February/March 2026 - MiP (Source: Swiss Paraplegic Foundation, paraplegie.ch)

Dr. med. Dr. h.c. Guido A. Zäch passed away on February 16, 2026, at the age of 90. 'More is Possible'also extends its deepest condolences to his family. A memorial service in honor of Guido A. Zäch was held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the Swiss Paraplegic Center (SPZ).

Guido A. Zäch was the pioneer of comprehensive rehabilitation for people with a spinal cord injury in Switzerland. As a young doctor, who later went on to found the Swiss Paraplegic Foundation, he first came into contact with people with a spinal cord injury as early as the 1960s. After quickly identifying gaps in Switzerland's hospital, social care and insurance system, he substantiated the vision of comprehensive rehabilitation for people with paraplegia and tetraplegia. 

As Chief Physician, Guido A. Zäch headed the Swiss Paraplegic Centre Basel from 1973 to 1989. He fought tirelessly for equal opportunities for people with a spinal cord injury. His vision: wheelchair users would once again become independent and self-determined individuals.

Thus, in 1975, he founded the Swiss Paraplegic Foundation, and in 1978, the Benefactors' Association, which today has 2 million members. In 1980, he opened the Swiss Paraplegic Centre, followed by the Guido A. Zäch Institute in 2005. In 2007, he was named Honorary President of the Swiss Paraplegic Foundation.

For MiP, Guido A. Zäch stands as a source of inspiration for what can be achieved through personal commitment and perseverance, even when, over time, headwinds—sometimes even harsh ones—repeatedly try to push you off course or even stop you in your tracks. Because: 'More is Possible'!