About Sabrina

Sabrina Cohen is the Founder / President of the Sabrina Cohen Foundation for Stem Cell Research.

Born and raised in Miami Beach, Florida, Sabrina endured a severe C3-5 spinal cord injury in 1992 at the age of 14 from a car accident. She has been confined to a wheelchair ever since.

In the early days, despite the daily challenges and fears, Sabrina was determined to never let her injury get the better of her. After a long recovery, she graduated high school on time with the rest of her class. She visited schools to talk about her new life with paralysis, urging and inspiring young students to drive carefully. In 1999, Sabrina graduated from the University of Miami with a degree in Communications, double majoring in Advertising and Psychology. She holds a post-graduate degree in Copywriting from the Miami Ad School, and founded her own advertising company, SabCo Productions, in 2003.

In April 2004, Sabrina unexpectedly discovered the world of stem cell research through Bernard Siegel, the founder of the Genetics Policy Institute (GPI), a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a legal framework to advance stem cell research. She then shifted her endeavors to support the cause through her creative skills by becoming the Director of Public Relations for GPI. In 2006, she established the Sabrina Cohen Foundation for Stem Cell Research to educate the public about the cause and raise funds for research.

Sabrina has advocated extensively for stem cells for nearly a decade. She appeared in the first ever US political commercial for stem cell research supporting a Floridian Congressman and has been linked to many political figures, including fellow stem cell advocate Michael J. Fox. She is presently on the Advisory Board of the Genetics Policy Institute and travels nationwide with the organization to attend educational and scientific conferences, including the World Stem Cell Summit at the University of Wisconsin, Harvard University, Stanford University, Baylor College of Medicine at the University of Texas, University of Michigan and at the United Nations, where she addressed issues impeding the science.

Sabrina’s media coverage as the Foundation’s spokesperson and stem cell advocate includes interviews with NBC, FOX, CBS, ABC, CNN Headline News, Good Morning America, Deco Drive, NPR, Jim Defede Show, WebMD Magazine (nominated a 2009 American Health Hero), The Miami Herald, Sun-Sentinel and the Wall Street Journal.

As a motivational speaker and spokesperson, Sabrina continuously enjoys taking the time to meet students and chat with them at schools, universities and community centers.

Sabrina is also the creator of a progressive line of t-shirts to promote the cause www.freethestemcells.com and the 2011 & 2012 Calendar of CELLebrity Doctors

As a motivational speaker and spokesperson, Sabrina continuously enjoys taking the time to meet students and chat with them at schools, universities and community centers.

"Women Who Make a Difference" - Sabrina Cohen nominated by the Junior League of Miami. Photo: Marlene Fernandez-Karavetsos, Sabrina Cohen and Evelyn Cohen

From injury to advocacy

Awards / Recognitions

February 8, 2012:
Sabrina Cohen receives a Proclamation from Mayor Bower & the Miami Beach Commissioners for winning the Overcoming Adversity category of the America Inspired contest - Naming February 8, 2012 “Sabrina Cohen Day”

February 1, 2012:
Sabrina Cohen wins $10,000 for SCF from examiner.com in the Overcoming Adversity category of the nationwide "America Inspired" contest

March 14, 2010:
The Junior League of Miami names Sabrina Cohen a "Woman Who Makes a Difference"

November / December 2009:
Sabrina Cohen is named an "American Health Hero" by WebMD Magazine and is awarded $2,500 for SCF

November 12, 2009:
SCF is awarded the "Amethyst Arts & Culture Not for Profit Award" for outstanding ability to achieve success through innovation, service, growth and commitment to the Community. Awarded by the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce

November 14, 2009:
Business Media Leader names Sabrina Cohen a "Mover and Shaker"

November 13, 2008:
Hadassah acknowledges with special gratitude Sabrina Cohen, presented by the Professional Women’s Council

November 29, 2007:
Miami-Dade County Office of the Mayor and Board of County Commissioners proclaim Thursday, November 29, 2007 “Sabrina Cohen Day”

September 18, 2006:
Beauty and the Best Honors Sabrina Cohen for Outstanding Contributions to the Community and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

October 19, 2005:
Sabrina Cohen receives a Certificate of Appreciation from the City of Miami Beach for assistance in the Vote Miami Beach Program and is honored with a “Sabrina Cohen Day” Proclamation

April 24, 2005:
Sabrina Cohen receives a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition by Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz for Outstanding Contributions and efforts on behalf of the community and government

May 12, 1993:
D.A.R.E. Program recognizes Sabrina Cohen with appreciation and gratitude for being a hero

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