A Normal Life is Possible
TandemStride was recently featured by Cleveland.com in a spotlight story exploring how—and why—our platform came to life. It’s a story that began on railroad tracks in Columbus, Ohio, and grew into a movement rooted in recovery, resilience, and connection.
In 2012, Mark Kalina’s life changed in an instant. After attempting to cross around a stopped train, he was pulled underneath and lost both legs. He survived—but recovery didn’t end in the hospital. The real challenges came later, as he learned how to live a new kind of life.
What helped most? A single conversation with a veteran amputee—someone who had lived it. That moment stayed with Mark’s younger brother, Matt Kalina. A few years (and a lot of learning) later, TandemStride was born.
In the feature, trauma leaders like Dr. Glen Tinkoff, system chief of trauma and acute care surgery at University Hospitals, highlight just how vital peer support is—especially in the fragile moments after discharge, when survivors are adjusting to a new reality.
Since its launch, TandemStride has been implemented in dozens of trauma centers across the country. Its growing community of mentors includes survivors, caregivers, and clinicians. In 2025, the company will expand its clinical and community-based team—including welcoming Mark Kalina full-time.
The mission is simple: Trauma changes everything. So should support.
