Recent News at Project MEND On September 29, 2016, Project MEND was presented with the prestigious Newman's Own Foundation award and $37,500 at the Pentagon Hall of Heroes by General James Dunford, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff in partnership with Newman's Own, Fisher House and Military Times. On the Eve of the presentation, General Paul Selva, Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff and his wife, Ricki, entertained us in their home at Ft. Myers, along with the executives of Newman's Own and Newman's Own Foundation, Fisher House and Military Times. Project MEND was one of five awardees selected from over 300 applications from across the country. "We are honored in being selected for this prestigious award," said Dexter Moon, Vice Chair, Project MEND Board of Directors, and USAF Veteran. Project MEND was selected for its INNOVATION in serving Veterans and their family members. Left to Right: Dexter Moon, USAA Senior Innovator; Carolyn Phillips, Director Pass It On Center;
General James Dunford, Cathy Valdez, Executive Director Project MEND and Denise Bennett, Development Director Project MEND. General James Dunford presenting Cathy Valdez with the Newman's Own Award in the Hall of Heroes, Pentagon on September 29, 2016. Left to Right, Cathy Valdez, General Paul Selva, Ricki Selva and Denise Bennett at the home of General and Mrs. Selva, Ft. Myers, Arlington, VA. What Are People Saying About Us? Project MEND was awarded a grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation to purchase wheelchairs to meet the overwhelming demand in San Antonio and the surrounding area. We are proud to be funded by the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. Do You Know Someone Like Mr. Martinez? Recently diagnosed with cancer, Mr. Martinez was in need of an electric hospital bed and manual wheelchair to ensure that when released from the hospital he could recover at home. Even with health insurance, the medical equipment was not covered. Project MEND was able to provide the critical medical equipment he needed.
Although Mr. Martinez is still battling cancer, he and his family remain hopeful and positive that with the help of organizations such as Project MEND, he will remain on the path to recovery. How About Jose's Story Mr. Jose Luis Mares is a 46 year old male who has a cervical spine injury due to an accident that took place at work that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Mr. Mares is the sole provider for a family of five that includes his wife and three children. Because of his injury, Mr. Mares is no longer able to work and had to apply for disability benefits to provide for his family. With no insurance, limited income, and a large family to care for, Mr. Mares did not have the resources to obtain the equipment he needed to accommodate his condition. Mr. Mares was referred to Project MEND by a military medical facility while still under their care. Project MEND was able to assist Mr. Mares with a manual wheelchair, a full electric hospital bed, hoyer lift, adult diapers, an electric wheelchair, and a shower/commode chair.
Project MEND has informed Mr. Mares that we will continue to assist him with DME throughout the year as prescribed by his physician at no charge. Do You Know Mr. Dawson's Story Mr. Dawson is a Project MEND client who is diagnosed with post-polio atrophy, which is late muscle wasting that occurs as part of the post-polio syndrome. What is unique about Mr. Dawson is that he is a Hurricane Katrina survivor. He and his family lost everything in Louisiana and had no other option but to move to San Antonio in hopes of starting over. Since Mr. Dawson's wheelchair was in such poor condition, it was strongly recommended by his physician to replace the chair to provide comfort for him and not worsen his condition. Due to limited income and resources Mr. Dawson was referred to Project MEND by his social worker who told him about our services. Mr. Dawson came in to apply for our services and Project MEND was able to assist him with a replacement chair. Mr. Dawson's reaction when seeing the replacement wheelchair was priceless.
I had never seen so much joy on a person's face. He was so overwhelmed that tears began rolling down his cheeks. I didn't understand the excitement until I asked Mr. Dawson what he was planning on doing with his old chair. He asked if he could donate it to us, and I said yes. When I took a good look at his old chair, I understood why he was so happy. The chair was in extremely in poor condition with one wheel hanging off; the sitting area was ripped almost in half exposing the metal, the handles were gone and it was almost completely rusted through. Mr. Dawson was truly grateful that we were able to assist him in his time of need and is relieved that we will continue to help him with more services in the future. What About Ms. Doby's Story She recently had a stroke and is being cared for by her Retired Airforce husband. Ms. Doby is a retired teacher and though she had insurance that paid for some of her hospital equipment, it didn't cover the cost of her Over The Bed Table; which was provided by Project MEND.
Ms. Doby's family lives on a fixed income so she was referred to Project MEND by the social worker at the rehabilitation center she attended while recovering. With the equipment that she received from Project MEND, Ms. Doby is able to sit up in bed and read or complete projects while in the comfort of her bed. Her husband explained that no other program was able to assist him with this item and is very thankful to Project MEND. Or, How About Sheyenne's Story Sheyenne is 2 years old. She has Spinal Muscular Atrophy. As a result of her illness, Sheyenne has limited physical abilities to explore or access her surroundings, and is confined to her bed. Sheyenne also has limited means to communicate with others. She uses her facial expressions and limited vocal sounds (due to her tracheotomy) to communicate with her family. Since the majority of her waking hours are without much stimulation, Project MEND assisted Sheyenne by providing a series of AT switches and interactive equipment.
Through light touch sensitivity controls, she is able to exercise her eye gaze and learn to communicate more effectively with those around her. "Project MEND staff have been of great assistance and care since the start of my medical condition and leg amputation." - Arturo M. "I want to thank Project MEND for the service that you are giving me to better my life." - Billie C. "Your service will help my mother get around the house" "Everything was handled very professionally. The staff was kind and very helpful." "Your service is a big help with families that have a person with disabilities. Keep up the great work." "Very nice customer service." "Project MEND is a lifesaver and would recommend to any and everyone in need." "Project MEND is a wonderful program with a wonderful staff. We couldn't ask for a better experience with service."very patient and helpful." "Very helpful and knowledgeable about what other equipment is available to help my dad."