’ll need to start taking action soon. And with the aforementioned statistics in mind, this October could be the time to act. Below, we’ll detail three smart debt relief moves to make now.
Start by seeing which option can offer you the most debt relief here.
3 smart debt relief moves to make for October
While each borrower’s financial situation and overall debt severity are different, there are some broadly applicable debt relief moves to make for the upcoming month. Here are three:
Review your options
As noted, there are multiple debt relief options to choose from ranging from moderate help to more severe assistance like bankruptcy. The best one for you will depend on factors like how much you owe, your current ability to pay and your credit score.
If you’ve already stopped paying your debt or are delinquent, you may need more help than if you have large but still manageable debt obligations. So review your options carefully and consider speaking to a debt relief specialist who can better help determine your most appropriate course of action.
Contact a debt relief professional online today.
Stop waiting
Choosing the right debt relief option for your unique situation is just one step. The rest, however, will take time to implement and it could be months, if not years, to accomplish your goal. Credit card debt forgiveness, for example, can take two to four years to complete and even then you won’t have your full debt forgiven (it’s usually capped between 30% and 50% of what you owe).
Waiting around, then, for the perfect relief option or for interest rates to fall could be detrimental to your financial well-being. Instead, consider acting aggressively once you’ve determined your best option.
Boost your credit score
If you’re currently in debt you may have already damaged your credit score. But if you have the means to improve it, you should make every effort to do so. This means securing a copy of your credit report to review for any errors or inaccuracies that could be damaging your score. It also means refraining from adding to your existing debts and making payments on time.
Remember that select debt relief options, like debt consolidation loans, will only be beneficial if you can secure a lower rate than what you already have elsewhere. To get that lower rate, then, become a qualified borrow and start working now to boost your credit score. It’ll pay dividends if you pursue select debt relief options.
The bottom line
If you’re stuck in debt then consider using the start of a new month as a fresh start. To truly regain your financial freedom, however, you’ll want to carefully analyze each potential debt relief option available now to best determine which aligns with your financial needs. Once you do, consider acting quickly as delays will only lead to compounded interest on your existing debt. And make sure to do all you can to boost your credit score in the interim, both to position yourself for better rates on products like debt consolidation loans but also as part of the overall process of improving your financial standing. By making these smart debt relief moves this October, you can start digging out of debt and move toward improved, long-term economic health.
