Here is a an email I got last Monday (March 7th) from our contact at MetroHealth Hospital Foundation. They are a recent Quality of Life grantee:

Hi Donna,

Some wonderful things are happening here at Metro Health Hospital because of your support. I just couldn't wait for the final report to share some of the news. Check out the attached document.

Thank you so much for improving the quality of life for our ventilator dependent patients.

With utmost appreciation,

Shelly

This is a sampling from the document she attached:

Metro Health Hospital’s Assisted Breathing Center (ABC) patients have access to five laptop computers- four laptops have been assigned to specific patients and one is rotated among the remaining patients. This technology connects them with family, friends, and the outside world.

Special adapted software and devices were made available to those who would not otherwise be able to use the computer, allowing them independence, facilitating better communication with staff, and improving their quality of life.

Imagine the hardship of not only having to live attached to a ventilator, but to do so with minimal contact with your friends, family, and the world outside your hospital room. The patients at Metro Health Hospital’s Assisted Breathing Center have limited mobility, as they struggle with traumatic and debilitating injuries and disorders.

The simple ability to email friends, network on social media sites like Facebook, and surf the internet greatly improves the quality of life for patients with limited mobility or communication. The computers and adaptive equipment provided by the Christopher Reeve Foundation have led to some remarkable improvements in vitality and emotional health of the patients in the ABC.

This is how your gift has impacted the lives of these patients:

I would like to thank the Christopher Reeve Foundation for the use of this brand new laptop. I believe I’ve had it in my room for about 2 months. I am on the trach ward at Metro Health, and I wean up to 14/15 hours a day. However, due to obesity, a four week coma, several deadly infections, and all the time I’ve been in bed – sedentary, I am not yet able to walk. So, no doubt, the use of this computer has brought me so much joy!

On Facebook, I have been able to partake of several wonderful pictures, for instance, my brand new “great” niece, Olivia. My son’s new residence, and all the pictures his wife posts regularly of their new adventures. And just being able to communicate with friends and family, as they are all 3/5 hours away. I am also able to use the computer in every way possible, and enjoy every minute of it. One night, I was so enthralled that I completely forgot to order dinner! To sum it up best, let me tell you of what I wrote on Facebook “Did you know that the use of this computer was made available to me by the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation?”

My son Andrew’s comment to that was “He is a super man.” Ditto!

Thank you so much!
- Dru

Since my transfer to Metro Health Hospital Assisted Breathing Center, I have been treated with such compassion. I am paralyzed and communicating has been difficult. You have been there trying to help me be more involved. The best gift you have given me to help me speak to friends and family has been the computer you provided me. My friends and family have to travel to visit me and the computer has made it much easier to just stay in touch. It has been a God send, and I thank you so very much.
- Kathleen

Check here for more information about our Quality of Life program.

Donna Valente
Director, Quality of Life Grants

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