the greatest - Shepherd Center
Transcription
the greatest - Shepherd Center
Volunteer! SpinalColumn Help is needed for upcoming events. See Page 2 ® The Magazine of Shepherd Center: Providing Medical Treatment, Research and Rehabilitation | spinalcolumn.org On the Stage Actors with disabilities seek equality. Creative Funding Patients' ingenuity closes the gap. Patient Profile Dentist returns to practice after injury. The Slippery Slopes Paralympic skier recalls Shepherd’s help. A Focus on Safety Researchers assess safety risks after TBI. Spring 2010 + Former Shepherd Center patients experience fulfilling relationships after injury. the greatest LOVE The Magazine of Shepherd Center Spring 2010 Photo by Gary Meek Letter from James Shepherd SpinalColumn® Shepherd Center 2020 Peachtree Road, NW Atlanta, Georgia 30309 404-352-2020 [email protected] www.spinalcolumn.org Editor Jane M. Sanders Design Soloflight Design Dear Friends, The past year has been one of the toughest economic times in Shepherd Center’s history. But true to their remarkable character, our staff and donors have stepped up to the plate. Our staff and physicians have worked diligently to improve efficiency. They have also raised our already-excellent level of customer service. We hear this from everyone who comes through our doors. Meanwhile, our donors have continued to give to our fundraising campaigns even though it may have truly hurt to give. Because of these efforts, Shepherd Center has experienced financial success. We’re still hiring and have even been able to give raises to our dedicated and experienced staff. We’re also still expanding our facilities and services. We are truly grateful to our community of supporters and to our staff for continuing to engage and encourage our patients through the tough process of rehabilitation. We also appreciate the behind-the-scenes service of our ancillary departments, including Engineering, Health Information Management, Information Systems, Environmental Services, and Food and Nutrition Services. So many dedicated staff members in these and other departments work diligently to make things run smoothly at Shepherd Center. As we start this new fiscal year, we expect to soon begin a major renovation of the second floor of the Shepherd Building. It will almost double our dedicated space to meet the growing demand for treatment of patients with brain injuries. This update will add 28 beds – 20 in private rooms and eight more in four semi-private rooms – to our Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Unit. Upon completion, the project will consolidate all of our ABI inpatient services on the second floors of both the Shepherd and Marcus-Woodruff buildings. The addition of more private rooms will address infection control issues, as well. The renovation, which will gut and rebuild the entire second floor of the Shepherd Building, except for the therapy gym and elevator lobby, is expected to begin by early summer and take about 18 months to complete. Our long-term plans call for a similar renovation of the third floor of the Shepherd Building. Ultimately, we won’t have to turn away patients for lack of a bed – something we’ve had to do in the recent past. Having more beds available means Shepherd Center can help even more people experience outcomes that exceed the national averages among rehabilitation hospitals. It’s further evidence that our staff and your gifts continue to “restore hope and rebuild lives.” Members Fred V. Alias, Gregory P. Anderson, David F. Apple, Jr., M.D., Brock Bowman, M.D.*, Wilma Bunch*, James M. Caswell, Jr., Sara S. Chapman, Clark Dean, John S. Dryman, Mitchell J. Fillhaber*, David H. Flint, Stephen B. Holleman*, Michael L. Jones, Ph.D.*, Tammy King*, Donald Peck Leslie, M.D., Bernie Marcus, Joseph R. Moderow, Julian B. Mohr, Charles T. Nunnally III, Sally D. Nunnally, Clyde Shepherd III, J. Harold Shepherd, Scott H. Sikes*, James E. Stephenson, James D. Thompson, Goodloe H. Yancey III† Warm regards, About the Cover: Former spinal James H. Shepherd, Jr. Chairman of the Board Contributing Writers Lauren Angelo, Sara Baxter, Amanda Crowe, Kayla Eubanks, Dean Melcher, Anne Pearce, Bill Sanders, Scott Sikes, Brittany Wilson Contributing Photographers Ernie Brown, Brad Buckman, Leita Cowart, Louie Favorite, Jim Fitts, Jerry Hooks, Gary Meek Board of Directors James H. Shepherd, Jr., Chairman Gary Ulicny, Ph.D., President and CEO Emory A. Schwall, Vice President William C. Fowler, Treasurer Stephen B. Goot, Corporate Secretary Alana Shepherd, Recording Secretary * † Ex Officio Emeritus Spinal Column is published quarterly by Shepherd Center, a private, not-for-profit hospital specializing in the treatment of people with spinal cord injury and disease, acquired brain injury, multiple sclerosis and other neuromuscular disorders, and urological problems. E-mail change of address information or request to be removed from our mailing list to [email protected], or by mail to Shepherd Center, Attn: Spinal Column Mailing List, 2020 Peachtree Road, NW, Atlanta, Georgia, 30309. Please include mailing label. Spinal Column accepts no advertising. Spinal Column is a registered trademark of Shepherd Center. cord injury patient Kelley Brooks Simoneaux of Chattanooga, Tenn., married Bradlee Simoneaux in a beautiful ceremony last summer. Photo by Ernie Brown Spring2010Contents SpinalColumn The Magazine of Shepherd Center: Providing Medical Treatment, Research and Rehabilitation 10 12 Photo by Gary Meek 16 Out of Catastrophe, Creativity: To close the gap between catastrophic care coverage and costs, patients and families rely on generosity – and ingenuity. Loving the Slippery Slopes: Paralympian Jasmin Bambur competes in snow skiing as Serbia’s first representative in the games. Cover Story The Greatest Love Former Shepherd Center patients experience fulfilling relationships after injury. Photo Courtesy of Jasmin Bambur Features On the Stage: Actors with disabilities make strides, but are still looking for equal opportunities. 16 Departments 2 Short Takes 18 Managed Care Corner 19 Research: A Focus on Safety 20 Patient Profile: Melissa Durand, DMD 22 Ask the Doc Q & A 23 Medical Staff Profile: Andrew Zadoff, M.D. 24 Shepherd Alums 26 Foundation Features 34 Loving Tributes If you would like to make a gift to support the work you have read about, please contact Scott H. Sikes at the Shepherd Center Foundation at 404-350-7305 or visit shepherd.org. ShortTakes Shepherd Snapshots: A Look at News and Other Notes Shepherd Center SCI Model System Changes Name To Reflect Growth Photo by Gary Meek In January, the Georgia Spinal Cord Injury Model System (SCIMS) at Shepherd David Apple, M.D. Center became the “Southeastern Regional Spinal Cord Injury Model System at Shepherd Center.” This name change reflects the expanded reach of Shepherd’s Model System since its inception in 1982. Today, it is the largest SCI Model System in the United States. The SCIMS program at Shepherd is funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, a part of the U.S. Department of Education. Since 1982, Shepherd has been funded six times and is now one of 14 designated facilities nationwide. The current five-year grant cycle ends Oct. 1, 2011, at which time Shepherd anticipates renewed funding from 2011 to 2016. “At the inception of the SCIMS at Shepherd, Georgia was the home state for the majority of patients admitted to the program,” says medical director emeritus David Apple, M.D., who co-directs the SCIMS with Lesley M. Hudson, M.A. “As recently as a decade ago, 66 percent of patients admitted to Shepherd were Georgians. “But in the past decade, Shepherd’s referral network has grown beyond Georgia to include all of the Southeast and other regions of the country, as well,” Dr. Apple notes. The hospital saw a 53 percent increase from 1999 to 2009 in the number of patients admitted to Shepherd from regional states in the Southeast. “The staff of the Southeastern Regional SCIMS at Shepherd Center looks forward to serving patients from the Southeast and beyond as the facility continues to expand programs and services,” Dr. Apple adds. Shepherd Employees and Supporters Asked to Ride for MS As cyclists pedal the course of the Bike MS Georgia tour on Sept. 11-12, it will be hard to miss Team Shepherd whizzing by in a blaze of black, orange and yellow fire-like jerseys. Team Shepherd captain Colleen McCrory, director of marketing and managed care for the hospital, is recruiting at least 140 volunteers to participate in the bike ride. Team Shepherd has continued to grow. When McCrory led the team of 67 people in 2008, it represented the fourth largest team in the tour and raised more than $24,000 for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. In 2009, under the leadership of Beth Boedeher and Angela Black, Team Shepherd also raised more than $24,000. The 2010 sponsors are Handicapped Driver Services (HDS Vans) and Peachtree Bikes. McCrory is hoping Team Shepherd will have a large presence in this year’s event because of Shepherd’s renowned Andrew C. Carlos Multiple Sclerosis Institute, which has helped many people diagnosed with MS. “We’re not only supporting our own MS patient population, we’re also creating greater awareness in the MS community,” says McCrory, adding that she hopes money raised through the National MS Society will further promote research and treatment for people diagnosed with the disease. To register, go to www.bikeMSgeorgia.org and sign up with Team Shepherd. Volunteers Needed to Help with Wheelchair Division of Peachtree Road Race For more information on volunteering for this year’s race, contact volunteer coordinator Tara MacCaughelty at 404-603-4623 or [email protected]. Above: Wheelchair racers begin the Peachtree Road Race. 2 Spinal Column Planning is under way for the 29th annual Wheelchair Division of the Peachtree Road Race, which will be held July 4 in Atlanta, and organizers are looking for volunteers to help make the event a success. The race has grown significantly through the years and continues to require more and more help from volunteers. Typically, 75 volunteers and 100 racers participate in the event. “The race would not be possible without the assistance and hard work of dedicated volunteers,” says organizer and Shepherd Center wellness program manager Becky Washburn. Volunteers are used in all aspects of the race, such as athlete checkin, airport assistance, pre-race social and post-race brunch. Volunteers also can serve in the pit crew, as nurses and finish-line timekeepers. Organizers place volunteers in job categories on a first-come, firstserved basis. Requesting a volunteer application early will help ensure placement in your top preference area. w w w. s p i n a l c o l u m n . o r g Photo by Gary Meek Neurorehabilitation Conference to be Held at Shepherd Center The Medical University of South Carolina’s College of Health Professions is collaborating with Shepherd Center and Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center on a five-year study on the prediction and prevention of lifethreatening secondary health conditions after spinal cord injury (SCI). A $3.9 million Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) grant will fund research and training on the prevention of secondary conditions, such as pressure ulcers, urinary tract infections, amputation, fractures and depression. The U.S. Department of Education’s National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) is funding the study. Leading the study is researcher James Krause, Ph.D., who is on the faculty at the Medical University of South Carolina and also conducts research under the NIDRRfunded Southeastern Regional SCI Model System of Care at Shepherd James Krause, Ph.D. Center. “The goal of the collaboration is to reduce the incidence of secondary conditions and to enhance longevity after SCI through a combination of research that identifies prominent risk factors for diminished health and by educating health professionals, service providers and individuals with SCI on how to implement appropriate prevention strategies,” Dr. Krause says. The training component of the project will work on several levels. It will include summer training programs for physicians and graduate students in health professions, lectures to rehabilitation professionals, state-ofthe-art dissemination through medical and rehabilitation journals, and direct dissemination to the community of people with SCI through newsletters, a Web site, blog and other Internet outlets, including YouTube videos. “In essence, the research will identify the factors that lead to secondary conditions, and the education and dissemination of information will ultimately lead to prevention by helping people understand when and why the conditions occur,” Dr. Krause adds. The original work upon which the RRTC grant is based was developed through the SCI Model Systems program between 1995 and 2000 when Dr. Krause was working at Shepherd with medical director emeritus David Apple, M.D., and Lesley M. Hudson, M.A., co-director with Dr. Apple of the Shepherd SCI Model System. Above: Shepherd Center is educating medical professionals on prevention of SCI-related secondary health conditions. Photo by Louie Favorite Study Aims to Prevent Secondary Health Conditions after SCI Shepherd Center has been selected as cohost and conference site for the 2010 North American Neurorehabilitation Symposium organized by Hocoma, a Swiss medical technology company that specializes in robotic rehabilitation therapy for neurological movement disorders. Its products include Lokomat®, Armeo® and Erigo®. The event will be held at Shepherd Center on Aug. 27-28, 2010. Presentation topics will include new technology in neurorehabilitation, motivating patients with virtual environments, and research in spinal Above: Shepherd cord injury, stroke, Center physical traumatic brain injury, therapist Beth cerebral palsy and Pharo works other pathologies. with patient Tony The conference Boatright on the Lokomat. is expected to bring together scientists from highly recognized institutions worldwide and clinical users of innovative therapeutic methods and technologies. The event is intended to offer clinicians and scientists a valuable platform to discuss trends, share expertise, exchange ideas and gain knowledge to assess and use new technologies and therapy concepts in their daily practice. — Larry Bowie For more information about the North American Neurorehabilitation Symposium 2010, visit nanrs2010.com. For more information on SCI and other research at Shepherd, see www.shepherd.org/research. Spring 2010 3 CoverStory The Greatest Love Former Shepherd Center patients experience fulfilling relationships after injury. BY BILL SANDERS Following Page, Left: Bradlee Simoneaux and former Shepherd Center SCI patient Kelley Brooks Simoneaux of Chattanooga, Tenn., met while on a college trip. They married in August 2009. Following Page, Right: MS patients Dorothy and Win Jackson of Atlanta met in Shepherd Center's ProMotion fitness center. They married on Valentine's Day 2008. 4 Spinal Column w w w. s p i n a l c o l u m n . o r g Photo by Louie Favorite Photo by Ernie Brown Finding love re risks, and whe quires taking there is the pore there are risks, And where the tential for danger. the demand fo re’s danger, there’s r courage. So there she was, this 22-year-old girl traversing through wheelchair-inaccessible Eastern Europe, ready for adventure, willing to set aside her steadfast insistence on not asking for help, and if love came calling, well, so be it. But the real adventures for Kelley Brooks Simoneaux, now a 25-year-old law school student at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, began when she decided to leave her home in Chattanooga, Tenn., and attend Birmingham Southern College. It was a little more than a year after a 2001 car crash injured her spinal cord, paralyzing her from the waist down. She underwent rehabilitation at Shepherd Center for several months and then returned home. “I wanted to go away and start new, be in a new city and prove to myself I could do it,” Kelley recalls. “Birmingham Southern was a good fit for me. I thought it would give me great opportunities to show that despite being in wheelchair, I could go on with life and succeed. “While in college, I spent a month in New York studying art history and a month traveling through Italy. One summer, I was in school in Oxford, England, and I backpacked through western Europe, staying in hostels.” Then Kelley went on a college trip to eastern Europe and met a classmate named Bradlee. “I had seen him before on campus, but had never really met him before this trip,” she explains. “I have never wanted to use my wheelchair as a reason to not let people get to know me. On this trip, there was such a lack of accessibility that I had to have some of the strong guys pick me up and put me into buses and such. Bradlee was one of the ones always doing it. It made for a bit of an awkward introduction.” But Bradlee was smitten with Kelley from the beginning, and the feeling was mutual. Two years later, the two were engaged. They married in August 2009. “After we got married, I found a journal he started at the beginning of that trip,” Kelley says. “He was writing about how he met this girl, that she was so pretty, but that he was nervous because he’d never been around a person in a wheelchair before. We kind of laughed about how he got over that pretty quickly.” Spring 2010 5 Photo by Credit Here Heather Collins Dodd knows a thing or two about danger and courage, too. And it’s the love of her life who has kept her going for the past two years. Heather, like many other patients at Shepherd Center, learned that a brain or spinal cord injury, while no trivial matter, doesn’t preclude a person from dating, relationships or marriage. In Heather’s case, she was in a committed relationship before she sustained brain and spinal cord injuries in a car crash in June 2008. But significant others don’t always stay after a traumatic injury, and that thought entered Heather’s mind. But only briefly. “Brian and I had dated three and a half years before my injury,” Heather says. “We had talked about getting married, but nothing too specific. During my hospital stay, he stood by me the entire time. He dropped all his work to go to Georgia. To be honest, though, when I first woke up, I asked, ‘Where is Brian?’ I thought he had left me. He was only at work, though, and I never doubted him again. We got married on the fifth anniversary of when we officially started dating.” Heather was injured while driving when she took her eyes off the road for a split second, swerved off the road and hit a tree. She ruptured her aortic vein, fractured her hip, pelvis, left ankle and ribs, and sustained a C-7 spinal cord injury. Her head butted against the driver’s door, causing a brain injury, as well. “The brain bounced from the left to the right side, and I had a lot of memory loss,” Heather explains. “But I didn’t have to relearn too many skills. I don’t remember any of the accident or anything up until I was at Shepherd Pathways (the hospital’s post-acute rehabilitation program for brain injury).” But some of Heather’s memory remained remarkably intact. Many patients with her type of brain injury recall the first time they met their spouse – but not in detail and under these circumstances. “When we first met, I was at my job at Colleen DriveIn in Arlington, Va.,” Heather recalls. “He ordered a bacon double cheeseburger, fries and a medium Pepsi.” Remember, this is a young man whom Heather had Top: Former brain injury patient Heather Collins Dodd of Lovingston, Va., married her longtime boyfriend in September 2009. Above: Shepherd Center counselor Cheryl Linden counsels patients, including former SCI patient Jared Coppola of North Reading, Mass., about post-injury relationships. 6 Spinal Column Photo by Gary Meek Dodd of Heather Photo Cour tesy stories of co ur ag e . w w w. s p i n a l c o l u m n . o r g never met so she had no reason to think this would be the moment she met her future spouse. “It touches me to remember and recite his order that day,” she says. “I looked in his eyes and could tell that he was loyal and honest. He called me before we closed that night and he asked me out.” Stories like this bring a smile to the face of Shepherd Center counselor Cheryl Linden. “During my hospital stay, he stood by me the entire time.... We got married on the fifth anniversary of when we officially started dating.” — Heather Dodd “We work with patients, first focusing on the success they have had here,” she explains. “Then, we draw upon strengths they’ve had all along and get them to focus more on who they are outside of their disability. We have a staff member here who says her disability is the least interesting thing about her.” For the most part, if a patient was in a committed relationship built on a firm foundation before the injury, odds are good the relationship will last. The hardest part of her job, Cheryl says, is helping adolescents, many of whom are already experiencing age-related social awkwardness. “I see a huge concern in kids, who worry about dating, and wonder if anyone will like them the way they are now,” Cheryl says. “Some are in a relationship before they got hurt, and if there were difficulties in the relationship before the injury, this certainly will make it that much harder. If it was solid before, then this can make them even stronger.” But the thing is, most teenagers don’t end up in a longterm relationship or marriage with the person they dated in high school, Cheryl says. Breaking up, or getting dumped, happens to everyone. But for teens in a wheelchair or struggling with a brain injury, it is even harder. “Adolescents often attribute the failure of a relationship solely to their injury,” Cheryl says. “Not everything that hurts a relationship is from the injury, and we have to teach them that. It’s hard for them to build back their confidence.” That’s why Shepherd Center has former patients – those who have thrived in love and in life – return as peer supporters for current patients, she adds. Photo by Gary Meek stories of Lo ve. Nate Klein, a Georgia Tech student, has been dating his girlfriend, also a Tech student, for nearly two years. They met five years after he was paralyzed in a mountain biking accident. “We met in a fencing club,” Nate says. “I don’t think there was much of an adjustment for her to be dating a guy in a wheelchair. I mean, her friends pick on her for finding the one guy on campus who is shorter than she is – she’s 4-11.” His girlfriend, Courtney Price, laughs and agrees. “We both like fencing,” she says. “Nate just does it from a wheelchair. We’d met while I was still in high school, so when I got to Tech, he was the only person I really knew. He called me, and we started hanging out. I don’t remember a time when I ever had to look around his injury or come to peace with it.” Grayson Jackson, a University of Georgia student, sustained a C-7 spinal cord injury in a diving accident when he was 21. Almost four years later, Grayson has found the dating scene to be both exhilarating and frustrating. But what young man doesn’t experience those feelings? Grayson and the girl he was dating at the time of his accident broke up a few months after the injury. But he’s certain his accident played no role in that relationship ending. “It was going to end anyway,” he says. “I was 21, and we weren’t heading toward a future. But I got back into the social thing – at least, hanging out with friends – pretty quickly. It took a little while to get my confidence with the ladies back. You don’t know how girls are going to react to you, particularly at first, when you’re trying to get back to dating. But it was OK.” “I go out a lot now. I don’t have a girlfriend, but I’m kind of playing the field. I did have one girlfriend since my injury, and I think that helped make me know that dating was Above: Former SCI patient Nate Klein of China Village, Maine, dates a fellow Georgia Tech student, Courtney Price. Spring 2010 7 Photo by Ernie Brown Photo by Gary Meek Favorite Photo by Louie Top, Far Left: Grayson Jackson of Social Circle, Ga., is a student at UGA, where he has many friends. Bottom, Far Left: Dorothy and Win Jackson got married on Valentine's Day. They recently celebrated their second anniversary. Left: Kelley Brooks Simoneaux surprised her new husband and wedding guests by standing for their first dance at the reception. “We are living the dream, despite the fact that some terrible things have happened.... Our relationship has made it.” — Win Jackson still possible. I don’t think I will ever really worry about that anymore.” It’s not just the young who wonder if love is in their future. Neither Dorothy Biebrich, nor Win Jackson believed they’d fall in love again. Both are middle-aged and have multiple sclerosis. They met in Shepherd Center’s ProMotion gym. “Before we met, love was written off,” Win says. “I had been living in an assisted living home for five years, and I was not getting out and about meeting people. When we met, and started falling for each other, I was pretty pragmatic about it. But she is wonderful, an angel. “I wasn’t going to jump into things by any means, and I was a little nervous about it. I didn’t want to jump into a bad relationship because I was happy with who I was,” he adds. Win had been divorced for 15 years when he met Dorothy, so he had found a comfortable routine. Dorothy hadn’t settled into life as easily. She was a bit lonely and was having an understandably hard time adjusting to being a widow with a disability. “When my husband died, I no longer had transportation,” Dorothy says. “I didn’t drive or have a church nearby. I didn’t have children nearby, and I didn’t know who to go to for counseling or help after my husband of 35 years died. I ended up going to see Chaplain Ken Grosch at Shepherd Center.” 8 Spinal Column Dorothy lived close enough to Shepherd Center that she could ride her scooter down the sidewalks of Peachtree Road to its gym. And for a while, Shepherd was just about her only refuge. Win had actually moved to Atlanta 10 years ago so he could be a patient at Shepherd’s Andrew C. Carlos Multiple Sclerosis Institute. Of course, many patients at Shepherd – as well as those who come to ProMotion – are recovering from brain or spinal cord injuries. Not that it really mattered, but from a distance, Dorothy assumed Win had a spinal cord injury. Of course, she soon found out he has MS. After discovering all the other things they have in common, they began dating, and a couple of years later, Dorothy and Win were married at Shepherd Center by Chaplain Grosch. “We are living the dream, despite the fact that some terrible things have happened,” Win says. “We are living life to its fullest, and our relationship has made it.” Win and Dorothy’s love story is about as special as they come. But Kelley and Bradlee’s story is almost like a fairytale. By the time the couple got engaged, Kelley had overcome every concern about what she could and couldn’t do from her wheelchair – except one. “The wedding dress is one of main things we girls think about, and it had always worried me, going down aisle, the first dance and how I’d look in a wedding dress in the chair,” w w w. s p i n a l c o l u m n . o r g + To read this story and view more photographs online, visit www.spinalcolumn.org Right: Former SCI patient Kendra White of Glenwood, Ga., is a student at East Georgia College in Swainsboro. remembering to Love yourself Kendra White was 16 years old when she first looked in the mirror and saw more questions than answers. Paralyzed from the chest down by a C-6 spinal cord injury she suffered earlier that year, Kendra had to wait a little while to honestly answer the questions she was asking herself. Will I ever be the same Kendra that I used to be? Can I learn to love myself again? Will anyone else love me? It took a few years for her to answer those questions with some certainty. No, she would not be the same Kendra. But yes, she can come to terms with the new Kendra, and yes, she is still loveable. Now, Kendra is one of Shepherd Center’s peer supporters, talking to other patients who need to have the same questions answered – particularly when it comes to dating. “It was hard at first, getting back into things socially,” Kendra says. “I had to accept me for who I was and get comfortable with that. I wasn’t going to be the same old me. Things were going to be different. The question was, ‘How was I going to move on?’ I went back to cheerleading and hanging out with friends.” And in time, Kendra returned to dating. “I didn’t even think about that for the first two years or so,” she says. “It took me a little while to accept who I am now, so how I wondered how long it would take someone else to accept it. I did eventually start dating and started trusting people again. “What I went through has made it easier for me to tell Photo by Jerry Hooks Kelley says. “It’s the one thing that bothered me after moving through every other issue. “So, we decided to go to Kleinfeld's in New York City to look for a dress,” she explains. “They were so open to ideas. I said I wanted something to hide my wheelchair, and they developed the idea of having the train come over the back of it. The designer of the dress gave me the exact material for the train that would duplicate the wedding dress. That summer when we went for the fitting, we learned it was the first time Kleinfeld’s had ever done this. They wanted to document it for us, and so it was on TLC’s show ‘Say Yes to the Dress.’” That’s not where the fairytale ended, though. “At my first dance, the bridesmaids all surrounded me so I couldn’t be seen,” Kelley says. “I used my braces and walker, and I stood up. The bridesmaids then left, and there I was standing for my first dance with my dad. Most people hadn’t seen me stand since I was 16. It was very emotional. After a minute, Bradlee took over, and we danced. Then I got back in my chair. There were very few dry eyes.” BY BILL SANDERS others, like this girl I’m mentoring now, and make it believable because I’ve been through it,” Kendra adds. That’s what makes Kendra such an asset to Shepherd Center counselor Cheryl Linden. “I try to bring people back, college age or older, who were injured in their teens,” Linden explains. “That lets new patients hear about what worked in a successful relationship. Kendra has been a perfect example of that. She is so good with the kids she talks to, including one she’s working with now.” Kendra’s advice to this girl, and anyone else in this situation, is to realize that any boy worth dating will see the real you and not just the wheelchair. “The girl I’m currently talking to is a lot like me,” Kendra says. “She was angry at first, and she thought no one would date her. I told her that if she comes across as not being bitter or mean-spirited, she certainly could be interesting and appealing to boys. I told her that she should only want a guy who will accept her for the way she is because you know that he’ll be there for the long run.” Kendra has a boyfriend whom she met after her accident. They met over the telephone, and while she told him upfront that she was paralyzed, she said she still wondered if he really understood the implications. “On our first date, he told me he had been in a wheelchair for a while from a skateboarding accident,” Kendra says. “Part of me keeps expecting him to say it bothers him, but he hasn’t.” And that’s the message Kendra preaches to peers with disabilities. “It can work,” she said. “Relationships, dating, getting married, these things are all more than just a possibility. It’s what you should expect.” Spring 2010 9 Photo Courtesy of Teal Sherer EqualityFeature on the STAGE Actors with disabilities make strides, but are still looking for equal opportunities. BY BILL SANDERS Teal, a former Shepherd Center spinal cord injury (SCI) patient and an Oglethorpe University graduate, played the role of Catherine, a troubled, 20-something woman coping with the death of her father. In playwright David Auburn’s story, Catherine was not in a wheelchair. In the version Teal produced, she was. Would that be a distraction? Would the reviewer be able to look past the wheelchair that she no doubt knew was not part of Auburn’s story? Read for yourself: “For this critic, Auburn’s script has always registered as contrived and lacking subtlety, but this production blows away this bias by virtue of Sherer’s uniquely winning portrayal. That the character – like the performer – is wheelchair-bound adds a layer of vulnerability that brings the play to life for me as it hadn’t before. Make no mistake: Sherer’s accomplished performance stands on its own; it’s the material that’s been enriched.” The newspaper LA Weekly knows a few things about good stage performances. So when it reviewed a production of the Tony Awardwinning play “Proof” at The NoHo Arts Center in Hollywood earlier this year, actress Teal Sherer knew the critique was going to be a big deal. 1 0 Spinal Column w w w. s p i n a l c o l u m n . o r g “Hopefully, by talking about it, we can promote an open-mindedness about casting people who use chairs… I don't think casting directors and producers are intentionally discriminating against people who use wheelchairs. They just aren’t aware that those barriers exist for us.” — Zack Weinstein in Fox Television’s freshman hit series “Glee.” It focuses on a high school chorus group and features a lead character in a wheelchair. Zack, who sustained a C-6 SCI in a diving accident in 2005, will play a character with the same injury. He’ll also sing in the episode. “I was one of two actors with a spinal cord injury to audition for the role along with a lot of other very talented, able-bodied actors,” Zack says. “I’m excited because I was chosen because they believe I am the best actor for the role. I worked hard with my acting coach before the audition and had a strong sense of the character. “It’s so great to act in a well-written part on a great show with great visibility,” he adds. “If it leads to other roles, that’s great, too. But even if it doesn’t, I’m going to enjoy this opportunity.” This is Zack’s first role in a television program. He did a national TV commercial for Buy.com last year. Zack believes he has more good roles in his future, including some he is writing for himself and hopes to produce eventually. “I hope, by talking about it, we can promote an open-mindedness about casting people who use chairs,” he says. “I’d love to be the person who helps change that perception. I don't think casting directors and producers are intentionally discriminating Facing page: Former SCI against people who use wheelpatient Teal Sherer has the chairs. They just aren’t aware lead role in the play "Proof." Below: Former SCI patient Zack that those barriers exist for us. Weinstein just landed a guest “I don’t have a problem if star role in the TV series "Glee." they choose the actor who is best for the role if I know they gave people who use chairs a fair shot,” Zack adds. In “Glee,” an able-bodied actor, Kevin McHale, portrays the character who uses a wheelchair. “I know they auditioned people who use chairs, and they chose the actor they thought best for the role,” Zack says. Zack appreciates that “Glee” is offering opportunities for actors in wheelchairs to audition. “All I wanted was a chance to audition and be seriously considered as an acTo read this story and view more photographs online, visit tor,” he adds. He hopes more www.spinalcolumn.org producers and directors in Hollywood will follow suit. Photo by Brad Buckman Anytime an actor with a disability makes it in Hollywood, it’s big, Teal says. When an actor in a wheelchair plays a character not written as using a chair, it’s groundbreaking. “In ‘Proof,’ as it was written, Catherine is not a wheelchair user,” Teal says. “But why couldn’t she be? The director said it has added a whole new depth to the play, and that was really important for what I’m doing as a performer with a disability.” Conversely, and perhaps equally significant, is the somewhat controversial question of whether able-bodied actors should portray characters with disabilities – especially when there are plenty of actors with disabilities waiting for their big chance. Teal, who sustained an L-2 SCI in a car crash when she was 14, has no problem with those roles going to able-bodied actors – as long as they are the best actor available, she says. “For actors in wheelchairs, you have to be on level with every other actor,” Teal explains. “There are many who just aren’t that good and think they deserve those roles just because they use a chair. But they don’t. There are also lots who are talented and are not getting the opportunity. They should be auditioning for roles they can play – the lawyer, the mom, the secretary.” And as Teal has shown, there is no reason someone with a disability can’t be the lead. “I totally believe actors with disabilities can play a leading role – I’m proof of it. And my friend ‘Chill’ (Daryl Mitchell) is the lead actor on a Fox show, ‘Brothers,’ and he’s in a wheelchair.” Teal has lived and worked in Hollywood for five years. She has appeared in several television commercials, the Emmy Award-winning HBO movie “Warm Springs” and a Web series called “The Guild.” She is also writing and producing some of her own shows. Oh, and she spent some time on stage with some actors named Hoffman, Benning and Cromwell. “I got an opportunity to do a reading on stage with Dustin Hoffman, Annette Benning and James Cromwell that I wouldn’t have gotten had I not had this disability,” Teal says. “I had no gigs coming up and was a little down on myself when I get a call from Dustin Hoffman’s assistant. “They wanted someone in a wheelchair to do a reading with them for the opening of a new theater in Santa Monica,” she explains. “Dustin Hoffman is the sweetest, most approachable and kind man. He gives you a hug and makes you feel comfortable. It was a joy to have him direct me and coach me and give me feedback. When we were done, he walked me out and told me I was really talented. That meant a lot.” Zack Weinstein, another Shepherd Center alumnus, hasn’t yet worked with a Dustin Hoffman. But, even though he’s relatively new to Hollywood, he recently landed a guest star role + Spring 2010 1 1 FundingFeature To close the gap between catastrophic care coverage and costs, patients and families rely on generosity – and ingenuity. BY SARA BAXTER Out of Catastrophe C REAT IVIT Y When Sheri Loiacono learned that her daughter, Melissa Walsh, had been approved for treatment in Shepherd Center’s nationally ranked rehabilitation program for brain and spinal cord injuries, she was overjoyed. Then came a daunting question: How could she afford to transport Melissa from an acute-care hospital in Orlando to Shepherd Center in Atlanta? The safest transportation, a medical flight, would cost $10,000. Her insurance wouldn’t cover it. Sheri agonized over what to do. And then, a gift met the need: Her church, Mosaic Community Church of Winter Garden, Fla., paid for Melissa’s flight. Unexpected gifts or answered prayers are sometimes the only ways patients and families can cover the full cost of treatment and rehabilitation from injuries like the ones Melissa sustained. That’s because most people lack adequate coverage for catastrophic care, or the coverage they have pays only for some aspects of the care that’s needed. “Generally speaking, there is a mismatch between the costs of catastrophic care and the insurance coverage that people have to cover those costs,” says Mitch Fillhaber, Shepherd’s vice president of managed care and marketing. Only the very best policies, he explains, place no limits on inpatient rehabilitation stays; most cover just 14 to 21 days, while the average stay at Shepherd is 40 days. “Gaps also appear in coverage for equipment, such as wheelchairs, ramps and other adaptive equipment,” he adds. When confronted with a coverage shortfall and a lack of resources, patients and families must turn to others for support. 1 2 Spinal Column Doing so is both a lesson in human generosity and an exercise in individual ingenuity. “People are surprised to find out what catastrophic care costs,” Fillhaber says. “It underscores the importance of charitable contributions, both to Shepherd, which has funds to help patients, as well as directly to individuals.” Sometimes, it takes a village. Allison Diaz, of Atlanta, knows what it means to close a funding gap. Her husband, Danny, was injured in a motorcycle accident in August 2005 when Allison was eight months pregnant with their first child. Danny’s injuries were extensive, including broken bones and a traumatic brain injury. Allison’s insurance covered Danny’s acute-care hospital bills and six-week stay at Shepherd. It was during his rehabilitation that they encountered obstacles that required the help of others. “Coverage is not just about your hospital stay – it’s what happens after you leave the hospital,” Allison says. “The most challenging part has been not knowing the longevity of Danny’s journey. After more than four years, it is still a battle for us.” w w w. s p i n a l c o l u m n . o r g Photo by Gary Meek Photo Courtesy of Allison Diaz Although Danny has made big strides in his recovery, he requires both continued therapy and the help of a caregiver while Allison works. Neither is covered by insurance. Danny also had to go a year without physical therapy because his insurance provider determined his condition had not improved enough to begin therapy. Solving that problem came in the form of a “huge blessing” from two friends – a married couple, both physical therapists – who volunteered to work with Danny one night a week for free. The community also rallied to help the Diaz family. After he was injured, a group of Danny’s motorcycling friends held a benefit ride to raise money for him. Others organized a golf tournament in his honor. Today, both events are held annually – with all the money raised going to Danny’s care. A fund was also started at their church, which covered his therapy for an entire year. To provide yet another missing piece, Allison established a fund through the NTAF, which provides fundraising assistance for people with catastrophic injuries. Donors issue checks to the NTAF in Danny’s name and receive a tax deduction for their donation. The fund also processes the money raised through the golf tournament. When Allison needs to cover costs specifically related to Danny’s care, she submits an invoice to the fund, and the bill is paid with available resources. “It’s been a great vehicle for us,” Allison says. “People know exactly where the money is going, and they get a tax deduction.” A similar arrangement through Sheri Loiacono’s church helped generate broader community support by providing a vehicle for tax-deductible contributions. Since the car accident that caused Melissa’s brain and spinal cord injuries, the community has held a variety of fundraisers to support the family. For example, just two weeks after she returned from Shepherd, the Left: Brain injury patient Danny Diaz and his family have found creative ways of raising money to cover medical expenses. Above: Former SCI patient Joshua Hanley has applied for and received grants to set up a personal therapy gym in his home. town of Winter Garden held “Melissa Fest,” an event that featured a car raffle, silent auction and vendor booths. Other activities included garage sales, “Change for Melissa” jars at local businesses, which raised $10,000, and a “hat day” at a local school, during which students contributed $2 so they could wear a hat to school. To date, $60,000 has been raised to help her pay for therapy, equipment and other needs. Foundations provide grants to cover medical-related costs of catastrophic injuries. Foundation grants represent another funding source for people with catastrophic injuries. Dozens of foundations exist to provide financial help with everything from care-related travel to adaptive equipment to living expenses. Joshua Hanley knows the value of these grants. The 29-yearold electrician from Nicholson, Ga., became a quadriplegic after being injured in a May 2008 diving accident in Athens, Ga. After he left Shepherd later that year, Joshua experienced serious financial difficulties. No longer able to work, he lost his insurance and could not afford to pay for extended benefits through COBRA. Forced to depend on Medicaid, he quickly learned the limits of coverage. For instance, Medicaid would only pay for four months of therapy, yet he needed much more. He recalls his struggle: “I figured I had two choices. I could lie in bed and feel sorry for myself, or I could find some help.” He chose to get help. After talking with people at Shepherd, Joshua got the names of three foundations that represented possible sources of grant support. In researching those three, he found lists of other potential resources. So Joshua began applying for grants. Spring 2010 1 3 Photo by Pete Loiacono Photo by Louie Favorite In less than two years, Joshua estimates he has received 25 different grants totaling about $100,000. The grants have enabled him to purchase a parking pad for his wheelchair ramp, power wheelchair and home therapy gym equipment, which includes a NuStep bike, parallel bars, a standing frame and a rickshaw. He was also able to build a 90-foot path from the back door of his house to his electrical shop in the backyard, as well as make other much-needed home accessibility improvements. Joshua has become so skilled at identifying funding sources and securing grants that he now shares advice with others through a series of “Successful Grant Writing” conferences held in Atlanta and Athens. A Web site with more information is under development. For now, contact Joshua at [email protected]. “The key to applying for grants is to be prepared and to make a compelling case,” he advises. “Before I approach a source, I already have the doctor’s note stating the medical necessity, a list of vendors, and the exact model and price of what I need.” Families learn to deal with “red tape.” For people who receive government support for their care and rehabilitation, creativity has its limits. That’s because recipients of Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) lose those benefits if their income resources – such as cash on hand, savings and investments – go above $2,000 at any time. And money donated directly to aid the recipient through individual contributions and fundraisers counts toward income. The fund the Diaz family established through the NTAF (www.ntafund.org) is one way to protect government benefits while securing added support in the form of tax-deductible contributions. Another is to place donated money in a Supplemental Far Left: Shepherd Center case manager Shelley Mitchell advises SCI patient Latesia McIntyre of Valdosta, Ga. Left: Former dual diagnosis patient Melissa Walsh of Oakland, Fla., is the beneficiary of abundant community support. or Special Needs Trust. Funds from such a trust can pay for medical costs that are not covered by Medicaid, such as supplies, attendant care, medical needs, therapy and adaptive equipment. A Special Needs Trust must be created by an attorney who is experienced in establishing trusts. A trustee, typically a family member, is in charge of the trust and makes payments for the beneficiary’s care based on the guidelines described in the trust. Usually, payments are made directly to a vendor. “This is a good option for those who are on Medicaid who also need to raise private funds for their care,” says Shelley Mitchell, a case manager for the Marcus Community Bridge Program at Shepherd. She advises those who want to create a trust to look in the community for an attorney who is willing to donate his or her services. That advice applies to getting help with other needs. “I always tell people to think about their network of friends when looking for help,” Mitchell says. “For example, it’s good to have an outside person to do fundraising for the family.” Many people are willing to help, Mitchell adds – they just need to know what to do. So communicating with the community is essential. Allison Diaz started a blog to provide updates about Danny’s condition, and a friend of the family created a Web site (www.dannyandallison.com). Another member of the family is filming a documentary about Danny to continue sharing his story. Sheri Loiacono kept friends and family updated on a free Web site called CaringBridge.org. Another such site is CarePages.com. These struggles and the strategies to deal with them are a reminder that when it comes to helping others cover the cost of care, generosity and ingenuity go hand-in-hand. Individual Fundraising Ideas When fundraising to cover an individual’s unreimbursed medical expenses, it’s important to network with as many people as possible. In particular, focus on small businesses such as restaurants, retailers, insurance agents, etc., who can offer visibility and may be able to leverage their services. It’s important to note that none of these contributions are tax-deductible because the money goes to a specific person or family, not a charitable organization. In fact, the IRS may consider it taxable income for the recipient, so start by talking to a tax or legal professional to make sure a medical expense fund is set up correctly. Also, check local laws for licenses or permits required, and other do’s and don’ts. Here are some ways family members might raise money for their loved one’s unreimbursed medical expenses: 1 4 Spinal Column Organize a sports tournament or contest (5K walk /run, golf, bowling, softball, fishing, pool, etc.) where a portion of the entry fee goes to benefit the patient. w w w. s p i n a l c o l u m n . o r g Passing Good Fortune on to Others Two former Shepherd patients start their own foundations to help those in need. Former patients Cindy Donald and Travis Roy know firsthand the incredible value of community support. They both sustained spinal cord injuries that left them quadriplegics. Both received an outpouring of support. Both now lead busy, productive lives. And they both established their own foundations to help others with spinal cord injuries. The Travis Roy Foundation was started in 1997, a year after Travis was paralyzed from the neck down while playing in his first collegiate hockey game at Boston University. “After my accident, I received an abundance of support in every way,” explains Travis, a Boston native. “I felt incredibly lucky, but I knew there were people in my same condition who were not receiving that level of support.” So he started a foundation to provide adaptive equipment for those with spinal cord injuries and also fund research. “I’ve seen how people struggle if they don’t have the right equipment,” he says. “I know the difference it can make if you have the right mattress to prevent bedsores, or the voiceactivated software that allows people to use a computer. These kinds of things give them the little bit of a break that makes them more independent and more capable.” The Travis Roy Foundation raises money from individual donations and organized fundraisers in New England. They raise about $500,000 a year and make 70 to 100 grants annually, ranging from $1,000 to $7,000. “Our decision-making process is based on the impact the grant will have on their lives,” he says. “We strive to improve a person’s quality of life.” Improving quality of life is also the mission of the Dreams of Recovery Foundation started in 2008 by Cindy Donald of Marietta, Ga. Like Travis, Cindy was overwhelmed by the support she received after her injury in March 2005. Fundraisers in Cindy’s community allowed her to continue in Shepherd’s Beyond Therapy® (BT) program, a rigorous, activity-based outpatient therapy program not usually covered Sell an item (wristbands, T-shirts, hats, etc.) with a message of support much like Lance Armstrong’s Live Strong line (be careful of copyrights and trademarks). Something as simple as “Pray for Shannon” or “Mike Rocks” works well. Open a trust account at a bank and ask people to contribute to it, but remember, it’s not taxdeductible. A local restaurant or store(s) could have a benefit sale with 10 percent of sales going to help the patient. by insurance. The cost was $3,000 a month for Cindy. The generosity of others and two fundraisers allowed Cindy to continue BT for 18 months. A third event raised $30,000, which would’ve allowed Cindy to go for a year. But then, a friend needed support so she could continue therapy. Cindy asked her fundraising committee if she could split the money with her friend. From that incident, her foundation was born. “We thought, ‘Why not start a foundation to provide financial assistance for therapy or therapeutic equipment for those with brain and spinal cord injuries?’” she says. “When I got hurt, so many people in the community reached out to help me and my family. I wanted to pass on my good fortune to others.” The Dreams of Recovery Foundation raises funds through wine tastings, golf tournaments, magic shows and silent auctions, and it has given away $30,000 in grants. Now, Cindy’s goal is to find new funding sources to extend the foundation’s reach to more individuals. For more information on these two foundations, see www.travisroyfoundation.org and www.dreamsofrecovery.org. Above, Left: Former SCI patient Travis Roy of Boston founded the Travis Roy Foundation. Above, Right: Former SCI patient Cindy Donald of Marietta, Ga., founded the Dreams of Recovery Foundation. Work with your church, school, team or club to host a swap meet, benefit dinner, cookout or pancake breakfast. Or, host a sale (bake sale, car wash, mow lawns, etc.). + To read this story and view more photographs online, visit www.spinalcolumn.org Get a local band to perform in a benefit concert. Collect donated items and have an auction. Spring 2010 1 5 Photos Courtesy of Jasmin Bambur ParalympianFeature LOVING the Slippery Paralympian Jasmin Bambur competes in snow skiing as Serbia’s first representative in the games. Slopes 1 6 Spinal Column BYJANE M. SANDERS w w w. s p i n a l c o l u m n . o r g A competitive spirit, lots of training, an adrenaline rush and a feeling of freedom from his wheelchair propelled Jasmin Bambur to the ski slopes of Vancouver, Canada, in March for his first Paralympic Winter Games. Specializing in speed, he competed in five skiing events – slalom, giant slalom, super G, super combined and downhill – for the Paralympic team from Serbia, Jasmin’s native country. He is the first Serbian to compete in the Paralympics. Results, which were not available at press time, are available at www.vancouver2010.com/paralympic-games. “Everything is possible,” Jasmin said earlier this winter. “I’m going for a medal at the Paralympics.” But he noted that the competition is stiff from more than 200 Paralympic skiers from around the world. His previous wins include third place in the super G in the Europa Cup Finals in 2008 and second place in that event in 2008 in the U.S. Nationals. Always an athlete, Jasmin played soccer, basketball and tennis and then found his passion in team handball, which is popular in Europe. In winter 2000, while a student at Middle Georgia College in Cochran, Ga., Jasmin played for the U.S. handball team. One night after a long day of training, he was driving home and fell asleep at the wheel just a minute from his house. He crashed his car and sustained a T-9 to -10 complete spinal cord injury, which made him a paraplegic. During his rehabilitation at Shepherd Center, Jasmin struggled with depression, he says. But former Shepherd therapeutic recreation therapist Joy Burns encouraged Jasmin to find a new outlet for his athletic interest. “Joy came to my room and brought an album with pictures,” he recalls. “She made me look at it – the pictures of her and another guy in a wheelchair doing all kinds of activities all over the world. I said, ‘Whatever. See you later.’ “Then, later on, the guy in the photos (Bert Burns, Joy’s husband) came to my room to shake my hand,” Jasmin adds. “He was a quadriplegic and a Paralympic gold medalist, and I thought, ‘If he can do it, I can do it 10 times better.’ From that day forward, I was doing all kinds of stuff. Life goes on, and I’m doing what I was doing before the injury – just a little differently.” Joy, who now runs a urological supply company, UroMed Inc., with her husband Bert, says: “The first time I met Jasmin, I knew he would be a hard patient to reach about the significance wheelchair sports could have in his life. His athleticism was obvious and could make him good in sports, but his accomplishments in organized sports made him skeptical about how competitive and real disabled sports are. Having a peer like Bert, who had achieved much in disabled sports, talk with Jasmin provided motivation to him of what his future could be.” Once Jasmin decided he could return to sports, he played wheelchair tennis and basketball, and also participated in water skiing with Shepherd groups. Then, nine months after his injury, Jasmin traveled to Breckenridge, Colo., to snow ski with a Shepherd group. “I had a blast and knew this was the sport for me,” Jasmin says. “Ever since I got in a wheelchair, I’ve been trying to get out of it. When I’m skiing, I feel completely free.” Jasmin has been actively ski racing for three years now. In 2008, he qualified for the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games to compete for Serbia. As a resident alien in the United States and the husband of an American woman, he stayed in the country to train for the Paralympics at the National Sports Center for the Disabled in Winter Park, Colo. Along the way, Jasmin sustained some injuries while training. In 2008, he was able to race for only one month after he crashed at 65 miles an hour, breaking his collarbone on the left side. “Welcome to the life of ski racing,” he says. “I’m a big risk taker. The thrill is worth it. The adrenaline level is unbelievable. “Welcome to the life of ski racing. I’m a big risk taker. The thrill is worth it. The adrenaline level is unbelievable. You don’t really realize you’re going 65-plus miles an hour.” — Jasmin Bambur You don’t really realize you’re going 65-plus miles an hour. I don’t want to think about it.” Jasmin’s road to the Vancouver games was also slowed in 2008 by an infection in his leg; it required numerous surgeries. Still, he persisted, returned to training and raced again last year. With the Vancouver games behind him, Jasmin plans to continue competing through 2014 so he can go to the Paralympics in Russia, where, for the first time, Paralympic skiers will use the same venue as able-bodied racers. “Mono-skiing is getting more advanced, and the technology, as well as the racers, are getting better,” Jasmin explains. Having found his new passion in ski racing, Jasmin encourages other people with disabilities to find a sport or other activity they enjoy. He says he often tells people there are about 100,000 things an able-bodied person can do and about 99,000 things he can do as a person who uses a wheelchair. “But all of us can only do about 20 things per day because that’s all that time allows,” he adds. For more information on Jasmin, see www.teambambur.com. Above, Left: Former SCI patient Jasmin Bambur competed in the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games. Above, Right: Jasmin and his wife moved to Winter Park, Colo., so he could train for the games. Spring 2010 1 7 ManagedCareCorner When Insurers Say No Experts explain how to initiate a managed care appeal – or at least successfully navigate the process. BY AMANDA CROWE, MA, MPH If you’ve ever been denied health coverage by your insurance company, you’re in good company. According to the AARP, 500,000 claims are denied daily. Fighting with insurers can be a hassle, but for people recovering from spinal cord injuries (SCI), getting the recommended rehabilitation and treatments in a timely manner can be the difference between walking again or not. “Existing guidelines that insurers use to make clinical decisions cover rehabilitation in general; they aren’t specific to the long-term manageAbove: Colleen ment of traumatic injuries,” says ColMcCrory is director of marketing and leen McCrory, director of marketing managed care. and managed care at Shepherd Julie Leighton is an Center. “The problem is that you admissions liaison. can’t put a person with these types of injuries in a general box. They have very specific and specialized needs.” At Shepherd, one of the primary requests to insurers is for approval of a certain level of care as medically necessary during admissions and/or transfers from other facilities, according to Julie Leighton, RN, BSN, CCM, CRRN, New England admissions liaison for Shepherd Center. But denials are common, and she spends much of her time advocating on behalf of patients and families to get them the care they need. “You have to know what the denial has been based upon and what you are appealing,” Leighton says, “It’s important to be organized and familiar with the [appeals] process from the start.” Typically, three levels of appeals are available. The first is usually a peer-to-peer appeal in which a doctor will speak to the insurer’s medical director. The second level is usually presented as written documentation compiled by the family that states why a certain service or treatment should be approved. At the third level, the file will receive a full review by an appropriate specialist. 1 8 Spinal Column Tips for Successfully Navigating the Appeals Process Initiating and being persistent throughout the appeals process can be frustrating. Use the following tips to help your chances of success: out why care has been denied. Is it because the 1] Find insurer is not willing to pay for a certain level of care? Perhaps the care facility isn’t within the designated treatment area or is seen as a lateral transfer, or maybe the requested service or procedure is not a covered benefit. The latter is generally the most difficult to appeal. the language. Once you know what you are 2] Know appealing, review the fine print in your health plan, especially any exclusions. For example, some plans won’t cover care for injuries sustained in an accident that was drug- or alcohol-related on the part of the patient. “It can become a mincing of words,” Leighton says. “If a plan specifies that transportation must be to the ‘nearest facility,’ it doesn’t leave too much room for an appeal. But if it states the ‘nearest appropriate facility,’ then there is room to make the case.” a case. Demonstrate why a particular therapy or 3] Build test is needed. Rely on facts rather than emotion. a paper trail. File all requests in writing and 4] Keep send any correspondence by fax and certified mail with return receipt. Also, keep a record of everyone you have talked to, along with the date, time and what was discussed. miss deadlines. Doing so can jeopardize the 5] Don’t process, and expediting the appeals process is especially critical when it comes to SCI when every day of rehabilitation counts. for allies. There are resources available to help. 6] Look Forty-six states have health care advocates who review denials and file appeals. Most hospitals now have patient advocates or ombudsmen who can help. There are also organizations that can help, including the Patient Advocate Foundation (www.patientadvocate.org) and Advocacy for Patients with Chronic Illness (www.advocacyforpatients.org). persistent. Understand the process and don’t take 7] Be ‘no’ for an answer until you’ve exhausted all options. make a difference. Appeals direct from 8] Families patients and families can sometimes carry more weight because they are the ones paying monthly premiums. “As unique as spinal cord injuries are, there are no steadfast rules, so requests for care need to be medically reviewed to determine appropriate care,” McCrory notes. Shepherd is aiming to change the landscape of health insurance by informing best practices and helping to create disease management rehabilitation management guidelines for SCI and traumatic brain injuries that can be adopted and used as the gold standard, she adds. w w w. s p i n a l c o l u m n . o r g Research A Focus on Safety Shepherd researchers are developing a stateof-the-art questionnaire to assess and reduce unintentional injuries following TBI. BY AMANDA CROWE, MA, MPH Those who have sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) often face a long road to recovery. Not only do survivors have difficulty performing previously mastered tasks like walking, driving and living independently, but they may also be at greater risk for unintentional injuries once they return home. Although safety is often described as the “Holy Grail” of rehabilitation, safety research following TBI has been largely neglected. Yet unintentional injuries after TBI are a serious public health problem that can result in additional disability or even death. The good news is that most of these injuries are not related to random accidents, but are, instead, predictable and preventable if properly assessed. Now, with a three-year, $600,000 grant from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, Shepherd Center is leading a study to assess safety risk after TBI. “Safety is an overriding concern in rehabilitation, and it’s always on family members’ minds as loved ones transition home,” says Ron Seel, Ph.D., director of acquired brain injury research at Shepherd Center and lead investigator for this study. “Yet there is little research specific to safety after brain injury, and no validated scales to help clinicians and caregivers determine a person’s safety risk once they are back in the community, their house or in social situations.” Since receiving the grant, Dr. Seel and his team have been developing and testing what they hope will be an easy-to-use questionnaire to assess a wide range of potential safety issues that people with TBI face in everyday living situations. Some common safety concerns Dr. Seel cites include: • Risk of falls. This is especially likely if the person has residual problems with balance, vision or use of their legs. • Impact of cognitive impairments. Upon returning home, simply operating everyday appliances or electrical equipment or taking medications can pose a risk. For example, someone recovering from TBI may severely cut themselves, mix dangerous chemicals, forget to turn off the oven or burner, or take too much or miss doses of needed medications. • Challenges exercising good judgment. People may be more susceptible to making bad decisions such as giving money to strangers, going off with strangers, or ignoring medical recommendations. In extreme cases, people cannot control their behavior and emotions and can become aggressive, violent or engage in sexual or other high-risk behaviors. “We are assessing the risk for unintentional injury across different areas – physical ability, cognitive capacity, safety judgment and impulsivity,” Dr. Seel says. “We want to devise a safety risk scale that is useful for families to complete and understand. Then, we can help predict and reduce additional injury and hardship.” So far, the 120-item questionnaire, which eventually will be cut to about 50 items for use in the field, has been evaluated by several focus groups, which included caregivers and rehabilitation specialists to assure the items address real-life concerns and are easily understood. Dr. Seel and his team will collect data at “We want to devise a safety risk scale that is useful for families to complete and understand. Then, we can help predict and reduce additional injury and hardship.” — Ron Seel, Ph.D. Shepherd Pathways, a TBI comprehensive rehabilitation day program; Shepherd's Marcus Community Bridge Program, a postrehabilitation case management service; the Side-by-Side Brain Injury Clubhouse; and Restore Neurobehavioral Center, a postacute facility that provides treatment for significant behavior issues. “We want people with brain injuries to safely return to their pre-injury lifestyle,” says Stephen Macciocchi, Ph.D., ABPP, director of Shepherd’s Rehabilitation Psychology and Neuropsychology Department and co-investigator of the study. “Our research should help staff and family members identify safety problems before they occur, which should make caregiving easier and less demanding, not to mention safer.” Shepherd is also getting feedback and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. And to further demonstrate Shepherd Center’s commitment to safety issues, safety was recently added to the hospital’s mission statement to guide everyday research and practice. + Above, Left: Ron Seel, Ph.D., is the director of brain injury research at Shepherd. Above, Right: Stephen Macciocchi, Ph.D., ABPP, is director of Shepherd’s Rehabilitation Psychology and Neuropsychology Department. Spring 2010 1 9 Photo by Gary Meek PatientProfile Return to Practicing Dentistry Former brain injury patient Melissa Durand, DMD, makes a full recovery. BY BILL SANDERS Everyone was on their way to church – the Durands, the people in the car in front of them and the ones behind them – when the driver of an oncoming truck, whose tires slipped off the road and prompted him to overcorrect, hit the Durands head on. It was Feb. 10, 2008, and Cumming, Ga., dentist Melissa Durand, DMD, was driving to church with her husband in the passenger seat and her two young children in the back. The next thing she remembers, she was three weeks into a five-week stay at Shepherd Center. When the driver of the truck overcorrected and hit the Durands, Melissa’s husband Bert and their two children were essentially uninjured. Meanwhile, first responders presumed Melissa was dying at the scene of the accident. “I have a patient who works in the vehicular homicide department, and they were the ones called,” Melissa says. “They are called when someone is killed or if it looks like they might be.” 2 0 Spinal Column + Darryl Kaelin, M.D., medical director of Shepherd’s Acquired Brain Injury Program, describes Melissa’s brain injury as severe. That she is back to practicing dentistry is a testament to her hard work throughout rehabilitation, he notes. w w w. s p i n a l c o l u m n . o r g “I had seen others going through driving instruction while I was at Shepherd. What I got (elsewhere) wasn’t nearly that extensive. It made me glad that I stayed at Pathways as long as I did because if I had gone elsewhere to get all the other therapies, I’m sure they wouldn’t have been as good either.” “Bert handed the kids over to the people in the car behind us, who as it turns out, I knew, but at the time, he didn’t know that,” she adds. “He was talking to me until the paramedics got there, and eventually I was cut out of the car and airlifted to the hospital.” Melissa sustained a fracture to her C-2 vertebra, a broken pelvic bone, a broken lower right leg and a traumatic brain injury. When she got to Shepherd, her life was no longer in danger, but exactly how much of her brain function would return was unknown. “I needed to get back to a higher level than most brain injury patients had to if I was going to come back to being a dentist,” Melissa explains. “I don’t remember having to relearn things, but I remember having to do so much math work – simple math at first, like seven plus two equals nine – but progressively, it was harder. And I don’t like math.” The exercise, a common one for brain injury patients, was intended to get Melissa’s brain used to thinking in complex ways again. Darryl Kaelin, M.D., medical director of Shepherd’s Acquired Brain Injury Program, describes Melissa’s brain injury as severe. That she is back to practicing dentistry is a testament to her hard work throughout rehabilitation, he notes. “I won’t say I’m surprised by her recovery, but I am really pleased by it,” Dr. Kaelin says. “Shortly before leaving Shepherd, she had a lot of cognitive issues remaining, and they were of a moderate severity level. She’d made improvements, but she had a long way to go. She continued making progress, and we looked at the requirements for the Georgia dental licensing board and had her go back to the Medical College of Georgia and do some work with previous instructors – kind of like a refresher course. “Afterwards, we had her work alongside a dentist who was covering her practice in Cumming, and then she started doing things with that dentist supervising,” he adds. “By August 2009, she was back to practicing in a full way.” Looking back, it was the physical therapy on her leg that was the hardest. “It was worse than having babies,” Melissa says. “But still, Shepherd was unbelievable. I was an inpatient and then at Shepherd Pathways until June 2008. We all wanted to get back to our home, having been in Atlanta for four months. So I ended up doing some of my physical therapy and occupational therapy for driving near my home. “Looking back on things like the driving instruction, it Photo Courtesy of Melissa Durand + was so much more thorough at Shepherd than where I went,” she adds. “I had seen others going through it while I was there. What I Facing Page: Melissa Durand, DMD, got wasn’t that returned to her dental practice after brain extensive. It injury rehabilitation at Shepherd Center. made me glad Above: Melissa's husband, Bert, and their children were not injured in the head-on that I stayed at Pathways as long collision that injured Melissa's brain. as I did because if I had gone elsewhere to get all the other therapies, I’m sure they wouldn’t have been as good either.” Melissa’s father, Bobby Thomas, has a better perspective of Melissa’s care at Shepherd than even she does. “As is the case with brain injuries, she didn’t think anything was wrong with her other than her leg and pelvis,” Bobby recalls. “She was very irritable and confused, and the staff at Shepherd was very patient with her. Melissa’s behavior wasn’t always cordial, but, of course, it was because of the brain injury. “I think the care that she got at Shepherd was first class,” he adds. Today, Melissa is almost symptom free. She still can’t straighten her right leg totally, but it is within five degrees of being straight. The nerve damage she had in her foot is gone as is most of the pain in her pelvis. And as far as brain function, she’s totally back to normal. “I’m hard-headed, so I knew I’d be back as a dentist,” Melissa says. “When I first came back, I wasn’t doing anything other than checking patients’ hygiene and such. Now, I’m back to doing everything.” And as far as the emotional trauma goes, Melissa says she has none. “I don’t remember any of it, so driving is not a problem,” she explains. “I asked Dr. Kaelin if I was in a coma or a drug-induced coma. He said no, that I couldn’t remember any of it because of post-traumatic amnesia.” Melissa works three days a week at her dental practice. And as a mom of two young children, she works seven days a week at home. + To read this story and view more photographs online, https://s3.amazonaws.com/basec/269375/4369008/Darvisit www.spinalcolumn.org Spring 2010 2 1 Q+A ask the DOC Shepherd Center physicians answer medical questions from patients and family members. Q:The doctor said my son, who sustained a traumatic brain injury, may have developed a complication called hydrocephalus. What is that and how is it treated? don’t address current symptoms. A newly approved drug may change that. The Andrew C. Carlos MS Institute at Shepherd has participated in three clinical trials of a drug that potentially improves walking for people with MS. A: Our brains continuously produce, circulate and drain a fluid called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). When the brain is injured, Ampyra (dalfampridine) is an oral therapy that works by post-traumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) usually occurs because blocking potassium channels in the brain and spinal cord. blood products or inflammatory agents block the circulation Doing so may lead to better function in nerve fibers affected of CSF and interfere with its drainage or absorption. by MS. Ampyra received FDA approval on Jan. 22, 2010 and is expected to be available through specialty pharmacies Basically this leads to an imbalance between CSF beginning this spring. production and absorption, leading to a buildup of CSF around the brain. This buildup of fluid can lead to increased pressure in the brain. PTH is a frequent and serious complication that can occur following a traumatic brain injury (TBI), but if recognized, it is one of the most treatable neurosurgical complications during rehabilitation of TBI. Ampyra studies in MS examined the speed of walking measured by a timed, 25-foot walk. On average, about 40 percent of people tested showed improved walking speed when taking Ampyra. The drug appeared effective regardless of whether the person had relapsing remitting MS or a progressive form of the disease. PTH may begin during the early stages of a TBI but not be apparent until much later. But it usually is diagnosed Ampyra appears to be a safe drug. There is a slight risk of within the first year after the injury. Symptoms can include a seizures, and its use in people with epilepsy or any history decreased level of consciousness, changes in behavior, lack of seizures would be contraindicated. Also, we would be of coordination or balance, increased tone or spasticity, and cautious about using Ampyra in people with a history of loss of the ability to hold urine. Patients may demonstrate a kidney disease because the risk of seizures may be higher in gradual decline in functional status or may show a failure to this group, as well. — Ben Thrower, M.D improve. The decline in functioning may initially be observed by their therapy team. Treatment may include draining CSF through a small plastic tube called a shunt. The shunt typically runs under the skin from the head to the abdomen, where the fluid drains and is reabsorbed by the body. PTH should be considered in any patient who worsens or fails to progress adequately. Patients with meningitis or certain types of brain hemorrhages are particularly at risk for developing hydrocephalus.— Payal Fadia, M.D. Submit your questions for “Ask the Doc” to [email protected]. CONTRIBUTORS Q: How can the new, FDA-approved MS drug Ampyra help me? A:Walking impairment is unfortunately quite common in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Surveys by the National MS Society show that as many as 90 percent of people with MS note that their walking has been affected. Much MS research focuses on slowing or stopping the progressive course of the disease. The disease-modifying therapies are vitally important in MS management, but 2 2 Spinal Column Payal Fadia, M.D., Staff Physiatrist in Shepherd Center's ABI Program Ben Thrower, M.D., Medical Director, MS Institute at Shepherd Center w w w. s p i n a l c o l u m n . o r g Q&A Q+A with Andrew Zadoff, M.D., Medical Director, ICU and Pulmonary Services INTERVIEWED BY JANE M. SANDERS + To read this story online, visit www.spinalcolumn.org Q: Y ou see patients when they are experiencing a difficult time medically – and emotionally, too. How do you approach this situation as a physician? Q:How do you work with your physician assistant and the Shepherd respiratory therapy staff to provide excellent care to ICU patients? A:When patients first come to the ICU, my biggest concern is making sure I understand all the details of their health issues. So I do a complete medical history and physical exam to find out about any pre-existing conditions and any illnesses that occurred during their acute care hospital stay. Then I develop a framework of medical conditions that I need to address. There are some things I can fix quickly and others we address with a long-term plan. Their neurological status is addressed by the rehabilitation physician. A:My physician assistant is Karen Kline, and she does an excellent job. We’ve worked together for almost 20 years. I trust her completely. She is basically my right arm. Karen acts as another set of eyes and ears and helps tremendously in balancing the volume of patients we care for. If the patient is on a mechanical ventilator, I assess their current and potential respiratory function given their injury. Then I talk to the patient and their family about the problem with their lungs, how long it might last and what evaluations we can do to show progress in getting them off the ventilator eventually. Q:Reviewing your 25-plus years of consulting at Shepherd Center, what would you cite as the most significant medical advances that have helped patients at the intensive care stage and in respiratory therapy? A: W e have found in the medical literature, as well as our own experience, some things that have improved our ability to get people better faster. These developments include better respiratory secretion control, more specific ventilator weaning criteria to give patients the best chance at success and, from our own experience, we’ve learned how to talk to patients to help them understand their time on the ventilator so we can all reach the same goal of weaning. The Shepherd respiratory therapy staff is absolutely excellent. We are very lucky to have a number of staff members who are dedicated to caring for spinal cord and brain injury patients. They enjoy their jobs and are given independence under supervision in providing care. Q:Why did you become a physician and choose pulmonology as your specialty? A:I did not plan to be a physician. I wanted to be a research chemist. It was kind of a backwards way of getting into medicine. I was not interested in patient care, but the people who advised me in college suggested that I pursue an M.D./Ph.D. degree so I would have more jobs available to me. Then I got into medical school and, to my surprise, I enjoyed patient care so much that I never went back to research. I enjoy pulmonology because I like critical care medicine. The people who trained me trained me to understand the physiology of critical illness and to look at different avenues and keep an open mind in terms of treatment of patients to get the best possible care. INTERESTING FACTS: First Started Consulting at Shepherd Center: 1984 Technologically, one of the biggest advances is the NeuRXTM Diaphragmatic Pacing System (DPS), which is an implanted device that helps ventilator-dependent patients wean off the ventilator. The vast majority of patients do not need this technology, but it is a significant development for the patients who do need it. Q:What are a couple of the frequently asked questions you hear from ICU patients and their families, and how do you answer them? A:Other questions relate to pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and emphysema. Patients want to know how to manage those conditions now that they have a spinal cord or brain injury. So I give them the framework of how we’re going to go forward with treatment. I try to be realistic and honest with patients about how we’re going to approach the problem. ANDREW ZADOFF, M.D. Medical School: University of Miami Residency: University of Miami Board Certification: Internal Medicine and Pulmonary Medicine Random Facts: • Dr. Zadoff enjoys playing golf and snow skiing, especially in Colorado. • He grew up in Florida and never saw snow until he was in his thirties. • Dr. Zadoff has been an avid bridge player for more than 40 years. He used to play in tournaments. Now, he plays with the same group of guys he’s played with since his school days. His regular bridge partner has been a friend since he was 10 years old. Spring 2010 2 3 ShepherdAlums BY KAYLA EUBANKS T.C. Jones of Powhatan, Va. Ali Peppe, of Medford, Mass. Gregg Gilmer of Salina, Kan. FROM NEAR AND FAR Lindsey Spivey of Hampton, Ga. Gregg Gilmer of Salina, Kan., spends weekends with his family, including three grandchildren he loves to spoil. He understands even more than ever before how important they are to him. “On July 4, 2008, my son, a friend of his and I were mountain biking in Pooler (Ga.) City Park when I wrecked and broke my back,” Gregg says. “I was diagnosed with a T-5 spinal cord injury, and after a couple of weeks in a Savannah hospital, I was 2 4 Spinal Column Former Shepherd Center patients from across the nation report on their productive lives post-injury. transferred to Shepherd Center.” After his time at Shepherd, Gregg and his wife returned to Pooler. Then, they sold their home and returned to Salina, Kan., to be with family and friends. “Since I’ve returned home, we bought a minivan that had been converted for wheelchair use and handicapped driving, and I received my driver’s license,” Gregg says. “I also started working at America Jet, a business where I had worked for 30 years in aircraft maintenance. Now, I manage the parts room where I work four afternoons a week. “My faith in Jesus Christ got me through my accident knowing he has something for me to do for his kingdom. If I ever walk again, it will be because of Him,” Gregg adds. T.C. Jones of Powhatan, Va., never imagined he would become an advocate for people with disabilities – at least not until he returned to college after a snoww w w. s p i n a l c o l u m n . o r g boarding accident left him with a C-7 spinal cord injury. T.C. went off a jump, clipped his snowboard on the landing and tumbled down, breaking his neck. He had recently completed his first semester at Virginia Tech, where he was studying computer science. After spending about three months at Shepherd Center, T.C. went home in June 2007. In August of that year, he decided to return to college. “It was challenging at first because the Virginia Tech campus is so large,” T.C. explains. “I had to learn to maneuver around different terrains and make a mental map of sidewalks, steps and ramps.” Shortly after, T.C. was asked to serve as the only student on the ADA executive board and the Services for Students with Disabilities Committee at the university. It was here he discovered he was one of only 10 professors and students who use wheelchairs on campus. “I never felt that VT ignored students with disabilities,” T.C. says. “It’s just that it was such a small percentage of the student population, so sometimes things were overlooked,” he says. “For example, the cafeteria got rid of trays because students get more food, and therefore more waste, when they use trays. But for me, I needed the tray to maneuver through.” T.C. has helped Virginia Tech devise other solutions for assisting people with disabilities, including maintaining the elevators and putting power doors on popular buildings. “I feel like my experience has a purpose,” T.C. adds. It was Labor Day weekend 2007. Ali Peppe of Medford, Mass., was celebrating the end of summer at a lake in Maine. On Monday, she would start her nursing school clinical rotation. What was meant to be a fun activity turned out to change Ali’s career path forever. A dive from the dock into the lake sent Ali to the hospital with a C5-6 spinal cord injury. After five weeks at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, she was transferred to Shepherd Center, where she spent the next three and a half months in rehabilitation. “When I left Shepherd, I reevaluated where my life was going,” Ali says. “I’d always wanted to help people and have a positive impact on their lives, which is why I was in nursing school at the time of my accident. But after my time at Shepherd Center, I realized I wanted to help people in a different way.” Ali switched focus and now intends to pursue a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling. “My experience being a person who’s been there will help,” Ali says. “I know as a patient, I appreciated when I was able to relate to those helping me get better. When someone knows where you are coming from, treatment can be a more positive experience.” Driving home from work on a June afternoon, something happened that made Lindsey Spivey of Hampton, Ga., veer off the road, run her car down an embankment and hit a tree head on. But Lindsey doesn’t remember what that something was. In fact, the traumatic brain injury she sustained because of the accident left her with no memories of 2007. She doesn’t remember much from her four months at Shepherd Center, either. What she does recall is the encouragement and assistance she received from Shepherd’s Marcus Community Bridge Program after her time at Shepherd Pathways was complete. “Barbara Teague was instrumental in helping me get my life back on track,” Lindsey says. “She heard me when I said I wanted to go back to school and immediately helped me develop a plan to help better my social skills and start driving again.” Their efforts paid off. Today, Lindsey attends Gordon College and will soon transfer to Clayton State University, where she will study to become a certified nurse assistant – something Barbara encouraged her to consider after learning more about Lindsey’s goals. “Without the Marcus team, I could not have the success in everyday life that I have now, especially going to college,” Lindsey says. When Lindsey isn’t busy studying, she can be found volunteering at the Clayton County Department of Family and Children Services and Fayette Community Hospital, playing wheelchair basketball with Henry County Recreational Sports, or giving her testimony to churches internationally. What’s New? We want to stay current on any personal or professional news in your life. Send us an update and a photo (we’ll return it to you): Jane Sanders, Spinal Column Magazine, 2020 Peachtree Rd., N.W., Atlanta, GA, 30309. You can also e-mail us at [email protected]. Spring 2010 2 5 FoundationFeatures Photo by Leita Cowart Spring 2010 Volunteer Profile: ANN BORISKIE Brain injury survivor directs peer visitor program. BY LAUREN ANGELO After sustaining a brain injury, patients at Shepherd Center require a tremendous support system as they work toward recovery. Sometimes, however, the greatest encouragement comes from someone who has survived a similar injury and can relate in a way that others cannot. Thanks to volunteer and former brain injury patient Ann Boriskie and her development of the Brain Injury Peer Visitor Association, patients at Shepherd now benefit from the support of people who have recovered from a brain injury and can share their experiences and empathy while providing patients with renewed hope. The journey that led Ann to found the Brain Injury Peer Visitor Association began in 1998 when she was seriously injured in a car accident. Doctors treated Ann for multiple injuries, but did not diagnose her with a brain injury until a year after the accident. Ann had trouble remembering things from her past and often got lost while driving familiar routes. She says she felt completely alone, even contemplating suicide at one point. As she worked through her grief, Ann began to realize she could be a great champion for the brain-injured. “When I went through this, I had no one,” Ann says. “It became my mission to help others going through the same ordeal. It’s what kept me going.” 2 6 Spinal Column Today, the Brain Injury Peer Visitor Association has 65 trained volunteers who conduct peer visits. All have either recovered from brain injuries themselves, or are family or caregivers of a brain injury survivor. They visit patients who have sustained any type of brain injury and lend support and encouragement from the perspective of someone who has “been there, done that.” The scope and depth of the volunteer work that runs the Brain Injury Peer Visitor Association is remarkable. As of January of this year, 3,210 peer visits had been completed and 7,500 volunteer hours had been donated, with Ann Boriskie personally donating more than 4,000 hours. The volunteers lend a supportive ear to patients and their family members while modeling how it is possible to thrive after sustaining a serious brain injury. Volunteers also distribute packets of information about brain injuries that Ann developed after struggling to find information about her own injury. When describing what peer visiting means to her on a personal level, Ann says, “It is one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had.” As the director, Ann has worked with many different people, including hospital coordinators, survivors, caregivers and her entire team of volunteers. Ivy Oxendine, manager of Shepherd’s Volunteer Services, shows much appreciation for the work Ann does to train and coordinate Shepherd Center’s peer visitors. “Ann's passion for helping other brain injury survivors shows through in her dedication to the Brain Injury Peer Visitor Association,” Ivy says. “She applies her own experiences with the recovery process to provide the best encouragement and support she can to patients and their families.” “Ann's passion for helping other brain injury survivors shows through in her dedication… She applies her own experiences with the recovery process to provide the best encouragement and support she can to patients and their families.” — Ivy Oxendine, Shepherd Volunteer Services Ann emphasizes to brain injury survivors that they will continue to see improvement in themselves for many years after their injuries. “I can do more now than last year and the year before that,” Ann says. “Even 12 years after my brain injury, I am still getting better. You can get better if you want to – if you push yourself and keep trying to learn and do things that you cannot do. Also, part of your improvement is confidence and believing in yourself. You can do it.” Above: Brain Injury Peer Visitor Association founder and director Ann Boriskie trains volunteers, such as Allen London, as peer visitors for brain injury patients at Shepherd Center. w w w. s p i n a l c o l u m n . o r g Photo by Bonnie Hardage Donors Give to Shepherd Center Renovation Project, Providing More Private Rooms for Patients An anonymous friend of Shepherd Center has pledged a generous $1.5 million gift in the form of a challenge grant to support the hospital’s $9.8 million renovation project. The gift requires that an additional $1.5 million be raised by Dec. 31, 2010. “The challenge grant endorses this important project and provides momentum to complete our fundraising goal in a difficult economic environment,” says Bonnie Hardage, director of major gifts for the Shepherd Center Foundation. “It also doubles the impact of gifts toward the campaign because of the one-to-one match.” Gifts to this fundraising campaign will allow Shepherd patients to stay in private rooms, resulting in reduced disruptions and risk of infection. “They will be able to focus on the most important thing – rebuilding their lives with independence, dignity and hope,” Hardage adds. In October 2009, Shepherd opened a new, 35,000-square-foot space for its Spinal Cord Injury Treatment and Rehabilitation Unit. The unit is now housed on the fifth floor of the MarcusWoodruff Building, part of a $53 million expansion project that began in 2007. The new unit offers 35 private patient rooms, a rehabilitation gym, classroom and conference room. As the renovation project continues, work is expected to get under way soon to renovate the second floor of the Shepherd Building to create an Acquired Brain Injury Unit that encompasses space in both the Marcus-Woodruff and Shepherd buildings. The project also includes improvements to Shepherd’s off-campus housing for out-of-town patients and their families. The renovation of the second floor of the Shepherd Building covers about 33,000 square feet. When completed, it will house 20 private rooms, which are important for infection control, and four semi-private rooms for a total of 28 beds for Acquired Brain Injury Unit patients. “Shepherd continues to grow to meet the needs of our patients,” Hardage says. “But to grow, we still rely on community support. Because of the decrease in giving across all sectors, the gifts donors make today are more meaningful and have a more direct impact on patients’ lives than ever before. We understand that it will take more donors making very thoughtful gifts to make this project a reality.” As of Feb. 5, Shepherd had raised $8.9 million in gifts and pledges, including the challenge grant, toward its $9.8 million goal. Those gifts include more than $163,000 given by Shepherd Center employees. For more information on giving, visit www.shepherd.org/charitable-giving/make-a-gift or contact Hardage at [email protected] or 404-367-1238. Above: A donor-funded renovation of the second floor of the Shepherd Building will provide 20 more private patient rooms, such as this one in the Marcus-Woodruff Building. Spring 2010 2 7 FoundationFeatures Pecans on Peachtree Fundraiser Sees Continued Success It was another successful year for the Shepherd Center Auxiliary’s annual holiday fundraiser, Pecans on Peachtree. Volunteers helped raise more than $70,000 for patient-related programs and Auxiliary operations at the hospital. Auxiliary members volunteered nearly 1,100 hours selling pecans from two locations inside the hospital, shipping pecans to hundreds of customers all over the United States and Canada, and hosting pecan parties in their homes or businesses. It was truly a group effort and much appreciated by everyone in the hospital. “Every year, I am amazed at the amount of time and energy that Auxiliary members put in to make this project successful,” says Midge Tracy, director of Volunteer Services. “Chairman Marla Bennett did an outstanding job of coordinating all the volunteers and making sure everything ran smoothly. We are grateful for Marla’s leadership and the Auxiliary’s willingness to do whatever it takes to raise funds for our patients.” Visit pecansonpeachtree.org beginning in October to view the 2010 Pecans on Peachtree catalog, or call Volunteer Services at 404-350-7315 for information. 2 8 Spinal Column New Foundation Board Leadership Cynthia McCague begins her term as chair of the Shepherd Center Foundation Board. Completing a successful, one-year term as chair of the Shepherd Center Foundation Board, Doug Lindauer turned over the chairmanship reins to Cynthia McCague on April 1. Doug, who is senior vice president of sales and marketing for Turner Network Sales, helped launch a $9.8 million fundraising campaign to complete the fifth floor of the Marcus-Woodruff Building in 2009 and renovate the second floor of the Shepherd Building beginning this summer. Even with an aggressive campaign timeline amidst a difficult economy, the efforts of the Board and Campaign Cabinet are Above: Succeeding expected to pay Doug Lindauer off by the end of as chair of the Foundation Board 2010. is Cynthia McCague. “Doug led the Board with great enthusiasm and passion for Shepherd Center, and the hospital is grateful for the endless time and energy he put into the leadership role,” says Scott Sikes, executive director of the Shepherd Center Foundation. Succeeding Doug as chairman is fellow trustee Cynthia McCague. She has served on the Board since April 2005. “The Foundation Board has thrived with a history of strong leadership, and Cynthia will no doubt continue this legacy,” Scott says. Cynthia is the retiring senior vice president and global head of human resources for The Coca-Cola Company. She has worked across the global Coca-Cola business network for almost 28 years. Cynthia is known for her passion and commitment to driving growth for the business, her courage and vision, and for her coaching and personal investment in developing talent and true leaders. Before her career with Coca-Cola, Cynthia worked in manufacturing and local government. A native of the United States, she holds dual U.S. and British citizenship. Cynthia has worked in more than 40 countries and lived in six countries on three continents. Cynthia’s experiences in her life and work have allowed her to become a true global citizen and executive, demonstrating an ability to lead and influence results across a wide range of cultures globally. Cynthia is a graduate of the University of Florida, with a bachelor of science degree in journalism and communications. She is a member of Human Resources 50, a community of the most senior HR executives from respected and successful multi-national companies. In 2009, she was cited by Business to Business magazine as one of 10 “Women of Excellence.” Cynthia and her husband, Jonathan, are making Sarasota, Fla., their primary home base as they transition to “Chapter Two” of their lives. — Brittany Wilson w w w. s p i n a l c o l u m n . o r g Junior Committee Announces New Venue for Derby Day 2010 Can’t make it to Louisville for the Kentucky Derby this year? Join us for Shepherd Center’s 28th annual Derby Day, which has become Atlanta’s largest Kentucky Derby-themed fundraising event. Derby Day will be held at an exciting new location this year, according to the Shepherd Center Junior Committee, which plans the fundraising event. Held at Foxhall Farm west of Atlanta for the past 15 years, this May’s mint-julep soirée will move east of Atlanta to the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers. As the site of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games equestrian competitions, the park will offer guests a touch of Kentucky and more. All proceeds generated from the event support Shepherd Center’s Therapeutic Recreation Program. Last year's event raised $200,000 in net proceeds for the program, which is a vital part of rehabilitation and therapy for patients. Therapeutic recreation helps improve physical, cognitive and social functioning so patients can return to lifestyles that are as independent, active and healthy as possible. The program gives patients opportunities to get involved with hobbies and activities they enjoyed before their injury or illness, as well as the opportunity to learn new skills, often with the help of adaptive equipment. Therapeutic recreation, however, is not covered by insurance, therefore making it imperative that the Junior Committee raise as much money as it can for this crucial program. Derby Day is scheduled for May 1, a great time to enjoy the Georgia International Horse Park’s sprawling 1,400 acres of picturesque meadows. Guests will enjoy an afternoon of big hats and seersucker suits while bidding in the live and silent auctions, sampling southern food staples, sipping on spring’s favorite beverages, dancing to the music of Yacht Rock and watching the Kentucky Derby on big-screen TVs. The live and silent auctions will feature such wonderful items as a one-year lease on an apartment, Colorado ski trips, UGA football season tickets, resort stays, electronics, home furnishings and more. Want to have seats on Shepherd’s Millionaire’s Row? Derby Day sponsors enjoy the special treatment with upgraded amenities, such as their own televisions for viewing the Derby, luxury restrooms, drinks delivered to them and a few food items not available in the patron tent. With Derby Day co-chairs Miller Jackson and Kirk Martin in charge, this year’s event promises to be an amazing experience for everyone involved. With the unfortunate state of the economy, the Junior Committee is committed to working even harder to raise these necessary funds for today’s and tomorrow’s patients. For information on how to become a sponsor for Derby Day 2010 or for ticket information, contact Anne Pearce at 404-3507302 or [email protected]. Or, visit www.derbyday.com. Above: Derby Day guests enjoy an afternoon of big hats and seersucker suits while bidding in live and silent auctions, sampling southern food staples, sipping on spring’s favorite beverages, dancing to the music of Yacht Rock and watching the Kentucky Derby on big-screen TVs. Alana Shepherd Receives Healthcare Georgia Foundation Community Service Award The Healthcare Georgia Foundation recently awarded its Joseph D. Greene Community Service Award for 2010 to Shepherd Center co-founder Alana Shepherd for her outstanding community service in the area of health. Alana was honored at an award reception on March 31 at the Westin Buckhead Atlanta hotel. The Above: Alana Shepherd presentation included a video about Alana that the Healthcare Georgia Foundation produced. “The Joseph D. Greene Community Service Award honors extraordinary individuals and nonprofit organizations that are committed to improving the quality of health and healthcare of those they serve,” says Symone McClain, director of grants management at the Foundation. “By recognizing those who inspire and lift others up, we hope that Mr. Greene’s legacy of community service will continue through the work of others.” Mr. Greene was a founding Healthcare Georgia Foundation board member. He helped steward the organization from its inception in 1999 through his retirement from the board in 2006. Mr. Green passed away in November 2007 after a battle with cancer. Alana was nominated for the Greene Community Service Award by Mark Johnson, Shepherd Center's director of advocacy. In his nomination, Mark said: “Alana is a role model for community leadership. She is a classic example of someone who has an idea and just won’t quit until it becomes a reality. She is known for her ability to galvanize support on the local, regional and national levels.” Spring 2010 2 9 Photos by Jim Fitts FoundationFeatures Legendary Party Committee Gets Royal Treatment at The Ritz-Carlton The Legendary Party Committee gathered in the Gallery of The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead on Feb. 24 for a luncheon meeting to kick off this year’s fundraising efforts. Tricky Wolfes and Kathy Rainer of Parties To Die For created beautiful centerpieces with vases of white roses and hydrangeas surrounded by gorgeous blue glass globes and urns on each table. Shepherd Center CEO Gary Ulicny welcomed the committee members and thanked them for their support and fundraising efforts for the Shepherd Center Foundation. Gary explained that the Foundation will need to raise $11 million this year to provide patient care and quality-of-life services that are not covered by insurance. The proceeds from this year’s gala will support programs such as the Center’s Multiple Sclerosis General Support Fund, which provides funds for medicine and care for MS patients without insurance. Legendary Party Chairman Dorothy Mitchell-Leef, M.D., thanked the committee and introduced this year’s event theme, Legend of The Sun King, Reflections of Versailles. Dorothy envisions a very beautiful and elegant ball, which will celebrate the grandeur of the legendary renaissance French palace and famed gardens. Also, Dorothy discussed her experiences with Shepherd Center. As a fertility specialist, she has helped Shepherd patients realize their dream of parenthood. Dorothy explained her involvement with the ball through her friendship with Cyndae Arrendale, chairman of the 2009 Legendary Party. Cyndae is serving as cochair of this year’s fundraising committee with Steve Lore. Dorothy introduced Cindy and Bill Voyles, chairmen-elect, who will serve as chairmen in 2011. Cindy and Bill are longtime supporters of the Center and The Legendary Party. Dorothy recognized Eula Carlos, who is serving as honorary chairman of the gala. Mrs. Carlos has been a dedicated supporter and friend of 3 0 Spinal Column the Center. Her generous support of Shepherd’s Andrew C. Carlos MS Institute, named in memory of her late husband, provides care and services to numerous MS patients. The Ritz-Carlton provided an exquisite lunch that showed off the talents of their classically trained chefs. Diners enjoyed a duet of lobster entrees, followed by a main course of both prime rib and smoked short rib of beef in a wine reduction sauce, capped with a dessert of baba au rhaum. Of course, this is meant to foreshadow what will be a truly remarkable meal at The Legendary Party in November. For information about The Legendary Party, please contact Cara Puckett at 404-350-7778 or [email protected]. — Dean Melcher Top: Legendary Party 2010 chairman Dorothy Mitchell-Leef, M.D., introduces 2011 chairmen-elect Cindy and Bill Voyles at the kickoff luncheon on Feb. 24. Inset: Left to right, June Weitnauer, Carol Thompson and Claire Smith visit with Shepherd Center Foundation Senior Director of Planned Giving Ty Tippett at the event. Above, Left: Rebecca Webb, Heather Flint and Shepherd Center Foundation Major Gifts Director Bonnie Hardage discuss plans for The Legendary Party 2010. w w w. s p i n a l c o l u m n . o r g Football attracted about 150 people to the Shepherd Center Society’s Big Game Bash on Feb. 7 at the Bobby Jones Golf Course Clubhouse, but the guests left with a better awareness of Shepherd Center and the great things the hospital does. The event kicked off the 2010 fundraising season for the Shepherd Center Society (SCS), a volunteer group in its sophomore year. “Our three biggest goals for the party were to spread awareness of Shepherd Center, raise money and put on a good party. I know that we achieved our goals as evidenced by the large turnout and generosity of our donors.” says Will Lovell, Big Game Bash co-chair. The event’s other co-chair, Brandie Miner, adds, “This party was a great opportunity to gather professionals in their 20s, 30s and 40s for a low-key, casual event all in the name of Shepherd Center.” For the second year in a row, Sunbelt Technology has scored a touchdown by donating two flat-screen televisions, a large projection screen and their time to set up and take down the equipment to help provide SCS partygoers with a great experience. In addition to viewing the “Big Game,” guests enjoyed cold beverages and an assortment of “tailgating” food. Food sponsors were Jimmy John’s, Pero’s Pizza, the Piedmont/ Lindbergh, Roswell Road and Peachtree/Collier locations of Chick-fil-A, Zoe’s Kitchen and Piece of Cake. And what’s a football game without a little friendly competition? For a small donation, guests could participate in a few different contests based on the game. With the winner taking half, Shepherd Center walked home with a nice-sized donation. Mark your calendars for Sunday, Feb. 4, 2011. The next “Big Game” and the SCS bash will be here before you know it! For information about becoming a SCS member or sponsoring one of the group’s events, contact Anne Pearce at 404-350-7302 or [email protected]. Or, visit www.shepherdcentersociety.com. Photo By Brandie Miner Below: Ashley Brown, Fran McLeod, Kelly Redding and Mary Margaret Sheely enjoy the Shepherd Center Society’s Big Game Bash on Feb. 7. Photo By Gary Meek Big Game Bash Kicks Off 2010 for Shepherd Center Society Faith and Charity Shepherd’s chaplains bring hope to patients. Restoring hope, rebuilding lives. This is not just a slogan for Shepherd Center. These words guide the hospital’s approach to patients: We treat the whole person, not just the injury. Each patient is assigned to a team that includes doctors, nurses, therapists in a variety of disciplines, a counselor and a chaplain. Some team members work with patients to rebuild their lives, and others help restore hope. The multiple losses faced by most patients at Shepherd Center could exhaust anyone’s hope, strength and determination. Spiritual healing plays an important role in patients’ recoveries. “We are lucky to have support for faith as part of our treatment for patients,” says Chaplain Alan Roof. “We believe prayer and faith can play a tremendous role…. Faith can be the one thing that says hope is available when what’s happening all around them says there is no hope.” Shepherd Center’s Chaplaincy Program is designed to meet each patient’s specific and deeply personal spiritual needs. Funded entirely through donations, these services provide two specially trained chaplains who personally visit with patients and families, conduct worship and prayer services, Bible study and patient outings of a religious nature. Specially trained volunteers assist as Stephen ministers and Eucharist ministers, and on Sundays, volunteers and guests help with the music ministry in Shepherd’s fully accessible worship services for patients, families and staff. On average, more than 90 people attend. The operating expenses for this year are nearly $50,000, and all funding comes from donations to The Shepherd Center Foundation. Please help us continue this most important service to our patients and their families by making a gift to Shepherd Center’s Chaplaincy Fund. You can mail a check in the giving envelope enclosed in this issue of Spinal Column, online at shepherd.org, or contact Dean Melcher in the Foundation office at 404-350-7306 or [email protected]. Above: Shepherd Center Chaplain Alan Roof ministers to former patient Josh Vanderbush of Senoia, Ga. Spring 2010 3 1 FoundationFeatures Support the Shepherd Center Foundation’s Annual Fund join the Shepherd Center Giving Circle Shepherd Center Foundation’s Annual Fund provides funding for vital patient care and services throughout the hospital that are not typically paid for by insurance. Programs such as therapeutic recreation, temporary housing for out-of-town patient family members and assistive technology have proven vital to our patients’ outcomes. Beginning this year, Shepherd Center Foundation is launching The Circle of Giving. The Circle is comprised of three membership levels, and contributors will be recognized for their support in Spinal Column, as well as in the hospital’s Annual Report. The Circle of Healing will recognize donors at the $2,500 level; Circle of Hope donors are recognized for $1,000 gifts; and the Circle of Friends donors support the Annual Fund at $500. Please join the Circle today by sending your gift with the coupon below. For more information, please contact Dean Melcher in the Foundation office at (404) 350-7306 or [email protected]. Yes! I want to support Shepherd Center’s patient programs by enrolling in the Foundation’s Circle of Giving program. Enclosed is my tax-deductible gift of: ___ $2,500 for the Circle of Healing ___ $1,000 for the Circle of Hope ___ $500 for the Circle of Friends ___ Enclosed is my check payable to Shepherd Center Foundation. Please charge my donation on my __Visa, __MC, __AMEX, __DISC Card #_____________________________________ Exp._________________ Name ___________________________________________________________ Address _________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip _____________________________________________________ Phone _____________________________________________________________ Email _________________________________________________________________ Please mail donation and completed coupon to: Shepherd Center Foundation, 2020 Peachtree Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30309. Thank you for supporting the patients and families of Shepherd Center! 3 2 Spinal Column w w w. s p i n a l c o l u m n . o r g Shepherd Center Foundation Executive Director Your gifts restore hope, rebuild lives. Learn more at shepherd.org ntz • Patient Assistance Fund: This fund enables Shepherd to serve patients who have little or no insurance, as well as those who qualify for government assistance, but find that reimbursement does not cover the actual costs of care. • Patient Equipment Fund: The Jane Woodruff Patient Equipment Fund provides vital equipment, such as wheelchairs, lifts, durable medical equipment or braces to patients with limited financial resources. • Professional Development: These funds keep our employees at the forefront of their professions to better help patients. • Therapeutic Recreation: Shepherd’s TR Department is the largest and best of its kind. TR encourages teamwork, builds self-confidence and improves overall quality of life. Photo by Ashleigh Koo If you send us checks each year and/or attend our special events throughout the year, you occasionally may wonder, “What exactly do they do with my gifts to Shepherd Center Foundation?” We’re “good shepherds” of your money. Your gifts pay for the many unreimbursed and under-reimbursed programs at Shepherd’s main campus and nearby patient/family apartments; Shepherd Pathways’ brain injury rehabilitation campus; and Spring Creek House. These specialized programs are the reason Shepherd Center has higher than average return-to-home and return-to-work rates. It costs us about $1 million a month to do the following for our patients and their families. Your gifts pay for the salaries, equipment and operating budgets of these departments in alphabetical order: • Acquired Brain Injury: This fund helps offset the costs of therapy for both inpatients and day patients without insurance, as well as the purchase of therapy equipment. • Animal-Assisted Therapy: Specially trained dogs assist patients with physical therapy, motor skills, strength and endurance. • Assistive Technology: The latest high-tech diagnostic and demonstration equipment assists patients with independent driving, communication, environmental control, computer access and meal preparation. • Chaplaincy: Two full-time chaplains provide counsel, support and faith guidance to patients and families. • Disability Advocacy: Our staff identifies and researches disability rights issues; educates Shepherd staff and the community; organizes local support networks; and acts as a local resource for state and national groups focused on people with disabilities. • Horticultural Therapy: Patients are trained to use adaptive tools for gardening, as well as flower arranging and crafts. • Housing and Transportation for Patients and Families: Gifts provide complimentary apartments for 30 days to patients’ families who live more than 60 miles away. • Injury Prevention Programs: Programs are presented at Atlantaarea schools and driving programs to educate school-age children and teens on prevention of catastrophic injuries. This fund also provides materials for our Think First! Injury Prevention Program. • Marcus Community Bridge Program: This case management program follows patients’ progress and connects them with community resources for a year after they return home. • Multiple Sclerosis Support: Gifts support the Andrew C. Carlos MS Center, which provides patient evaluation, diagnostic and rehabilitation services, counseling, education and vocational services, therapeutic recreation and ongoing research into drug and activity-based therapies. • Noble Learning Resource Center: Funds support the South’s only consumer health library for brain and spinal cord injuries. Photo by Gary Meek Photo by Leita Cowart Notes from Scott H. Sikes • Virginia C. Crawford Research Institute: The Institute conducts research that leads to better patient care and potential cures. • Spinal Cord Injury: Gifts to this fund offset the costs of therapy for inpatients and day patients without insurance, as well as the purchase of therapy equipment. • SHARE Initiative: Gifts support services to our brain- and spinal cord-injured military service personnel. • Sports Teams: Gifts provide total support for athletes who travel throughout the country to competitive events. Shepherd sponsors 12 teams. • Vocational Services: The Center provides current and former patients with vocation evaluation, counseling and job placement services, as well as partnerships with employers and community resources to increase employment opportunities. • Wellness/ProMotion Fitness Center: Shepherd provides a fitness center with equipment adaptable to all abilities. We also use your gifts to build and maintain the best facilities in the country. I invite you to call me at 404-350-7305 or email me at [email protected] to plan a visit to see how we are using your gifts. Spring 2010 3 3 Tributes Karen Bibb’s Birthday Mr. and Mrs. John S. Bibb, Jr. Dr. Gerald Bilsky Mr. and Mrs. Russell Smith Honorariums Honorees are listed first in bold print followed by the names of those making gifts in their honor. This list reflects gifts made to Shepherd Center from Nov. 1, 2009 through Jan. 31, 2010 Lawrence Bracken – “Thanks for going to bat for the SCI-impaired.” Dr. David F. Apple, Jr. Christopher Bramblett Mr. and Mrs. James W. Privette Drew Adamson Mr. Todd Adamson Seth Alexander’s College Graduation Mr. and Mrs. Ray C. Mac Aloney Dr. David Apple, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Dyke Dr. David Apple, Jr. wishes Happy Holidays to the JET Set: Mary Dent Sonja Griffin Cora Laster Nancy N’dure Joan Reed Wanda Hurt Odumade Theresa Wright-Howell Brandee Bridges Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Bridges Mr. and Mrs. Lovic Brooks – Friendship Mrs. Alex W. Smith III Mr. and Mrs. Walter F. Buce wish Happy Holidays to: Ms. Tricia Buce Wilma Bunch – “Great job on the fifth floor move” Dr. David F. Apple, Jr. Henry Burkard – “Great job on the fifth floor move” Dr. David F. Apple, Jr. James M. Burnette Mrs. Kim Granda Michael J. Butkus, Sr. Mr. Patrick Butkus Nathan Byrd Family Cliff and Rosemary Stalter Eleanor T. Caldwell Mr. and Mrs. Robert Caldwell Helen Carlos’ Birthday Ms. Laurie Moses Ms. Katherine Caroland wishes Happy Holidays to: Ms. Linda Silber Mike Arneson’s Recovery The Arneson Family – Chapel Hill, Greensboro and Carrboro, NC The Crabtree Family – Hillsborough, NC The Gaitens Family – Cary and Apex, NC The Grimm Family – Dexter, NM The McCarty Family – Cary NC The Reed Family – Roswell, NM Norman Asher’s Birthday Barbara H. Smith Eugene Assaf – In honor of the wonderful and inspired care he received at Shepherd Center Mr. Eugene F. Assaf, Jr. Myrtice Atrice – “Congratulations on 30 years at Shepherd Center.” Dr. David F. Apple, Jr. Jeffrey Bandy’s House Closing Ms. Meredith Mansfield Mr. and Mrs. Tom Barrow and Family Mr. and Mrs. Adam Brookner Ms. Alice Myrick Jason Beach – “Thanks for going to bat for the SCI-impaired.” Dr. David F. Apple, Jr. Ms. Karen Bennett wishes Happy Holidays to: Ms. Marla Bennett Photo By Leita Cowart Mr. and Mrs. Lee Ault Mr. and Mrs. Charlton H. Ames Mr. and Mrs. John M. Darden III Margaret Balliet and Family Mrs. Peggy S. Tingley Peggy and Michael Balliet wish Happy Holidays to: Mr. and Mrs. A. Jack Allison Mr. Terry Argo Mr. and Mrs. Charlton Bargeron Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Boswell, Jr. Ambassador and Mrs. William Cabaniss Mrs. S. D. Chew Mr. and Mrs. John Cowin Mr. and Mrs. Francis Crockard Mr. and Mrs. Miller Gorrie Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hall Mr. and Mrs. Francis H. Hare, Jr. Ms. Peggy McClure Mr. and Mrs. Fred Medley Dr. and Mrs. Cecil Morgan Mr. and Mrs. Walter Morris Mr. and Mrs. A. S. Naughton Mrs. O. W. Schanbacher, Jr. Mr. John E. Smith II Dr. and Mrs. William Stetler Mr. and Mrs. Fred Vines Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Vogtle Mr. and Mrs. Cullom Walker Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. Webb Mr. and Mrs. Felix Yarboro Above: Georgia Bulldogs Football Coach Mark Richt and his team visit Shepherd Center patients in late November 2009. 3 4 Spinal Column Melissa Matthews Carroll Mrs. Dona T. Matthews Mr. and Mrs. Frank Carter -- Friendship Mrs. Alex W. Smith III Ms. Ann W. Clarke wishes Happy Holidays to: Ms. Jeanette Clarke Coach Bruce Clark Boiling Springs High School Faculty and Staff Ryan Clark Mr. William Trench Michael R. Clarkin’s Recovery Mr. Patrick Ryan Shane Coco Dr. Kevin Coco Seymour Cohn’s 95th Birthday Mr. and Mrs. Steven Gershberg Ruth and Henry Collinsworth Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Cook, Jr. Mrs. Gene Creighton wishes Happy Holidays to: Ms. Ruth Page Carol M. Curtis Mr. and Mrs. James M. Wells III Carol Curtis wishes Happy Holidays to: Mr. and Mrs. Mel Adler Mr. and Mrs. John Alston Mr. and Mrs. W. Donald Knight Dr. and Mrs. Jerome Lynn Mr. and Mrs. McKee Nunnally Mr. and Mrs. C. V. Nalley Mrs. Lula Post Mr. and Mrs. Martyn Richardson Mrs. Laura Spearman Mr. and Mrs. Edus Warren Mr. and Mrs. James Wells Mr. and Mrs. Robert Yellowlees James A. Curtis Mr. and Mrs. James M. Wells III Cliff Darby Ms. Chyna Darby Jim Davis – “Thank you for helping.” Ms. Diane Leroy Janie Davis Mrs. Mary S. Robinson Bobbie Jean Dean’s 45th Anniversary and Happy Holidays Bev Edwards Kaye and Andrew Dixon’s 30th Wedding Anniversary Dr. and Mrs. Keith Dockery Nicholas Doeffinger Mr. and Mrs. Bob Doeffinger Cindy Donald Ms. Cynthia Sokolic Brent Doonan’s House Closing Ms. Meredith Mansfield Sam Dowlen’s Recovery Mr. and Mrs. Alex Whatley Dr. and Mrs. W.B. Willingham Diana Duemig Mr. and Mrs. Martin M. Pollock Catherine W. Dukehart Mr. and Mrs. Lamar Q. Ball III Scott English Mr. Lee M. English Mr. and Mrs. William H. Fehrs wish Happy Holidays to: Dr. and Mrs. Dave Davis Dr. and Mrs. John Faust Mr. and Mrs. Richard Felker wish Happy Holidays to: Betty, Rob and Parker King Mr. Mark Fincher wishes Happy Holidays to: Ms. Mandy Stone Mr. and Mrs. Brooks Fischer – On the birth of Charles Spencer Fischer Mr. and Mrs. James H. Shepherd III Mr. Frank K. Flautt wishes Happy Holidays to: Mr. Fred Alias Mary Emily Fletcher Dr. John Fletcher w w w. s p i n a l c o l u m n . o r g Courtney Gale’s Recovery Ms. Lisa D. Davol Mr. and Mrs. Nick Galifianakis wish Happy Holidays to: Mike and Frances Galifianakis Catherine F. Gammon Mrs. Dottie Dye Ann and Jim Gandy wish Merry Christmas to: Mr. and Mrs. Andrew R. Cuppia Mr. James C. Cuppia and Miss Marcia Day Mr. and Mr. and Mrs. Jerome C. Cuppia III Mr. and Mrs. Kevin D. Cuppia Mrs. Margaret Naugle Lillian and Peter Gantsoudes Mrs. Studie Young Dr. Bert Glaser – “Happy 60th Birthday” Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Moskowitz Ms. Renee Pollack Mr. Paul Sternberg, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Howard Synenberg Mr. and Mrs. Robert U. Goodman wish Happy Holidays to: Mr. and Mrs. William Pritchard Ben C. Goss Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Hudson Mr. and Mrs. Billy Gow – Friendship Mrs. Alex W. Smith III Dr. Bruce Green Mr. Michael H. Mescon Lorna and Franklin Green Miss Rachel Hudson Mr. and Mrs. Dick Gregory Dr. and Mrs. Charles D. Smith III Mr. and Mrs. William Grigsby Mr. and Mrs. Harold N. Bynum Rev. Ken Grosch and Rev. Alan Roof Mr. and Mrs. Mike Stephens Mr. and Mrs. James G. Gullett wish Happy Holidays to: Mr. Jennings Watkins Mr. John C. Hamilton wishes Happy Holidays to: Mr. Ben Bunyard Mr. Bryant Coats Mr. Millard Choate Mr. Bob Heflin Ms. Myrna R. Hamilton wishes Happy Holidays to: Mr. Myron Golub Mrs. Archibald S. Hampton wishes Happy Holidays to: Greg and Ann Hampton Mr. and Mrs. James Hance, Jr. wish Happy Holidays to: Mr. and Mrs. Steven Bishopric Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Eubanks Ms. Margaret Gragg Dr. and Mrs. L. Clayton Harrell Mr. Edward D. Herlihy Mr. and Mrs. George Ivey Mr. Mathew Lester Mr. and Mrs. G. Dantzler, Page, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Peter Roggeveen Photo By Louie Favorite Jane Fryer’s Birthday Mr. and Ms. Alan M. Smith Joan and David Funk’s Anniversary Mr. and Mrs. Samuel H. Rosen David Funk Mr. and Mrs. Bob R. Brodsky Mr. and Mrs. Steven Funk Sis Hancock – Lots of Love Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Cook, Jr. Max Hardy wishes Happy Holidays to his clients: Ms. Kimanne Allen Mr. Dave Atchison Mr. Paul Barlow and Staff Ms. Wendy Booher and Mr. Robb Smith Ms. Diane Calloway and Mr. George Calloway Ms. Renata Circeo-Loudon Ms. Lacie Devine and Staff Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Everitt Ms. Deborah Harris Ms. Sandra Hill and Staff Ms. Natalie Lamon Mr. Chris Moynihan Ms. Claire Moynihan Mr. Phillip Pettis Ted Harrison and Family Ms. Margaret Fox Mr. and Mrs. Edward Harrison Kim Harrison Mr. Dan Chase Matt Harvie and Family Clogging Connection Bebe Hatcher – To Start a New Decade Ms. Margaret C. Craig – The luckiest goddaughter in the world Mr. and Mrs. William Hatcher wish Happy Holidays to: Mr. and Mrs. John Ames Ms. Dorothy Boddie Ms. Peggy Craig Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Dick Mr. and Mrs. Wilton Looney Mr. and Mrs. Fred McGranahan Mr. and Mrs. Jim Mills Ms. Darlene Nash Mr. and Mrs. William Parker Ms. Marsha Weeks Caroline G. Hazel Ms. Evelyn G. Crosby Mr. and Mrs. Scott R. Koebley Andrew Heller CTAM Loren and Betty Hildebrant Miss Rachel Hudson The Loren Hildebrant, Jr. Family Ms. Frances A. Ritchie Verona Hildebrant Mr. and Mrs. Loren Hildebrant Beth and Tommy Holder wish Happy Holidays to: Sam and Boog Candler Above: Ronnie Sue Dixon of East Dublin, Ga., participates in wheelchair bowling with help from Shepherd Center therapeutic recreation therapists. Duvall and Rex Fuqua Bob and Kathi Goddarad John and Helen Gordon Bob and Ann Holder Billy and Betty Hulse Mark and Debby Pirrung Tom and Kathy Weller Camille Yow Elizabeth Holt Mr. and Mrs. David G. Hunter II Elizabeth Holt’s Birthday Mrs. Harriett Northcutt Anne Hall and James Howard Ms. Nancy E. Wellons Ms. Ann R. Howell wishes Happy Holidays to: Bert and Joy Burns Betty and Billy Hulse Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Noonan Mr. and Mrs. Charles Owen III Billy Hulse’s Recovery Mr. and Mrs. John M. Darden III Louise Hutner – "A beautiful person and amazing woman" Mrs. Clare Hartigan Porter Hutto Mr. and Mrs. Larry C. Williams Brian Johnson’s Recovery Bartlett Actuarial Group, Ltd. Mark L. Johnson Amerigroup Corporation Willis and Sandra Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Cliff Luckadoo Brenda Jones Mr. Scott Keithley Mr. and Mrs. Marcus L. Jones III Dr. and Mrs. Michael L. Jones Mike Jones and Crawford Research Institute – “Thanks. It was a pleasure to work with you.” Mrs. Robert J. Howard Darryl L. Kaelin, M.D. Mr. Thomas W. Malone Carlyn Kappy – “Congratulations on your professional achievement.” Dr. David F. Apple, Jr. John and Billie Kennon Mr. and Mrs. John Keenon Mitch Keister’s Graduation from Georgia Tech Dr. and Mrs. David DuBose Susan S. Kendall Ms. Linda Perry Rusty Kidd Ms. Kathy Walker Parker King Mr. and Mrs. David H. Quave Nathan B. Klein Ms. Terri Klein and Mr. Daniel Gup Spring 2010 3 5 Dr. Urszula Klich Dr. and Mrs. Garrett W. Thornton, Jr. Karen J. Kline Ms. Barbara Linden Sasha Klupchak’s Recovery Mr. and Mrs. Michael Maguigan Philippa and Hilton Kort and Family wish Happy Holidays to: Mr. and Mrs. Mark Allen Mr. and Mrs. Mark Antebi Mr. and Mrs. Fred Assaf Mr. and Mrs. John Burke and Family Mr. and Mrs. Jorge Bergallo Dr. and Mrs. Richard Bernstein Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Blank and Family Mr. and Mrs. Ron Brill Mr. and Mrs. Barry Bruckman and Family Ms. Heather Burke Ms. Suzy Burke Dr. and Mrs. Clyde Calhoun Mr. and Mrs. Michael Carlin and Family Mr. Mitchell Barnes, Mr. Craig Weaver, Rachel, Chad, Ann and Ray Dr. and Mrs. Sandy Carter Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Christopher Mr. and Mrs. David Clarke Mr. and Mrs. George Cleveland Mr. and Mrs. John Cleveland Mr. and Mrs. Peter Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Michael Corr Mr. and Mrs. Ron Davidson Mr. and Mrs. Bill Dawkins and Family Mr. and Mrs. David Deignan Mr. and Mrs. Michael Destro and Family Mr. and Mrs. Blake Dexter Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Dexter and Family Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Dezelic Ms. Amanda Dreyer and Mr. Paul Ruane Dr. Daniel Dubovsky and Staff Ms. Kazuko Dunwoody Mr. and Mrs. Mark Ellinger Drs. Bill and Carlene Elsner and Family Mr. and Mrs. Randy Elser Mr. DJ Fairbanks Mr. and Mrs. Michael Firsowicz Mr. Charles Foell, Michael and Megan Mr. and Mrs. William Fowler Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Fricker Dr. David Garber and Staff Mr. and Mrs .Chuck Garmany Mr. and Mrs. Chip Gerry Mrs. Peggy Davis Gold and Ms. Sally Gold Dr. and Mrs. Basil Griffin Mrs. Katherine Hanson and Family Mr. and Mrs. William Hartman and Family Mr. and Mrs. Ken Hawkins and Family Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Hoffman and Family Ms. Anne Holdegrafer Mr. and Mrs. William Holley Dr. and Mrs. Ben Hugo Mr. and Mrs. Ray Joelson and Family Mr. and Mrs. James Kennedy and Family Mr. and Mrs. Jim King and Family Mrs. Mandy Kjellstrom and Family Colonel and Mrs. William Koelm Dr. Alan Kozarsky Mr. and Mrs. Tom Kruger Dr. and Mrs. Willis Lanier Dr. Adam Leaderman Ms. Sandy Legath Mr. and Mrs. George Levert and Family Dr. and Mrs. Julian Lokey and Family 3 6 Spinal Column Mr. and Mrs. Scott Lyon Mr. and Mrs. Barclay Macon and Family Mr. and Mrs. Martin Maddern Mr. and Mrs. Steve Magid Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Manidis Mrs. Martha Heath Mason Mr. and Mrs. David Massey Mrs. Susan Mathis and Allene Mr. and Mrs. Paul McHargue Mr. and Mrs. William Merritt and Family Dr. Joe Massey Mr. Forrest Leef and Dr. Dorothy Mitchell-Leef Mr. and Mrs. Lovemore Mbigi and Family Dr. and Mrs. Shapour Mobasser and Family Dr. and Mrs. Tom Modi Mr. and Mrs. Bill Moon Mr. and Mrs. Michael Murphy Dr. Christine Murphy and Family Dr. and Mrs. Peter Nagy Mr. and Mrs. Simon Newton-Smith Dr. and Mrs. Mundy Papadopoulos Mr. Stacy Patton and Ms. Sandra Kopper Mr. and Mrs. Fred Peil Mr. and Mrs. Mike Pigg and Family Mr. and Mrs. Mark Pirrung Dr. John Porter and Dr. Lucy Axtel Mr. and Mrs. Roy Plaut Dr. and Mrs. Zane Pollard Dr. Nicholas Ranno Mr. and Mrs. Julius Robberts Dr. Daniel Shapiro and Dr. Nadine Becker Dr. and Mrs. Don Sharp Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Shreiber and Family Dr. and Mrs. Scott Slayden Mrs. Hope Smith Mr. and Mrs. Mark Smith Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Smith Dr. Winifred Soufi Dr. and Mrs. Robert Straub Mr. and Mrs. Don Sutton and Jackie Mr. and Mrs. David Thompson Dr. and Mrs. Andrew Toledo Mr. and Mrs. James Warren Mrs. Phoebe Weinberg and Family Mr. and Mrs. Dick White Mrs. Doris White Dr. Stewart Wiegand Dr. and Mrs. Michael Witt Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wright Deborah Krotenberg The JALS Family Foundation Dr. and Mrs. Stanley E. Bogaty Mr. and Mrs. Robert R. Larsen wish Happy Holidays to: Mr. and Mrs. Nils Liebendorfer Joan Hope Latiolais Mr. and Mrs. Warner Ray Stan Topol & Associates William Howard Flowers, Jr. Foundation, Inc. Mae Laverty Mr. and Mrs. William Laverty Mr. and Mrs. Julian LeCraw – Friendship Mrs. Alex W. Smith III Mark and Cindi Leibowitz – “Wishing you a long, happy and healthy life together” Mr. and Mrs. Hilton Kort Donald Peck Leslie, M.D. Mr. Thomas W. Malone Mr. and Mrs. J. Hays Mershon Dr. and Mrs. Garrett W. Thornton, Jr. Photo Courtesy of Delta Air Lines Tributes Above: Shepherd Center patients and their families participate in an airport outing organized by the Shepherd Therapeutic Recreation Department and Delta Air Lines. Anita S. Lieberman’s Birthday Mr. and Mrs. Allen R. Stein John Lin, M.D. Mr. Thomas W. Malone Douglas Lindauer Dr. and Mrs. Robert S. Abernethy Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Byko, Jr. Communities Foundation of Texas Mrs. Betsy Crosswhite Ms. Claire S. Curtin Mr. and Mrs. Robert Dozier Mr. Dan Fawcett Mr. James Yoder Ginny Lippincott – Happy Holidays Mrs. Mikako Okamoto Ms. Fumiko Takahashi Ms. Chiyo Terasaki Ms. Michiko Yamanoi Donna Loupus – “Thanks for your years of dedication.” Ms. Sarah A. Morrison Stephen Macciocchi, Ph.D. Mr. Thomas W. Malone Mrs. and Mr. Pete Malcolm wish Happy Holidays to: James & Linda Shepherd Kim and Mike Marchand Ms. Barbara Richardson Malone Friends Mr. Thomas W. Malone Billi and Bernie Marcus Mrs. Joan Brawer Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Davis Mr. and Mrs. Allen Gitlin Billi Marcus Mr. and Mrs. Larry Kalish Mrs. Elizabeth T. Marr wishes Happy Holidays to: Mr. David Sands Mr. and Mrs. Arthur B. L. Martin wish Happy Holidays to: Mr. and Mrs. George E. Chase Mr. Robert P. Crawford Mr. and Mrs. David H. Gambrell Dr. Daniel Hankey Mr. and Mrs. William C. Hatcher Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Hellams Mr. and Mrs. David Lowrance Mrs. John W. McIntyre Mr. and Mrs. Vic Mills Mr. and Mrs. John G. Morris Dr. and Mrs. Mark Pentecost Mrs. Rhodes L. Perdue Mr. and Mrs. Crawford Sites Ross Mason Mr. and Mrs. James R. Chambers, Jr. Mrs. Lois Mayer wishes Happy Holidays to: Ms. Gloria Landreth Mr. and Mrs. Willard McBurney Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Tackett Mary Anna McClendon Anonymous Scott McKinnon’s Recovery Mr. and Mrs. Tom G. Wilson Toby McMullen’s Recovery New Horizons Parent Organization Dr. Dorothy Mitchell-Leef wishes Happy Holidays to: Mr. Foy Devine and Ms. Jane Bedford Mr. and Mrs. Ron Davidson Dr. William Elsner and Dr. Carlene Elsner Dr. and Mrs. Hilton Kort Dr. and Mrs. Z. Peter Nagy Mr. and Mrs. Carl Patrick Mr. Christopher Rex and Dr. Martha Wilkins Dr. Daniel Shapiro and Dr. Nadine Becker Mr. and Mrs. Josh Shubin Drs. Scott and Elizabeth Slayden Dr. and Mrs. Robert Straub Dr. and Mrs. Andrew Toledo Dr. and Mrs. Michael Witt Mr. and Mrs. John B. Mobley wish Happy Holidays to: Mr. and Mrs. Randall Bryan Mr. and Mrs. James Christians Mr. and Mrs. Clisby Clarke Ms. Carol Dean Davis w w w. s p i n a l c o l u m n . o r g Mrs. Curtis Illges Mr. and Mrs. John P. Illges Mr. and Mrs. William Maner Mr. and Mrs. English Robinson Mr. and Mrs. Gary Sams Mr. and Mrs. William Tanner Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Warner Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Wood Brian Mock’s Recovery Mr. and Mrs. Ronald L. Mock Michael Moderow Mr. and Mrs. Joseph R. Moderow Mr. and Mrs. Marion H. Montgomery, Jr. wish Happy Holidays to: Heli Montgomery and Family Lola Dean Montgomery and Family Marion H. Montgomery III and Family Lewellyn Montgomery Byrd and Family Priscilla Montgomery Jensen and Family Deanna Moss and Family Donnie Moran Mr. William R. Howell Linda and Tom Morris – In Friendship Mrs. John O. Mitchell Doyle K. Mote Mr. and Mrs. Martin M. Pollock Herndon Murray, M.D. Mr. Thomas W. Malone Dr. and Mrs. Jimmy C. Nash wish much love and a very Merry Christmas to: Mr. Bobby Hogg Donna Neff’s Birthday Mr. and Mrs. William H. Neff Sally Nunnally’s Friendship Mr. and Mrs. Griffin B. Bell Deborah A. Ohmes Mrs. Danelle Joyce Anthony Orig’s Ride for Shepherd Mr. Tim Hamling Sharon Overby Mrs. John R. Robinson Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Pendergrast – Friendship Mrs. Alex W. Smith III Mr. and Mrs. John H. Per-Lee, Jr. wish Happy Holidays to: Dr. and Mrs. John H. Per-Lee Phoenix Debutante Class of 2009 Mr. and Mrs. Ken Bell Mr. and Mrs. David W. Scheible Corey Potts’ 26th Birthday Mr. and Mrs. Michael Maguigan – A and W Technologies, Inc. Nicholas Prevost’s Recovery Mrs. Lauren B. Prevost Ernie Prickett Mr. and Mrs. Paul H. Anderson, Jr. Cara D. Puckett Ms. Beth Peavler Greg Puckett’s Revocery Mr. and Mrs. Greg Cunningham Marisa D. Puckett Ms. Beth Peavler Tish and Warner Ray wish Happy Holidays to: Mr. and Mrs. Hal Barry Dr. and Mrs. Phil Beegle Mr. and Mrs. Henry Burkitt Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Coleman Mr. and Mrs. James Harrell III Mr. and Mrs. Rene Latiolais Mr. and Mrs. Sonny Purvis Mr. and Mrs. John Ray, Jr. Sharon Reed Mr. and Mrs. William Reed Rick Reeves Ms. Melissa Legg Mr. and Mrs. Keith A. Reichenbach wish Happy Holidays to: Mr. William E. Robinson Dr. Floyd Reifein American Express Mrs. Jennifer Renne wishes Happy Holidays to: Mr. Charles Musgrove Jamie Reynolds Mr. James G. Strickland Michael C. Roberts’ Recovery Mr. and Mrs. Michael Cary Mrs. Carolyn R. Parker Mr. and Mrs. Gentry Strickland Margaret and Jeffrey Rodbell Ms. Jane Wilson – Buckhead Futures Investment Club Joey Roman Mr. and Mrs. R. P. Rogers Mr. and Mrs. Francis Root’s 62nd Wedding Anniversary Mr. and Mrs. Francis H. Root Sariece Rubin’s Recovery Ms. Betty Schaffer Ronnie Rudd Mr. Jack D. Williams, Jr. Lisa A. Ruger Mr. and Mrs. Martin M. Pollock David Rutledge, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth D. Rutledge Matthew Sanchez’s Efforts for our Troops Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kenimer Ms. Cynthia Sokolic Catherine D. Schwab Denise and Gary Schwab Emory A. Schwall Mr. and Mrs. Stephen R. Long Mrs. Pamela E. Midura Lewis Self Mrs. John R. Robinson Hit the Water with Upcoming Therapeutic Recreation Trips The Shepherd Center Therapeutic Recreation Department is organizing several upcoming trips that will allow former patients opportunities to enjoy challenging water activities as the weather warms this summer. For people with disabilities who want to put their paddling skills to the test, two fully guided river rafting excursions are planned on the exciting Class II and III rapids of the Nantahala River in western North Carolina. The trips, planned for June 19 and Aug. 14, are open to people of all skill levels and abilities, and friends and family members are welcome to come along. The cost is $40 per person. Register by contacting Nick SorchychHoffman at [email protected] or 404-350-7790. For people who want to experience an underwater adventure, an adaptive SCUBA diving trip is planned to Bonaire in the Caribbean. Recognized as one of the world’s top SCUBA diving destinations, Bonaire offers warm, tranquil waters that are home to the highest diversity of fish in the entire Caribbean. On this weeklong adventure from Aug. 28 to Sept. 4, participants will stay at the Divi Flamingo Beach Resort, one of the Caribbean’s first handicapped-accessible diving resorts. In addition to seven nights at the resort, the trip includes round-trip airfare on a direct flight from Atlanta to Bonaire on Delta Air Lines, round-trip airport transfers, two boat dives per day, unlimited shore diving and full American breakfast daily. The cost at the diver rate is $1,895 per person. A $500 deposit is required upon registration. For more information and reservations, contact DIVERS@SEA at 404-350-8510 or Shepherd Center therapeutic recreation therapist Ashleigh Koontz at 404-350-7786 or [email protected]. Above: Shepherd Center's Therapeutic Recreation Department and DIVERS@SEA are taking a group of patients on a SCUBA diving trip to Bonaire this summer. Spring 2010 3 7 Tributes Shapiro Capital Management Company wishes Happy Holidays to their clients. Sarah Shelf – “Thanks for going to bat for the SCI-impaired.” Dr. David F. Apple, Jr. Alana and Harold Shepherd’s 60th Wedding Anniversary Mrs. Frank C. Bowen, Jr. Clyde Shepherd III’s Birthday Mary Bickers – Bickers Consulting Group, LLC Stephen B. Shepherd’s Friendship Mr. John T. Bohlayer Beverly and Jack Shields Mr. John R. Simmerman Shannon Shipley Mrs. Lucy Coleman Kent Shoemaker’s Birthday Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Massave Frances Hoyt Shropshire wishes Merry Christmas to: Mr. and Mrs. Fred A. Hoyt, Jr. In Thanksgiving for Mary Ann and Dell Sikes Mr. and Mrs. R. P. Ellis Robbin Sinatra Ms. Nicole Schlechter and Mr. Raymond Bluth Kathleen Slonaker Ms. Susan B. Sheehy and Mr. John Sheehy Alan Smith’s Special Birthday Mr. and Mrs. Irving M. Shlesinger Philip E. Smith Mr. and Mrs. Russell Smith Mr. and Mrs. Richard Sorenson – Friendship Mrs. Alex W. Smith III Robbie Svoboda Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Webb Mike Sweeney Mrs. Meghan Gilbreath Cot Talley Mrs. Mary S. Robinson Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Taylor Mr. Ferrell Scruggs – Ferrell Scruggs Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Karter Thomas wish Happy Holidays to: Dr. and Mrs. Ledley Brown and Family Donald P. Toole Miss Dara Toole Mr. and Mrs. Tom Towles – Friendship Mrs. Alex W. Smith III Wes Varda Ms. Susan Ahearn Mr. George E. Ahern Ms. Maryann H. Aiani Ms. Margaret Boddy Mr. Dennis W. Brittingham Mr. and Mrs. Christopher M. Champion Ms. Connie Collins Ms. Patricia Doss Ms. Drew Dotson Mrs. Carla Drazin Mr. and Mrs. Doug Drives Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Epperson Mr. Jon Erwin Mr. and Mrs. William R. Evans Ms. Amy Gammon Mr. and Mrs. Marshall B. Gammon Ms. Sheri Grossman Mr. and Mrs. Stephen F. Hill Mr. Alex Hodges Homeside Properties, Inc. Ms. Victoria Hughes Hydro Properties LLC Mr. and Mrs. Donald A. Johnston Mr. and Mrs. Duane Kalinowski Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Kennealy Mr. and Mrs. Norman R. Kevers, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Frederick P. Koehn Leslie Kuhn Mr. and Mrs. Claude Leach Mr. Frank Lemond Mr. and Mrs. Louis Loquasto Mr. Daniel Maldonado Ms. Patricia McTeague Mr. and Mrs. Terrence Meehan Mrs. Allyson Melancon Mr. David Perme Mr. and Mrs. James Quaid Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Quigley Ms. Ashley E. Robinson Mrs. Larry Rodgers Mr. and Mrs. Michael Rosamond Ms. Suzanne Sackman Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Schindler Mr. and Mrs. John P. Sciantarelli Ms. Betty L. Settimi Mr. and Mrs. Gary F. Smith Mrs. Billie Ann Trocke Ms. Johanna Ugo-Conlon Mrs. Virginia A. Varda Mr. and Mrs. Shawn Watson Mrs. Rosalind R. Wyatt William D. Varner Mrs. John R. Robinson Chance Veazey’s Recovery Mr. Don Bragg Ms. Julie Lambert Tracy Walker – “Thanks for all the great work.” Dr. Ben W. Thrower George J. Wallace Mr. and Mrs. William A. Holby Rebecca Washburn Mr. and Mrs. Martin M. Pollock Philip Waters The JALS Family Foundation Jennings Watkins’ Birthday Mrs. Merrin A. Anderson Molly Welch and Family Mr. and Mrs. Robert Goin Anne and George Wellington Ms. Beth Wellington Caroline Wells’ Continued Recovery and to Excel Mr. and Mrs. Billy Wells Kirk Wilder Mr. and Mrs. David S. Nichols Liz Willis wishes Happy Holidays to: Ben and Leslie Gresham Larry and Adele Lindsey Ann Sturkie The Williams Family Barnet Woodruff Joan Woodall – “Thank You” Eloise Morris Joan Woodall wishes Happy Holidays to: Mr. and Mrs. Wiley Ansley Mr. and Mrs. McCary Ballard Mrs. James Black Mrs. Douglas Bowring The Very Reverend and Mrs. Samuel Candler Mr. and Mrs. George Chase Mrs. Hayes Dever Mrs. C. W. Dukehart Mr. and Mrs. Don Dennard Mrs. Julian Fowler Mr. and Mrs. William Hatcher Mr. and Mrs. Harry Howard Mr. and Mrs. Barrett Howell Mrs. Robert Ingram Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Martin Mr. John Martin Mrs. Thomas Martin Ms. Lee Moran Mrs. Edward McDuffie Mrs. Rhodes Perdue Mrs. Charles Peterson Mrs. Sam Smith Mrs. Morris Shadburn Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton Stockton Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sterling Mrs. William Warren Jane Woodruff – Honorary Chair of The Legendary Party 2009 Mrs. Elinor A. Breman Margaret Shepherd Yates Mr. and Mrs. Dennis C. Coole, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. P. Daniel Yates III Mr. and Mrs. Presley D. Yates on the birth of Presley Dan Yates V Mr. and Mrs. James H. Shepherd III Judy and Erwin Zaban Mr. and Mrs. A. Frank Murphy Andrew Zadoff, M.D. Ms. Barbara Linden Mrs. John Peurifoy Above: Employees of Accord Services held a gift-wrapping fundraiser at Shepherd Center for the holidays. Patients, families and staff brought in holiday gifts, which volunteers wrapped in a variety of festive wrapping papers in exchange for a donation to Shepherd. Left to right are: Sherry Collins, Dan Miears, Kathy Adams and Nicole Sarkis. 3 8 Spinal Column w w w. s p i n a l c o l u m n . o r g Memorials Ernest Henry “Hank” Abernethy, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Bickerstaff Ladye Jane Akin Mr. and Mrs. James M. Caswell, Jr. Judge Anthony A. Alaimo Mrs. Frank C. Bowen, Jr. Craig Alford Mrs. Joan Woodall Joanne Culler Alford Mr. John S. Knox, Jr. Charles Allen Mr. Joseph S. Mendelsohn David and Bernice Apple Mr. and Mrs. Arthur E. Hunt Indra Mohan Arora Ms. Palak Patel Edward Auerbach Ms. Phyllis B. Frankel Mr. and Mrs. Harold Magun Neil Barken Ms. Betty Schaffer Verney E. Bentley Mr. and Mrs. Brian S. Brown Rochelle Bertolini Mr. and Mrs. Harold D. Anderson Brad, Robyn and Austin Anderson Mr. David Anderson Ms. Lisa Anderson The Bankston Family Chevron Gulf Retirees Club Ms. Sarra David Mr. Frederic DeBray Mr. and Mrs. John Dull Ms. Mitzi Ford Georgia Transmission Corporation Mr. and Mrs. William A. Jones Ms. Phoebe Lykowski Ms. Martha Myers Ms. Jody L. Skipworth Ms. Denise Swan Ms. Bonnie Tisci Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Walk Dr. Roger Alan Blasberg Malone Law Offices, P.C. Dr. William Bondurant Mr. and Mrs. Karter Thomas Louis Palmer Bondurant, Jr. Mrs. Jaquelin P. Adams Ms. Dorothy Addison Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Candler, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Donald C. Chapman, Jr. Mr. Richard R. Crosier Mrs. Marilyn S. Evans Mr. and Mrs. Robert P. French Mr. and Mrs. Carl R. Gross Mr. and Mrs. Patrick T. Hickey, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. E. R. Holladay Mr. John S. Knox, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Calhoun M. McDougall Mrs. Lucia O’Neill Mrs. Lauren B. Prevost Mr. and Mrs. Samuel J. Scarboro, Sr. The Atlanta Speech School Ms. Marion Tilson Mrs. Patricia C. Williams Paul A. Bowen Mr. and Mrs. Hilton McKenzie Lawson H. Bowling, M.D. Dr. Fuad Ashkar Mr. and Mrs. Richard Faith Ms. Susan Joseph Mr. Kevin Keifer Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Kent Ms. Gayle Lloyd Mr. and Mrs. Joe Patterson Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin H. Underwood Dr. and Mrs. R. Martin York Stephen Boyce Miss Clara Pauline Addy Ms. Geraldine Caucci Mrs. Amanda Hall Mrs. Jane K. Hall Ms. Julia Muirhead Mr. and Mrs. Lanny Nelms Mr. and Mrs. Michael Samborn Mrs. Karen Smith Mr. and Mrs. John Tienken Waldorf School Harlee Branch, Jr. Ms. Elizabeth L. Branch Margaret Ann Bratton Mr. and Mrs. David Wilder Russell “Rusty” Brock Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Ashley, Jr. Ms. Peggy J. Burns Mrs. Sheila Goodwin Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Mattison Parkwood Baptist Church Dana Brooks Mr. and Mrs. John Bullard Jane Jones Brown Mr. and Mrs. John Bullard R. E. “Dick” Budd Ms. Virginia M. Budd Paul Bulthouse Ms. Ardythe Bulthouse Helen Butler Mr. and Mrs. David Moody, Jr. Gordon C. Bynum, Jr. Ms. Catherine Fike Mr. and Mrs. Thomas H. Lanier II Jack Cabiness Granny Taught Us How Photo By Leita Cowart Deceased friends of Shepherd Center are listed first in bold print followed by the names of those making gifts in their memory. This list reflects gifts made to Shepherd Center between Nov. 1, 2009 and Jan. 31, 2010. Above: Shepherd Pathways patient Silvana Narvaez of Gainesville, Ga., uses a Wii Fit game system during a physical therapy session with physical therapy assistant Karla Orr. Lonnie Calloway The Shepherd Center Auxiliary L. C. Carlisle Mr. and Mrs. J. David Penson Dana Carr Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Azzarelli Mr. and Mrs. Earl Benedict The Biotech Family – Cornell University Institute for Biotechnology and Life Science Technologies Ms. Sharon E. Mitchell Ms. Emily Sampson Ms. Rebecca M. Williams Ms. Katherine Borgognoni Mr. John Brand III Mr. and Mrs. Bruce L. Brown, Jr. Mr. Keith Buffinton, Bucknell University, College of Engineering Mrs. Erin Buzzard Mr. Mark Caroleo Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Carr Mr. and Mrs. David Carroll Chemung Canal Trust Company and Business Client Services Division Mr. and Mrs. William C. Congdon Mr. and Mrs. Donald Coyles Mr. and Mrs. Richard E. Dubois Mr. and Mrs. Stephen A. Eckler Elmira Distributing Company EPCO Pipeline Integrity Department Mr. Brian Fullem – Newtown Sports Podiatry – “In memory of my friend from a fellow Buck” Ms. Margaret Geise Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Greuber Mr. and Mrs. Michael T. Haupt Mr. and Mrs. Evan Honeyfield Ms. Jeanne O. Houck Mr. and Mrs. Oscar L. Jackson III Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Kotacska Dr. Jill M. Koval Mr. and Mrs. Daniel D. Kraft Mr. Stephen Kresovich Ms. Audrey Lampman Mr. and Mrs. DeWitt W. Lampman Mr. and Mrs. Ashley P. Larkin III Ms. Mary Leahy Mr. Kelvin Lee Ms. Nicole Listas Mr. and Mrs. Walter J. Listas and Kimberly Ms. Barbara M. Mario Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Mercer Mr. and Mrs. Robert Meriwether Mr. and Mrs. Marty Mesmer Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Milazzo Mr. and Mrs. Scott Moore Mr. and Mrs. James E. Morton Mr. and Mrs. John J. Mullaney Mr. and Mrs. Scott Peterson Kyle Pointer Mr. and Mrs. Gary Riopko Ms. Vera L. Riopko Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Rockwell Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Ryan Mr. and Mrs. Ference Sarus Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Schuehler Ms. Colleen A. Smith Mr. and Mrs. James M. Smith Ms. Linda M. Struble Mr. and Mrs. James A. Swarthout Mr. and Mrs. Dale E. Taft Utica National Group Foundation Mr. Daniel Vaughn Victor P. Regola and Associates, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Larry Vosburgh Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Wadman Mr. and Mrs. Richard Weale Spring 2010 3 9 Tributes Mr. Robin B. Webb and Mrs. Pamela Davis-Webb Mr. and Mrs. Gene R. Wheeler Mr. Benjamin J. White Mr. and Mrs. Gareth O. Wick Mr. Kenneth J. Wilson Vic Chesnutt Mr. Charles Moats Ms. Amanda Traphagan Albert Samuel Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Ben Arogeti Mrs. Phyllis Arogeti Ricky, Alice, Jeff and Tammy Arogeti Mrs. Sam Arogeti Ms. Patricia Ayres and Mr. John C. Spinrad Dr. and Mrs. Allan Bleich Mr. and Mrs. Charlie S. Copeland Mr. and Mrs. Stanford B. Firestone Mr. and Mrs. David S. Franco Ms. Lenora Galanto Mrs. Carolyn G. Gold Mr. James O. Goodroe Ms. Georgette Kleven Mr. and Mrs. William Leathers Mr. Dan D. Maslia Ms. Margaret McGarity Ms. Marilyn McKinney Mr. and Mrs. Michael Reiner Mr. and Mrs. Albert Tenenbaum Mrs. Phyllis Wapnick Rosenberg Susan Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Hilton Kort Bill Cole Mr. and Mrs. A. Gerry Borud Jennifer Coleman – "In Loving Memory" Ms. Irene Coleman Abe Grusin Mr. and Mrs. Jerry A. Broussard Anne Coggins DeBorde Coggins Granite Welfare Foundation Janet DeMille Mr. and Mrs. James M. Caswell, Jr. Louise Denison Mr. and Mrs. Bruce B. Wilson Sam Dominey Mrs. William Schwartz Cam Dorsey Mr. and Mrs. Frank Troutman Mrs. Joan Woodall Thomas A. Duggan Dr. John J. Benton Mrs. DeDe Richardson Mrs. Ann Ruple Jason Dukes Mr. and Mrs. Ernest K. Dukes Mr. Dean Fichtel Mr. and Mrs. Donald Miller Ms. Lauretta B. O'Keefe Mr. and Mrs. David V. Wallace Ms. Diane Whitmire Ms. Marie F. Wilson Myrtle Dykes Mr. and Mrs. James H. Shepherd III Melaney C. Farr Mr. and Mrs. Robert P. Delventura Heatcraft Jerry Richard Hamilton Mr. and Mrs. Jason S. Ivey Nick Hardage Ms. Mina Harrouff Paul Fraser Mr. John D. Saunders Joseph Fritsch Mrs. R. B. Lippincott, Jr. Mary Brewton Green Mrs. Charles H. Peterson Bryan Griffin Mrs. Sara C. Atwell Tommy Griffin Mr. and Mrs. James H. Shepherd III Photo By Sara Hand Jake Conway Mr. and Mrs. Mark Kohntopp Dennis Cross Mr. and Mrs. Brett R. Hodge Andrew B. Crumbley Ms. Jennith Bernstein Cile and Charlie Davidson Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Davidson III Dr. Wilbert L. Dawkins, Sr. Dr. and Mrs. Mark C. Dawkins Above: Alana Shepherd celebrates with twins Jennings, left, and James Watkins at their 90th birthday celebration in December 2009. Jennings is a longtime friend and supporter of Shepherd Center. The Dorothy W. Watkins Spinal Cord Injury Post-Acute Program Wing in the Marcus-Woodruff Building is named in memory of his late wife, a former patient of Shepherd Center. 4 0 Spinal Column Walter S. Chancellor Hay Mrs. Janice H. Kane Peggy David Hayes Ms. Joanne Hayes Willeen Hodges Mr. and Mrs. James H. Shepherd III Morton S. Hodgson, Jr. The Hodgson Charitable Trust John Holland Ms. Sandra Kidd Roberta Rae Hosker Ms. Sarah L. Hosker Lucy Irick Mr. Thomas W. Irick Thomas W. Irick III Mr. Thomas W. Irick Tina Johnson Ms. Cathy A. Bird Ronnie Kinard Mr. and Mrs. James A. Walker, Jr. Doug King Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Morrison Mr. and Mrs. Norm Rather Mrs. Pauline S. Rivituso Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Teale Max Klenberg Ms. Betty Schaffer Cara Lambrecht Mr. David J. Lambrecht Dr. Donald Peck Leslie Laura – Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Simmons Watts Mr. and Mrs. James C. Davis Margaret A. Laws Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Bickerstaff Mavis Pruet Leslie Mr. and Mrs. Tom G. Wilson Edmond F. and Lorraine C. Lonergan Mr. and Mrs. Chris Lonergan Mary Lunsford Mr. and Mrs. Jarrett L. Davis III Pen Lybrook Ms. Phyllis Brooks Robert F. Mabon Mrs. Robert Mabon Seymour “Sy” Marcus Mr. and Ms. Julian B. Mohr Mr. and Mrs. J. Harold Shepherd Brooks Marsden Ms. Diane Marsden Harry C. Marshall Dr. and Mrs. John R. Castle Mary Massey Ms. Patricia Ahlers Mr. and Mrs. Brian S. Brown Mr. and Mrs. Robert P. Crawford Mrs. Robert J. Howard Mr. and Mrs. J. Harold Shepherd Mr. and Mrs. Terrence M. Tracy Mrs. Mary Frances Woodside Robert Julian McCamy, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Jarrett L. Davis III Mrs. Frank S. Goodman Mr. and Mrs. Billy L. Ivey Mr. and Mrs. Julian LeCraw, Sr. Mr. Hugh Richardson, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. J. Harold Shepherd Mr. and Mrs. Frank Troutman Donald McDaniel Mr. and Mrs. Lanier H. Adams Charles McGlamery on Behalf of Chris Bramblett Mrs. Ruby M. Campbell Ms. Jane M. Sledge Dawn McNally Mr. and Mrs. Randall W. Norris Naseeb Mickwee Mr. Robert Azar Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Bennett, Jr. Cedar Club of Atlanta Mr. and Mrs. Jeff L. Corey Mrs. Mary S. Crouse Mrs. Robert J. Howard Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Miller Mr. and Mrs. William M. Puckett The Shepherd Center Auxiliary Ms. Sherry H. Tobia Mr. and Mrs. Terrence M. Tracy Caroline Quin Mitchell Lethea and Doug Mitchell Ruth and Roy Mitchell Lethea and Doug Mitchell Jeanne Monroe Mr. and Mrs. Steven Schaikewitz Clara Moore Shepherd Center Volunteer Services Wesley Moran The Moran Family Foundation Otto Morrison Mrs. Patricia C. Williams Ralph Murphy Mrs. Ralph A. Murphy James T. Nicholson Mr. Ernest M. Steen Robert North Ms. Eileen Alba Ms. Nancy Bowen Ms. Sharon Bradley Ms. Jane Cahn Ms. Megan Chaney Ms. Diane R. Colin Dana Crawford Mrs. Teri Ellisberg Dr. and Mrs. Glenn Fuchs Ms. Patricia Insley Mr. Lou Kuntz Ms. Penny Gordon-Larsen Mr. and Mrs. John Madewell Mr. Ray Massey Col. Martin Michlik – West Point Class of 1964 Mr. Andy Olshan w w w. s p i n a l c o l u m n . o r g Photo By Leita Cowart Gloria Thornwell Mrs. Joan Woodall Lee Timberlake Ms. Carol Lathem Henry B. Troutman, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Bickerstaff Mrs. James T. Porter Doris Ufford Mrs. Kimberly Casey Mr. Joseph Palko Alex Reiner Dr. Kira Taylor Mr. Stephen Weisel Mrs. Libby Wittneben Dr. Yu Yan Ms. Susan Zweighaft Robert W. Northrop Mr. and Mrs. Palmer T. Northrop James Odom Mr. and Mrs. Robert Medlock Estelle C. Overstreet Mrs. R. B. Lippincott, Jr. Steve Owens Mrs. Joan Woodall Mrs. Lola Park Mr. and Mrs. James A. Laird Arthur Allen Paty III Mr. and Mrs. John E. Duggan William C. “Bill” Peterson Mr. Hugh D. Peterson Kent Pierce Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Holmes Mr. and Mrs. Charile McDuffie Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Plunket, Jr. at Christmas Ms. Jane Plunket Margaret Powell Mr. John Barton Marks, Jr. Thomas Gibson Preacher Mr. and Mrs. James M. Caswell, Jr. Jean and Langdon Quin Lethea and Doug Mitchell Michael L. Rae, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Michael Rae Dr. and Mrs. John J. Riordan Mr. John Riordan Joe Rose Mr. and Mrs. William H. Power Nan Ross Ms. Julia Burdell Mr. Ryan Hoyt Ms. Lindsay E. Licht Mr. J. Kirkwood Martin Ms. Shannon Shipley Nancy Ruiz Mr. and Mrs. James H. Shepherd III Robert Safrin Mrs. Joan Woodall Charlie Sayres Mr. and Mrs. James M. Caswell, Jr. Peggy Schwall Mrs. Pamela E. Midura Dan Shepherd Mr. and Mrs. J. David Penson Dixie Shepherd Mr. Patrick McEwen and Otis Mr. and Mrs. James H. Shepherd III Dr. Iris T. Silvers Mr. and Mrs. Milton Jacobson Bernie Sirower Mr. and Mrs. Victor L. Cohen Lois Smith Mrs. William B. Stilwell, Jr. Douglas A. Spence Mr. and Mrs. Moses Spence Jim Spetzer Mr. and Mrs. Joel K. Isenberg Col. and Mrs. William H. Stubbs Ms. Elizabeth L. Branch Mr. and Mrs. Charles D. Susano, Sr. Judge and Mrs. Charles D. Susano, Jr. Nancy Taffel Mr. and Mrs. Milton Jacobson Jerry W. Temple Ms. Elizabeth Glazebrook Glenn Thompson Mrs. Lola Thompson Virginia Watson Mr. and Mrs. Joel K. Isenberg Sara Webb Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Moser Judge James H. Weeks Mr. and Mrs. Clarence B. Irwin Joan Dobbs White Mr. and Mrs. Peter M. Abreu Mrs. Chrissy Anthony Anthony Law Group Capital City Club Women’s Golf Association Ms. Raye H. Coplin Mrs. Mary Crawford Mr. and Mrs. Leon H. Delassus Ms. Mary Louise Floyd Ms. Mary Fisher Gearon Mrs. Frank S. Goodman Mr. and Mrs. William M. Graves Mr. and Mrs. Richard K. Hines V Mrs. Lindsey Hopkins III Mrs. Kathryn H. Hutchison Dr. and Mrs. David G. Jones Mrs. Valery Voyles and Mr. Rob Jordan John Wilder Mr. Ray Bratton Belva Williams Mr. C. D. Williams, Jr. Irwin Winer Ms. Bernice Mazo John B. “Jay” Woodruff III Mr. and Mrs. Andy Farmer Ms. Adele Lindsey Mrs. Richard Watkins Ms. Elizabeth W. Willis Jay Woodside Mr. and Mrs. Gary G. Gould Mr. and Mrs. Addison H. Meriwether Mr. and Mrs. M. H. Woodside, Jr. Ms. Mary A. Workman Don and Ida Yancey Mr. John A. Taylor Josephine Zachary Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Saul Photo Courtesy of Delta Air Lines Above: Georgia Bulldogs Football Coach Mark Richt and his team visit Shepherd Center patients in late November 2009. James Everett Vose III Ms. Elizabeth Burlingame Mr. Paul Chen and Ms. Rebecca Ginzburg Dr. Melissa Hull Mr. Phillip Knight Mrs. Penny Kron Ms. Madelyn Lodge Mr. and Mrs. Matt Maryak Mr. and Mrs. Gary Mason Mr. James Roche Mr. and Mrs. Robert Smith Mrs. Thornton Kennedy Mr. and Mrs. Stan Kyker Mr. and Mrs. Allen P. McDaniel Dr. and Mrs. Hugh C. McLeod III Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Miller Mr. and Mrs. Dudley L. Moore, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. McKee Nunnally Mr. and Mrs. Adolphus B. Orthwein, Jr. Planters Garden Club Mrs. James T. Porter Mr. and Mrs. William C. Rawson Mr. and Mrs. J. Mack Robinson Mr. and Mrs. John R. Seydel Mr. and Mrs. J. Harold Shepherd The Shepherd Center Auxiliary Mr. and Mrs. William D. Skinner Mrs. Meme W. Smith Ms. Elizabeth Morgan Spiegel Mr. and Mrs. Herron P. Weems Mrs. Patricia C. Williams Above: Shepherd Center patients go on an outing in December 2009 to learn how to navigate the airport and air travel. Spring 2010 4 1 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Atlanta, GA Permit No. 1703 Address Service Requested magazine Read the e at: onlin mn.org spinalcolu Photo By Louie Favorite Shepherd Center Therapists Help Patient Learn to Skate Again Shepherd Center spinal cord injury rehabilitation patient Marat Pashkevich, 23, of Marietta, Ga., is relearning how to rollerblade as he continues to recover from an incomplete C-5 spinal cord injury he sustained in a diving accident in August 2009. Physical therapist Anneke Bender and her colleagues have been assisting Marat, who walks with assistance from a forearm crutch, as he practices rollerblading at Shepherd. Anneke began the training using a portable harness system called a LiteGait (pictured at left) to help Marat maintain his balance as he skates. “Now, we’re using a Guldman hoyer lift that allows free movement of Marat’s legs as he skates,” Anneke explains. “He’s doing great and progressing very well.” Marat has played ice hockey since he was a child. Before his injury, Marat played on a adult men’s hockey team in Atlanta. He hopes to return to the league eventually. Soon, Shepherd physical therapist Joy Bruce expects to assist Marat on the ice at an Atlanta rink. She will help him balance using the facility’s ceiling-mounted pulley system. “In a relatively short amount of time, I’ve come a long way with my recovery,” Marat says. “I think I’ve made tremendous progress, especially considering my diagnosis and the damage to my spinal cord.” Marat recently completed locomotor training in the NeuroRecovery Network program at Shepherd. This summer, he plans to return to his last semester at Georgia State University to complete a bachelor’s degree in finance. Then he wants to pursue an MBA degree. — Jane M. Sanders Volunteer! SpinalColumn Help is needed for upcoming events. See Page 2 ® The Magazine of Shepherd Center: Providing Medical Treatment, Research and Rehabilitation | spinalcolumn.org + Shepherd Center Junior Committee announces a new venue for Atlanta’s largest Kentucky Derbythemed fundraising event. DERBY DAY On the Stage Actors with disabilities seek equality. Creative Funding Patients' ingenuity closes the gap. Patient Profile Dentist returns to practice after injury. The Slippery Slopes Paralympic skier recalls Shepherd’ s help. A Focus on Safety Researchers assess safety risks after TBI. Spring 2010 The Magazine of Shepherd Center Spring 2010 Photo by Gary Meek Letter from James Shepherd SpinalColumn® Dear Friends, The past year has been one of the toughest economic times in Shepherd Center’s history. But true to their remarkable character, our staff and donors have stepped up to the plate. Our staff and physicians have worked diligently to improve efficiency. They have also raised our already-excellent level of customer service. We hear this from everyone who comes through our doors. Meanwhile, our donors have continued to give to our fundraising campaigns when it was tough and it truly hurt to give. Because of these efforts, Shepherd Center has experienced financial success. We’re still hiring and have even been able to give raises to our dedicated and experienced staff. We’re also still expanding our facilities and services. We are truly grateful to our community of supporters and to our staff for continuing to engage and encourage our patients through the tough process of rehabilitation. We also appreciate the behind-the-scenes service of our ancillary departments, including Engineering, Health Information Management, Information Systems, Environmental Services, and Food and Nutrition Services. So many dedicated staff members in these and other departments work diligently to make things run smoothly at Shepherd Center. As we start this new fiscal year, we expect to soon begin a major renovation of the second floor of the Shepherd Building. It will almost double our dedicated space to meet the growing demand for treatment of patients with brain injuries. This update will add 28 beds – 20 in private rooms and eight more in four semi-private rooms – to our Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Unit. Upon completion, the project will consolidate all of our ABI inpatient services on the second floors of both the Shepherd and Marcus-Woodruff buildings. The addition of more private rooms will address infection control issues, as well. The renovation, which will gut and rebuild the entire second floor of the Shepherd Building, except for the therapy gym and elevator lobby, is expected to begin by early summer and take about 18 months to complete. Our long-term plans call for a similar renovation of the third floor of the Shepherd Building. Ultimately, we won’t have to turn away patients for lack of a bed – something we’ve had to do in the recent past. Having more beds available means Shepherd Center can help even more people experience outcomes that both exceed their expectations and the national averages among rehabilitation hospitals. It’s further evidence that our staff and your gifts continue to “restore hope and rebuild lives.” Warm regards, James H. Shepherd, Jr. Chairman of the Board Shepherd Center 2020 Peachtree Road, NW Atlanta, Georgia 30309 404-352-2020 [email protected] www.spinalcolumn.org Editor Jane M. Sanders Design Soloflight Design Contributing Writers Lauren Angelo, Sara Baxter, Amanda Crowe, Kayla Eubanks, Dean Melcher, Anne Pearce, Bill Sanders, Scott Sikes, Brittany Wilson Contributing Photographers Ernie Brown, Brad Buckman, Leita Cowart, Louie Favorite, Jim Fitts, Jerry Hooks, Gary Meek Board of Directors James H. Shepherd, Jr., Chairman Gary Ulicny, Ph.D., President and CEO Emory A. Schwall, Vice President William C. Fowler, Treasurer Stephen B. Goot, Corporate Secretary Alana Shepherd, Recording Secretary Members Fred V. Alias, Gregory P. Anderson, David F. Apple, Jr., M.D., Brock Bowman, M.D.*, Wilma Bunch*, James M. Caswell, Jr., Sara S. Chapman, Clark Dean, John S. Dryman, Mitchell J. Fillhaber*, David H. Flint, Stephen B. Holleman*, Michael L. Jones, Ph.D.*, Tammy King*, Donald Peck Leslie, M.D., Bernie Marcus, Joseph R. Moderow, Julian B. Mohr, Charles T. Nunnally III, Sally D. Nunnally, Clyde Shepherd III, J. Harold Shepherd, Scott H. Sikes*, James E. Stephenson, James D. Thompson, Goodloe H. Yancey III† * † Ex Officio Emeritus Spinal Column is published quarterly by Shepherd Center, a private, not-for-profit hospital specializing in the treatment of people with spinal cord injury and disease, acquired brain injury, multiple sclerosis and other neuromuscular disorders, and urological problems. E-mail change of address information or request to be removed from our mailing list to [email protected], or by mail to Shepherd Center, Attn: Spinal Column Mailing List, 2020 Peachtree Road, NW, Atlanta, Georgia, 30309. Please include mailing label. Spinal Column accepts no advertising. Spinal Column is a registered trademark of Shepherd Center. About the Cover: Shepherd Center supporters attend Derby Day 2009 to help the Junior Committee raise funds to support the hospital's therapeutic recreation programs. Photo by Jonathan Chick