Wheelchair Foundation Responds to Katrina Victims Need for Wheelchairs, But More Help is Needed
by Nancy Kennedy
Tens of thousands of elderly and disabled adults and children among the displaced citizens of the Gulf Coast depend on wheelchairs for their mobility and activities of daily living. But in the urgency of the Katrina crisis, some were forced to depart with only the clothes on their backs, leaving their wheelchairs behind. Others were injured in the flooding and rescue efforts. Unable to walk and lacking wheelchairs, these disabled citizens were doubly stranded.
At the Houston Astrodome, where 12,000 Katrina refugees were transported, rescue workers had no choice but to carry the disabled in their arms or on improvised stretchers. Others were simply left to try to fare for themselves. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, workers issued a frantic plea for help, and Jack Drury, president of the Southeast Region of The Wheelchair Foundation, answered that plea, immediately and effectively.
Within eight hours of that initial phone call, Drury had a shipment of 280 brand new wheelchairs ready to go, and a truck with a volunteer driver lined up to drive the chairs to Houston. With help from members of the Fort Lauderdale Rotary, Drury and his team spent Saturday morning loading the truck and by Monday morning, they were being unloaded at the Astrodome by a group from The Houston Center for Independent Living. The recipient of the first wheelchair off the truck was a gentleman with double leg amputations who had been forced to sit on the arena floor for over 24 hours.
The story of the South Florida wheelchair shipment traveled quickly through the community, and Drurys phone then began ringing for a different reason. According to Drury, “The good people of Broward County wanted to help with this. A shipment of 280 new wheelchairs costs $42,000, and within five days, the entire cost had been covered through donations. This is why I have lived here for 45 years and will never leave.”
The Wheelchair Foundation, founded by Kenneth Behring, is a non-profit organization, headquartered in California, that provides new wheelchairs at no charge to needy disabled persons all over the globe, including the U.S. So far, the Foundation, which is a mere five years old, has provided 388, 260 chairs and counting.
The organizations mission is to deliver a new wheelchair to every child, teen or adult in the world that needs a chair but cannot afford one. Having a wheelchair is life changing for those who are unable to walk; it provides mobility, and along with that, freedom, self-sufficiency, an opportunity to socialize and improved chances to find employment. The gift of a chair has a profound and lasting impact on quality of life.
Internationally, the leading cause of disability is landmines; 26,000 new landmines injuries occur every year and the number is increasing. In Africa, the leading cause of disability is snakebites.
The Katrina catastrophe has created a wheelchair emergency, and the various US locations of the Wheelchair Foundation have provided a total of 3200 chairs, their entire inventory, to shelters and relief centers but hundreds more are needed. The Wheelchair Foundation is engaged in helping the victims of Katrina in a very specific way and help is needed to keep the wheelchairs going out and to replenish the warehouse inventory.
For a donation of $150, the Wheelchair Foundation will deliver a brand new wheelchair to a Katrina victim. A crate of 280 wheelchairs costs $42,000. To make an individual or corporate donation of wheelchairs to the Katrina victims, call (954) 776-0722. Or, go to the website, www.wheelchairfoundation.org.
Memorial Healthcare Systems Outpouring of Support to Help Victims of Hurricane Katrina Memorial Healthcare System’s employees and medical staff have been rallying to help victims of Hurricane Katrina. “On Saturday, September 3rd, six patients were airlifted in critical condition and were received at three of the South Broward hospitals — Memorial Regional Hospital, Memorial Hospital West and Memorial Hospital Pembroke,” said Frank V. Sacco, Chief Executive Officer of Memorial Healthcare System. Already, some Memorial Healthcare System employees, who are members of the federal disaster medical assistance team, have gone to the Gulf Coast to help treat victims. This team is a regional group coordinated by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Disaster Medical System.
Travis Oliphant unloads a case of water and other goods at the Department of Children and Families that was donated by Memorial Healthcare System employees.
Pilot Flies Supplies Donated by Parkway Regional Medical Center to Hurricane Survivors
Jim Rookey, chief cardio technologist for Parkway Regional Medical Center, recently flew much needed supplies to Biloxi, MS, to aid survivors of Hurricane Katrina. Parkway Regional Medical Center donated the diapers, baby formula, bandages, aspirin and other everyday items the survivors are lacking.
“When I arrived at the command center in Biloxi, I was amazed at how much destruction the hurricane had caused,” said Rookey upon his return. “But crews were in full gear to start bringing supplies the survivors. Im glad to see the relief efforts are moving forward.”
Formerly a United States Air Force pilot, Rookey now volunteers for Homeland Security doing aerial surveillance and rescue missions. This will be his second hurricane mission, following last years flight to aid victims of Hurricane Charley. “We are grateful for Jims efforts, which gave our hospital a chance to directly help the hurricane survivors,” said Parkway CEO Ron L. Bierman. “Jims bravery and selflessness serve as an example to the entire community.”
Rookey was joined by Parkway anesthesiologist Dr. Mike Keiren, who is also a pilot.
Atlantic Hope 2005 A group of 36 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in a course in the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing at Florida Atlantic University during the summer semester titled “Nursing Situations in Disaster Relief and Humanitarian Assistance.” This course, taught on FAUs Treasure Coast campus, was developed by Dr. Charlotte Barry and Dr. Paul Forage to provide an in-depth study of the prevention and alleviation of human suffering in natural or man-made disasters. Focused on developing compassionate leadership, the students established “Atlantic Hope,” a Humanitarian Center for Caring, during a cap stone weekend immersion learning experience. The course inspired the formation of a club within the Student Nurse Association called HEART, Humanitarian Emergency Assistance Response Team. The club is open to anyone interested in learning how to provide care in complex humanitarian emergencies. The students have become Red Cross volunteers and have offered to be deployed to Mississippi & Louisiana to care for those suffering from the destruction and devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. Dr. Winland-Brown, plans to accompany the students to the Gulf Coast.
Miami Childrens Hospital Plays Role in Hurricane Katrina Relief The impact of Hurricane Katrina on our neighbors in New Orleans continues to remain in the forefront of our attention and Miami Children’s Hospital (MCH) has reached out to provide support to victims. From August 31 to September 4, the MCH LifeFlight helicopter, lear jet and two flight teams provided humanitarian assistance to Childrens Hospital of New Orleans (CHNO) and other area hospitals as well as residents affected by the devastating storm and its aftermath. The MCH team assisted in evacuating area hospitals, while distributing much needed supplies and equipment. Scrubs and supplies that have been donated by MCH employees have been distributed to the hospitals of New Orleans.
(l-r) Cesar Moreton, LifeFlight Paramedic; Franco Figueroa, LifeFlight EMT and Mansfiel Ortega, LifeFlight EMT load the MCH LifeFlight helicopter.
(l-r) Franco Figueroa, LifeFlight EMT; Cesar Moreton, LifeFlight Paramedic; and Ayme Torres, RN prepare for lear jet departure.
(l-r) Eric Linfors, LifeFlight Paramedic; Sheila Perez, RN, BSN; Franco Figueroa, LifeFlight EMT; Maria Fernandez, ARNP, MSN, CMTE, Director of LifeFlight; Mansfiel Ortega, LifeFlight EMT and Anthony Page, Pilot
North Broward Hospital District Employees Assist in Hurricane Relief Effort Healthcare workers from Coral Springs Medical Center and Seventh Avenue Family Health Center have been sent to the devastated Gulf Coast to help treat victims of Hurricane Katrina. The team arrived in Alabama on Aug. 31 and will be deployed for two to four weeks. Two nurses and a physician assistant are members of the Disaster Medical Assistance Team, a regional group coordinated by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Disaster Medical System. In addition, nurses from Broward General Medical Center, Coral Springs Medical Center, North Broward Medical Center and District Headquarters are on alert to respond if needed. They are members of the International Medical Surgical Response Team, one of only three in the country. Teams are equipped to operate a free-standing field surgical unit anywhere in the world. The all-volunteer organization includes physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, respiratory therapists, lab technicians, paramedics, firefighters and other non-medical personnel. In addition to sending personnel, the District’s Department of Emergency Preparedness is providing daily updates to state and national agencies on the number of beds at District hospitals available to patients from the Gulf Coast. The American Hospital Association is working closely with the federal government as well as national, state and local organizations to coordinate how AHA members can best help. A new website www.HospitalReliefEffort.org will provide up-to-date information and a place for volunteers to offer their services in a coordinated fashion. “We want our efforts to be helpful and well coordinated during this difficult time, so we are working through established state and federal channels,” said Wil Trower, President/CEO of the North Broward Hospital District. “We will provide support as long as necessary.” Another effort is taking place closer to home. Many employees are converting their personal leave time to cash donations which go directly to the relief effort in the devastated areas. As one of the largest employers in Broward County, the District expects to donate a significant amount of money through this special program.
Boca Urologist Sets Up Grassroots Refugee Sponsorships When Jeffrey Miller, M.D., a Boca Raton urologist, saw the destructive aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, he knew that he had to do something. Along with his colleagues at Boca Urology, P.A. and other Boca Raton physicians, Dr. Miller quickly put together grassroots sponsorship for displaced victims to stay in the Boca Raton area. Through newspaper ads and live radio interviews throughout Mississippi, Louisiana, and the Florida panhandle, Dr. Miller contacted shelters and other organizations that were housing refugees with nothing left and nowhere to go. He arranged for transportation to South Florida and began setting up families in local hotels.
Jeffrey Miller, MD, and relief workers load up supplies on the bus headed for the Mississippi shelters.
Palmetto General Hospital Helps New Orleans Medical Evacuees and Other Hurricane Victims Palmetto General Hospital (PGH) is providing medical care and other assistance for six medical evacuees and their loved ones who were transferred from New Orleans to the Hialeah, FL facility. Hospital employees are also donating money to support Hurricane Katrina disaster-relief efforts. In addition to providing much-needed treatment for the medical evacuees, PGHs employees and physicians are collecting donations and helping them reconnect with family members across the United States. Theyre working closely with the American Red Cross to address the patients needs during the transition. And theyre coordinating with local nursing facilities to temporarily place elderly and special-needs patients until they can relocate. “As soon as these patients arrived at Palmetto General Hospital, our team began to work tirelessly to provide the caring, compassionate attention they needed,” said Jocelyn Fernandez, PGHs social services manager. “Some were fortunate enough to bring family members to our hospital, and we made sure their loved ones needs were met. For those who had lost touch with their families, we spent days scouring the Internet to find their family members nationwide and reestablish contact. In addition, our staff generously donated money, clothing, and hygiene products so we could give care packages to all of them upon discharge.” The medical evacuees were transferred to Palmetto General Hospital from the Louisiana Superdome and New Orleans hospitals. They were flown into Opa-Locka Airport before being transported to the hospital on ambulances. “Everyone at Palmetto General Hospital came together as a family to help these patients and their loved ones through their moments of greatest need,” said Ralph A. Aleman, PGHs chief executive officer. “Our employees and physicians worked round-the-clock and did whatever was necessary to ensure all their needs were met. In addition, we will continue to work with the American Red Cross and other non-profit organizations to support Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.”
Good Samaritan Medical Center Nurse Organizes Successful Hurricane Katrina Relief Campaign
A recent hurricane victim herself, Good Samaritan Medical Center nurse Stephanie Hughes organized a donation effort at the hospital that delivered essential supplies to Hurricane Katrina victims in New Orleans. Hughes, who has worked for the hospital more than 13 years, lost her own home last year to Hurricane Jeanne.
“My home was destroyed by Hurricane Jeanne and it put many pieces of my life on hold,” says Hughes. “But the people of New Orleans have lost everything and are struggling just to survive. I knew I had to help.”
When Hughes, who works at Good Samaritan Medical Centers medical and surgical department, learned just a few days before Labor Day that friends were chartering a plane to deliver supplies to hurricane victims in New Orleans over the holiday weekend, she quickly took action. Hughes alerted fellow hospital staff and began organizing a donation program to aid victims of the brutal storm.
In only five hours, Hughes collected more than $2,000 in donations from Good Samaritan Medical Center staff, physicians and volunteers. Then, after learning area officials were asking for much-needed supplies rather than cash, Hughes rushed to local stores and converted the donations into essential baby and hygiene products. Her purchases included: 2,000 diapers, 100 packs of baby wipes, 150 packages of formula, 100 bottles, 50 tubes of diaper rash cream, 150 bottles of sports drinks and numerous first aid kits. Hughes then personally delivered all the items to the airport and the chartered plane, which made a successful delivery to hurricane survivors on Labor Day.
Hughes, a resident of West Palm Beach, has been living in an apartment since her own house was destroyed in 2004. “Were all touched by Stephanies efforts to help the New Orleans victims when she herself is still recovering from hurricane losses,” says hospital CEO Paul Echelard. “Among all the various hurricane relief efforts in which our hospital participated, this project has truly been a tale of inspiration.”
Hughes earned her Associate degree at Palm Beach Community College and Bachelor degree at Florida Atlantic University. Although Hurricane Jeanne briefly sidetracked her education, Hughes is currently taking courses at FAU in hopes of obtaining a medical degree.
Barry University Opens its Doors to Gulf Coast Students Barry University, responding to the crisis caused by Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, has officially admitted students from the Gulf Coast region. “We are responding to their crisis by opening our doors with open hearts,” Barry President Sister Linda Bevilacqua, OP, PhD, said. “We are already admitting students who have sought admission with Barry University until they can return to their original schools.” BU officials have counted 31 currently enrolled BU students whose home address is in one of the three hurricane affected states, as well as 231 alums that live there. “This was a tragedy that has affected us all,” Bevilacqua stated. “So many of the Barry community have family and friends that have been displaced or are still missing. We will do whatever we can to provide open arms of hospitality, care and support to our currently enrolled students and to other members of the university community who have family, friends and colleagues along the Gulf Coast, and to those who will be making Barry their second home until their respective schools re-open.” In accordance with the guidelines issued by the major national higher education associationsincluding the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, American Council on Education, Association of American Universities and American Association of State Colleges and UniversitiesBarry University is admitting students seeking admission for the fall semester from colleges and universities in the Gulf Coast region that have been severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Barry is also taking up a monetary collection for those affected by Hurricane Katrina. Contributions are being accepted at the Mission and Ministry Office on BUs main campus in Miami Shores. Checks may be made out to Barry University, earmarked “Hurricane Fund.” Funds collected will be disseminated by Catholic Charities in areas in and around New Orleans and other hard-hit Gulf Coast cities.
“Change the Gulf Coast” Campaign Implemented at Westside Regional Medical Center Westside Regional Medical Center (WRMC) kicked off an extensive internal employee campaign on Sept. 6 to benefit the victims of Hurricane Katrina under the theme “Change the Gulf Coast.” Spearheaded by WRMCs Employee Advisory Committee (EAC), a plan to aid the hurricane victims will continue over the next several weeks and possible months. “It is heart-warming to see the employees come together to help out during this disaster,” said Earl Denning, CEO of Westside Regional Medical Center, who is a native of New Orleans. “I am truly taken back by the generosity of our employees.” So far, the EAC has placed approximately five 10-gallon water bottles around the hospital to collect change and has raffled off several pairs of Dolphin tickets, a generator, as well as a New Years Eve cruise getaway to the Bahamas. A total of $1751 was raised as of Sept.9. Also, nonperishable items were collected which will be sent to the Gulf Coast through special arrangements with DHL. In the next two weeks, WRMC is planning to raffle off Panthers and Phantom of the Opera tickets, hold a jewelry sale and sell t-shirts to help raise more money. All proceeds will go to the HCA Hope Fund, a charity for HCA employees affected by this or future disasters, and the American Red Cross. There were four HCA hospitals affected by Hurricane Katrina which are Tulane University Hospital and Clinic, Lakeside Hospital, Lakeview Regional Medical Center and Garden Park Medical Center. In addition to the efforts made by Westside Regional Medical Center, HCA has already donated $1 million to the American Red Cross and $1 million to the HCA Hope Fund and has committed to match every dollar donated by HCA employees to the Hope Fund.
Wuesthoff Employees to Help Hurricane Katrina Victims The American Hospital Association along with the Department of Health (DOH) and Human Services, and the Florida Hospital Association (FHA) has selected 5 Wuesthoff employees to travel to Mississippi to help coordinate medical relief efforts for hospitals and patients affected by Hurricane Katrina. Five hospital clinicians and one Wuesthoff board member have been assigned to be part of the national hurricane mission response teams, and given a 48hour active duty stand-by status for deployment.
(l-r) Scott Huff, Wuesthoff Foundation Board of Directors Chairman; Kimberly Dalton, Wuesthoff Rockledge, RN; Margo Corley, Wuesthoff Hospice, RN; Amie Tarantola, Wuesthoff Rockledge, RN, ARNP; Tony Gonzalez, Wuesthoff Melbourne, RN; (not pictured) Thomas Binford, Wuesthoff Melbourne, RN, Paramedic
