SPECIAL NOTE FOR 2012: This year, we have a matching gift opportunity that will really make this event a success.  For every donation of $25 or more, the American Tinnitus Association will receive a donation of twice that amount!  So for example, my donation of $500 will receive a matching gift of $1000, for a grand total of $1500 going to our research fund!  This of course works on smaller donations, so your support this year will be dramatically magnified.  

My Tinnitus Story

Regardless of the characters I portray on TV and on the big screen, my tinnitus once buried me in a negative place where many of you are now - or have been. Believe me when I say, "I’ve been there."

The harsh reality of tinnitus has robbed silence from the lives of over 50 million Americans. Whether you hear it in your ears or in your head tinnitus means the same thing - noise that does not go away. But know this: you do not suffer alone.

My tinnitus began while I was filming the Star Trek episode “Arena.” I was too close to a special effects explosion and it resulted in tinnitus. There were days when I didn’t know how I would survive the agony. I was so tormented by the screeching in my head I really thought I would not be able to go on. But then a ray of light burst into my life – the American Tinnitus Association. The help they gave me literally saved my life.

ATA works with the best and the brightest scientists throughout the world who are investigating this terrible condition. What’s unique about ATA is that they give us all the opportunity to do something about tinnitus; they make it possible for ANYONE to contribute and support research that is moving us toward a cure.

I believe we CAN achieve this goal! I encourage you to join me in making a generous donation to the American Tinnitus Association. Its dedicated staff and volunteers are here for us today, helping us live with our tinnitus and supporting innovative research. Eventually, they will bring the good news of silence back into our lives. We must band together on this journey to help fund our critically-needed association so that one day, not one single person will ever have to bear the agony and distress of tinnitus.

From the bottom of my heart … thank you for your help.

This year, ATA has worked to secure a matching gift opportunity that will really make this event a success.  For every donation of $25 or more, ATA will receive a donation of twice that amount!  So for example, a donation of $100 would receive a matching gift of $200, for a grand total of $300 going to the research fund!  So your support this year will be dramatically magnified. 

To join my personal team, click this link and then pick "Join or Support a Team" and then select "Team Shatner" from the drop down list.

[ATA NOTE: Mr. Shatner has been a longtime supporter of the American Tinnitus Association and its mission.  From his appearance before a Congressional committee in 1996 to support increased funding for tinnitus releated research, to his donation of autographed memorabilia for ATA's auction, Mr. Shatner has proven to truly be an honorary member of ATA's Board of Directors.  We thank him for his continued support, and hope that you too will support the Walk to Silence Tinnitus.]

photograph by www.imagemakr.com - ©2009