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Almost two years ago, we shared Maria’s story with you. Maria, who was 18 at the time, was getting ready to graduate from high school. Now 19, Maria is more confident and full of surprises! Maria continued to dream—and dream BIG! Last month, Maria began attending Morton College, taking the first step toward a degree in social work.
Juanita C., BSN, MS, and Bernice H., BSN, MS, call themselves “two peas in a pod.” They aren’t sisters, but they might as well be. They have spent—and continue to spend—their entire nursing career together. Now retired, these lifelong friends work part-time with Independence Plus’ pediatric patients.
Kristina S., BSN, RN, Clinical Transition Manager, can be found working with many of our new ventilator-dependent patients as she transitions them from the hospital to their home. We sat down with Kristina to find out more about who she is and how she contributes to keeping our patients healthy at home…
Many things have changed for Lauren since WGN aired her story last fall. Not only has she exceeded her fundraising goal of $55,000, but Lauren already has the keys to her new wheelchair-accessible van that will comfortably take her to college later this year.
On Tuesday, Lauren (age 19), one of our ventilator-dependent patients, appeared on WGN News in a special segment called “Mr. Brightside,” which features people in the community who are doing great things. We talked to Lauren two days after the video aired and here’s what she had to say: “The last couple of days have been awesome!”
Madelyn, 10 months, celebrated her second week home yesterday. Jeff and Amy, Madelyn’s parents, are thankful to finally have their daughter home—and just in time for the holidays and Madelyn’s first birthday.
Melanie, RN, one of Independence Plus’s nurses, remembers the first time she heard Joan’s voice. The pair has been working together three days a week since Joan moved back home last November, after spending almost one year in the hospital.
Trissa, who turns 11 in a couple of weeks, is bright, spirited, and wise beyond her years. For her birthday this year—and as a prelude to surgery—Trissa chose to donate some of her birthday funds to the ALS Foundation. Watch Trissa’s ALS Ice Bucket Challenge video and hear her important message—it blew us away!
It’s easy to feel comfortable around JJ. He’s easy to talk to—and has a great sense of humor. In 2007, JJ suffered a complete spinal cord injury when he fell from a roof while working as a carpenter. He is living proof that life doesn’t have to stop with a spinal cord injury.
Mindy, LPN, has touched the lives of many of our patients and families. Of course, Mindy quickly corrected this statement with, “I think it’s the other way around—they’ve touched my life!” A wife and mother of three, Mindy is kind, compassionate and willing to do whatever it takes for her patients—and Independence Plus.
Daniel, 21 months, is a dynamic, intelligent, and handsome little man. Born at 27 weeks weighing only 1 lb., 7 oz., Daniel’s complex medical history required him to undergo open-heart surgery at 4 months, receive a tracheostomy, and be placed on mechanical ventilation. With help from his parents and nurses, Daniel has already made significant progress.
Lauren, who turns nineteen next month, was given a very special gift last December. Two days after Christmas, Lauren received news that she was finally going home. It was Lauren’s first day home in six years. Lauren suffers from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a neuromuscular disease that causes severe muscle weakness and requires her dependence on mechanical ventilation.
We’re expanding our services and offerings. We want you to be a part of the team that is delivering personalized, individual, people-focused skilled home healthcare to those in need. Come join us.