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Carol Farrior is one strong woman. A mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, Carol is fighting the hardest battle of her life yet—ALS. Three years ago, Carol was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Despite new obstacles in her life, like dependence on mechanical ventilation, Carol refuses to let ALS define her.
John McHugh, 31, is a sports enthusiast, avid movie-goer, and college graduate. When John was only four years old, he was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a genetic disorder causing progressive muscle weakness and wasting. Fourteen years ago, his Irish Catholic family began fundraising for the Muscular Dystrophy Association—and they are still going strong.
Aiden, 5, loves music. When he was two years old, Aiden began drumming on the kitchen table. Today, Aiden plays three different djembe drums for up to an hour every day—and is even learning to play the piano. Despite being born with Nager syndrome, Aiden is thriving.
Xavier, 5, has the most contagious smile. When he flashes his wide, open-mouthed grin, you can’t help but beam right back at him. Born premature at 27 weeks, Xavier has a complicated medical history that has left him without a diagnosis and ventilator-dependent. He recently traveled to Disney World through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Thanks in large part to her parents, Emily and Dave, and nurse, Mindy Klein, LPN, Isobel (age 3) has proven that attending school is possible—even with Spina Bifida! Now off the ventilator completely, Isobel travels with Mindy four days a week to preschool in a big yellow school bus.
Vicki Ainsworth, RN, has a passion for one-on-one patient care, enthusiasm for learning and education, and killer sense of humor. But her selflessness is what truly sets her apart. Vicki explains why she loves her work, “Working in home nursing, I’m able to make a real difference in the lives of my patients.”
Jose “Tony” Galvez, 25, is a dedicated and passionate patient advocate for Muscular Dystrophy (MD). “Everything I do is motivated by helping others,” Tony explains. Diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at age seven, Tony learned to channel the frustration for his diagnosis into advocacy work.
Happily married for more than 10 years, Bill and Chris Schaffert are thankful they found each other. Bill and Chris were asked on Valentine’s Day: What is the secret is to your marriage? “A sense of humor!” Chris quickly replies. Bill suffers from an undiagnosed neuromuscular disease, similar to Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Just the same, Bill and Chris continue to make each other laugh every day.
“No matter what your circumstances are in life, you are able to do something positive for your family – and for the world. It’s important to find something that is good for yourself and for all people.” – Onix Flores. Watch the rest of Onix’s inspirational message after the jump.
Emily McDonald, RN, is quiet, kind and wise beyond her years. A nurse for the last 10 years, Emily comes from a family with a strong background in education. Today, Emily is a natural with our younger pediatric patients.
Mrs. Chris Schaffert and her vent-dependent husband, recently recalled an especially meaningful home visit with Anne O’Sullivan, RRT, RCP, our Home Nursing Transition Specialist. Chris remembers that day well. She was going through a very difficult time when Anne asked if she could share a poem entitled, “Welcome to Holland.”
In August 2013, we published a story about Andrew, 2, who was working with his physicians, nurses, and parents to breathe independently without a ventilator. Today, this happy, handsome toddler is completely weaned off the ventilator and working toward his ultimate goal: decannulation, which is the process of removing a tracheostomy tube.
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.