Campaign to Cure Paralysis

"Nothing of any consequence happens unless people get behind an idea. It begins with an individual and they share the idea with more individuals, and eventually it becomes a movement" - Christopher Reeve.

5,596,000 Americans are living with paralysis. Almost 1.3 million of those are spinal cord injured. These are the extraordinary finding of One Degree of Separation: Paralysis and Spinal Cord Injury in the United States, a national paralysis population survey commissioned by the Reeve Foundation. No one had any idea that the paralysis community is this large. This means nearly 1 in 50 of all Americans are living with paralysis -- 33% more than previous estimates. The Campaign to Cure Paralysis brings forward thinking people together with the Reeve Foundation to raise the financial resources and provide the dogged determination to CURE PARALYSIS. When our community—spinal cord injured people, caregivers, scientists, researchers, friends, and family—works together with a single purpose, common playbook, and unified message, we can change the way the world looks at paralysis. We don t have to accept—as though it is fact—that after a spinal cord injury you have lost mobility and function forever. We know this is not true. Scientists and researchers know this is not true. Reeves Rocks

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation announced the inaugural Reeve Rocks benefit concert will be held Tuesday, July 28th at 7 p.m. in New York City. To be held at Le Poisson Rouge, the concert is bringing together some of the best new musical acts in the country in order to raise funds for the Foundation. "It s a sad truth that a large number of people who become spinal cord injured are young adults who receive injuries through sporting and car accidents," said Matthew Reeve, member of the Reeve Foundation Board of Directors. "We re hoping to unite the next generation of activists and advocates to this community through music." "We anticipate Reeve Rocks will become an annual event, growing bigger and bigger each year," said Matthew. Alabama

There is no Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation chapter in Alabama, Florida or Mississippi. Anyone interested in beginning a chapter? See: http://www.christopherreeve.org/

May 2009 Meeting - Syliva Bern reporting

      We met in the cafe at the library. Those who attended Camp ASCCA talked about their invigorating weekend. They noted the many improvements that have been made at camp. It s beautiful! The commemorative bricks MAPPSG donated are now placed in a walkway near the Environmental Center.
      Our support group is in a video filmed by Robert, the camp PR person. It will be on the internet by June-POSTPOLIOSG.org . Follow directory to Local Mobile Area Post Polio Support Group- 12 years at Camp ASCCA.
      Ed Weller s mother visited us again. Happy to see her. Joann Fassig shared a brochure about the Mobile Spine Rehabilitation Clinic. She is beginning treatment there.
      I read from an old newspaper about an Alabama polio survivor who was a late bloomer. During her youth those around her concentrated on her disabilities instead of encouraging her natural talents. Sad story. We then each gave our own story of the support we did receive from family, friends, teachers and medical personnel. These people played an important role in permitting us to grow up believing that we could be successful. And-- WE ARE!

Attendance: Patsy Adams ~ Sylvia Bern ~ George Fassig ~ JoAnn Fassig ~ Julie Ford ~ Rus Ford ~ Clara Norsworthy ~ George Norsworthy ~ Carol Weller ~ Ed Weller

June 2009 Meeting - Syliva Bern reporting

      Twelve people gathered for our June meeting. The video made at Camp ASCCA in May was posted on POSTPOLIOSG.org. It has been seen by many people already. Check it out.
      Clara Norsworthy brought her camp photos to share with us. She recounted some of our camp adventures. Sadly she also reported the loss of a Pensacola member. Pat DeLorme recently passed away.
      Larry Ready and Clara each saw Dr Peach recently. The doctor still displays the plaque we presented to him in one of the patient rooms. He sends us greetings.
      We again discussed the pros and cons of generic drugs. Bottom line -always speak with your doctor before taking any.
      Joann Fassig shared her treatment for back pain which has greatly helped her. RX from your doctor required to attend this clinic.
      Charles Gollott sent an E-mail update on wife Barbara. She is at home with hospice. We still have this family in our thoughts and prayers.
      The magazine AARC Times, May 2009, featured an article entitled "Strategies for RT s Managing Patients with Post=polio Syndrome" by Bill Pruitt. He is a senior instructor and director of clinical education at the University of South Alabama in Mobile. The article contains an interview with a polio survivor under the heading "The Personal Side of PPS. This is not just local coverage. The magazine goes everywhere.

Attendance: Patsy Adams ~ Sylvia Bern ~ George Fassig ~ JoAnn Fassig ~ Julie Ford ~ Rus Ford ~ Clara Norsworthy ~ George Norsworthy ~ Larry Ready ~ Bennie Steele ~ Eloise Steele ~ Ed Weller

We had a great spring day for our April meeting in Pensacola. We had two visitors which were friends and family of some of us in the group. It is wonderful to get extra support. We just love our group so much we like to share.

We talked about hoping to go to camp next month and how many people had turned in their applications. We hope to hear soon as it is weeks away. It was great to see Shirley and Neil back from their winter working vacation. They filled us in on their experiences of helping repair and update churches in different areas. They really seem to enjoy their volunteer work.

Ron and Pat Kaderly spoke about their trip to Warm Springs. It was interesting to those of us who had been there for our polio treatment many years ago. It sounds like it has changed a good bit from the one red light town it was.

We want to remind everyone that the May meeting will be about what makes you happy. Please share your hobbies or activity that gives you the most satisfaction. It could encourage others to try what makes you happy. Be prepared to encourage others.

Attendance:
Bill Bridenbrack ~ Chereyl Cooper ~ Leigh Dethlefs ~ Theresa Inge ~ Pat Kaderly ~ Ron Kaderly ~ Jim Neil ~ Shirley Neil ~ Clara Norsworthy ~ George Norsworthy ~ Nita Omley ~ T M Stanfield ~ Mary Warneck

Our May meeting involved reliving the good time had by all at Camp ASCCA. Attending camp this year from Pensacola Support Group were: Leigh & George Dethlefs, Ron & Pat Kaderly, Clara & George Norsworthy, Theresa Inge & her sister Juanita, JoAnn McCoy and Wayne Baggett. From Mobile: Sylvia Bern & her sister Evelyn.

Attendance:
George Dethlefs ~ Leigh Dethlefs ~ Theresa Inge ~ Pat Kaderly ~ Ron Kaderly ~ JoAnn McCoy ~ Clara Norsworthy ~ George Norsworthy ~ Mary Warneck

We had 11 members at our June meeting. Ronnie Gonzalez, RSVP Director, from Council on Aging was our guest speaker. She spoke on all the programs they provide for senior adults to maintain their independence and to be able to stay in their homes. Some of the programs are: Adult Day Care, Meals-on-Wheels, Caregiver Support, Senior Companion Program and Foster Grandparent Program. If you need their assistance, you may phone them at 850-432-1475.

We were glad to have Cyndee, Jane and Charlie back with us this month.

Our sympathy goes out to the family of Pat DeLorme who died June 20, 2009. She had been a member since 2003.

See you at the July Meeting on the 18th!

Attendance:
Jane Clark ~ Chereyl Cooper ~ Ronnie Gonzalez ~ Cyndee Ice ~ Pat Kaderly ~ Ron Kaderly ~ Cliff Martin ~ Kay Martin ~ Chrlie Murphy ~ Clara Norsworthy ~ George Norsworthy