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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.
Carl, RN, proves that it’s never too late to start a career in nursing. Professional, smart, and calm, Carl is a self-described “teddy bear” and respected by his patients and families with whom he’s developed an indelible bond.
Blake Weber, Scheduling and Recruiting Manager, is leaving Independence Plus to pursue his dream of opening a restaurant in California. In honor of Healthcare Recruiter Day and the departure of our friend and colleague, we sat down with Blake to discuss what he learned in his role and how Scheduling and Recruiting benefits our patients, families, and nurses.
Andrew, 2, is one happy, healthy, and handsome young man. Today, we are overjoyed to announce Andrew’s graduation from our Home Nursing program. He has completed one tough journey and now he is ready for life without skilled home nursing care. This day is filled with many emotions as his full-time nursing staff and clinical team say their goodbyes and celebrate Andrew’s incredible progress.
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.