The Beginning
Lima, Ohio to The Ohio State University
Austin Beggin grew up in Lima, Ohio, where he developed the warm, outgoing spirit that would later define both his personal journey and his mission to help others. After high school, he took that energy to Columbus — earning his degree from The Ohio State University.
Life after graduation looked bright. Austin had the world in front of him — friends, family, and an adventurous spirit ready to take on whatever came next.
The Turning Point
A Moment That Changed Everything
In 2015, while on a trip to Florida shortly after his college graduation, Austin dove into the ocean and struck a sandbar. The impact left him paralyzed from the neck down — a C3 spinal cord injury that would reshape every aspect of his life.
What followed was not a story of defeat, but of determination. Austin refused to let his injury define the ceiling of what he could experience, feel, or accomplish. He returned to Lima, surrounded by a fiercely loyal support system, and began building a new chapter.
"Thanks to researchers at Case Western Reserve University, Austin has regained feeling — a breakthrough that could transform lives for thousands of people living with paralysis."
— Hometown Stations, March 2023
The Research
Featured on CBS 60 Minutes
Austin became a participant in groundbreaking research at Case Western Reserve University in Northeast Ohio. After undergoing brain surgery as part of this work, he began to regain sensation — a development that earned national attention and a feature on CBS's 60 Minutes in 2023.
His participation in cutting-edge neuroscience research isn't just about his own recovery — it's about opening doors for every person living with paralysis who comes after him. Austin shows up, every time, because he believes the science can change everything.
Community & Support
Surrounded by the People Who Lift Him Up
Austin's journey has never been a solo one. From Lima to Columbus and beyond, he has built and maintained a network of friends, family, and community who show up — at weddings, at hospital visits, at research appointments, and everywhere in between.
That spirit of showing up for each other is at the heart of The Right to Stand. Austin knows firsthand what it means to have people in your corner, and this organization exists to extend that same support to every individual navigating life with a mobility impairment.
Watch
Austin on CBS 60 Minutes
In March 2023, Austin's story — and the groundbreaking research at Case Western Reserve University — was featured on CBS 60 Minutes. Watch the segment below.
Video courtesy of CBS News / 60 Minutes via Facebook. Originally aired March 26, 2023.
His Journey
Milestones Along the Way
Spinal Cord Injury
Austin sustains a C-level spinal cord injury after diving into the ocean in Florida, resulting in paralysis below the shoulders.
Joins Case Western Reserve University
Enrolls as a research participant at Case Western Reserve University, becoming part of pioneering work in neural interface technology.
Brain Surgery
Undergoes brain surgery as part of the Case Western research effort to restore sensation through advanced neural technology.
CBS 60 Minutes Feature
Austin's story and Case Western's research are featured nationally on CBS 60 Minutes, bringing hope to millions of people living with paralysis.
The Right to Stand Founded
Austin channels his experience into action by co-founding The Right to Stand — a non-profit dedicated to mobility, independence, and advocacy for others.
Stand With Austin
Your support helps fund life-changing standing wheelchairs and resources for people with mobility impairments.
Make a Donation