Five months ago today, I came home from work with our eight-month-old Annie to find my healthy 32-year-old husband crawling around our home. So we left Annie with a friend and headed to the ER and within hours Russell was completely paralyzed below the waist. No bladder function, no moving of the toes…NOTHING! And yet no one could tell us why this was happening. Today we stand firm as a family on the why, this was just part of God’s plan for us.

In just five months, Russell has gone from complete paralysis, to independence in a wheelchair, to master of the loft strand crutches, to the distinguished gentleman with canes. And thanks to many prayers and the healing power of God, Russell is now navigating the world with no assisted devises, just his two strong legs.

What seemed like an overwhelming situation on August 4 was just the beginning of God’s larger, more important plan for us. The transition back to Kentucky for rehab was seamless. Frazier Rehab Institute (Frazier) had an opening for Russell as an inpatient which would guarantee him a spot in their cutting-edge Spinal Cord Medicine Program. My mother and stepfather drove one car behind us the entire way home with our suitcases, Russell’s wheelchair and our eldest daughter, Reagan (a 60-pound weimaraner). My father opened his home (and gave up his master bedroom) for us until we could move our things from DC. Then a friend happened to have a vacant home in Louisville which he offered us to live in for free. Our friends and colleagues packed our home in DC and my brother drove the 26-foot UHaul with all our belongings back to the bluegrass. And in November Russell’s employer granted a permanent hardship transfer to KY, while continually paying his salary through the volunteer leave program so his focus could be a full recovery.

Now I love planning, organizing and logistics, but there is no way I could have pulled off this one by myself! We have been blessed by the generosity of our family and dear friends. But not every family that has been affected by a spinal cord injury is as fortunate as ours, especially when it comes to getting into Spinal Cord Medicine Program at Frazier. Frazier has a lengthy waiting list of folks who are not currently able to access the technology, cutting-edge research, and incredible personnel to which Russell attributes his own recovery.

Early on, I told you to get ready that we were going to give back in a big way and you are cordially invited to participate.

With the vision and event planning expertise of our friend Emily Holubowich, the Red Carpet & Bluegrass Benefit was born. This event will put Frazier one step closer to expanding their facility and cutting down the long waiting list. Together we can give other patients, like Russell, access to the miracles being made at Frazier. I encourage you to visit the the Red Carpet & Bluegrass Benefit website (http://www.redcarpetbluegrass.com/) where you can buy tickets, become a sponor or make a charitable donation if you are unable to attend.

If you are interested in becoming an event sponsor or have additional questions about the event please contact:

Emily Holubowich

Benefit Chair

Phone: 202.557.9084

E-mail: emilyhevents@gmail.com

Web site: http://www.redcarpetbluegrass.com/

Blog: http://redcarpetbluegrass.blogspot.com/

So break out your tux or formal gown and join us and let’s give someone else a Frazier fairytale ending!

As posted at:  www.wave3.com

By Lori Lyle     

Posted by Charles Gazaway 

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - Last year, the average American household spent nearly $200 on toys. Unfortunately, parents of disabled children may find their toy picks a bit limited. But as health and medical reporter Lori Lyle tells us, there is a nationwide service that makes custom toy adaptations for special needs kids.

Two-year old Max Malec was born with Spina Bifida, but that doesn’t stop him from playing.

“We wanted max to be as normal as another child, so he doesn’t feel left out. And having an older brother to try to keep up with, Max is on the go,” said Mike Malec, Max’s father.

When Max was unable to use his new tricycle with hand pedals, the family found help from the Toy Adaptation Network. Amy Frantz, an occupational therapist, works with technicians to find ways to custom-adapt toys, like Max’s bike.

“So when they brought it in, you know, it wasn’t really complex adaptations, but it was enough to enable this little boy to use it successfully, and they were excited. The little boy was so excited,” said Frantz.

For Max, they added trunk support straps, blocks to help his feet reach the pedals and Velcro closures to secure his feet.

The Toy Adaptation Network center offers toy adaptations year round. The average turnaround time is one to two days, and it’s all free.

“I think it’s very important because you know, most people take play for granted. And when a child cannot play, developmentally, they’re gonna be behind. Because that’s how you learn, through play,” Frantz said.

“The bike or tricycle has made a big improvement in Max’s life, because he can now interact with his brother and enjoy being a child, playing, doing the play things that kids do,” says Mike.

Now, Max can take off and big brother Mickey is racing to keep up with him.

Toy adaptations can range from adding suction cups to hold a toy in place to replacing tiny switches or enlarging and extending knobs and levers. There are several rehabilitation centers around the country that offer the service. For more information, call 888-FIX-A-TOY (888-349-2869).

Fast facts:

• Last year, the average household spent $191 dollars for toys.

• Toys are an important part of playtime activities and play a role in learning and social development.

• The Toy Adaptation Network custom-modifies toys, free-of-charge, for special needs children.

For general information about toy adaptations:

• Alliance for Technology Access

• Disability Resource Directory

• The Family Center on Technology and Disability

• Toy Adaptation Network or call 888-FIX-A-TOY (888-349-2869)

• The Toy Industry Foundation has put together a guide with some suggested toys for children with special needs. You can find the booklet by clicking on the highlighted link: The Toy Industry Foundation booklet

For information on developmental disabilities:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities

As posted at: fox41.com

Authorities in Meade County have narrowed their focus to one suspect more than two months after a hit and run accident nearly cost a Meade County woman her life.

Maria Benham suffered a broken hand and her left leg was severed after a pickup truck towing a trailer struck her as she rode her motorcycle on Highway 1238 in Meade County.  The driver never stopped.

Now Benham is hoping more witnesses will come forward to help authorities make an arrest.

“I remember passing out, just a little bit and then coming to. Then when they put the tourniquet and tightened it up I was very, very angry and I just sat straight up,” said Maria Benham, victim.

It was October 12th when 41-year-old Benham took her motorcycle out for a ride.  As she headed east towards Louisville on state highway 1238, a small to mid-sized truck was heading the opposite direction.

When the two came around a turn, the truck clipped her and its trailer severed her leg.

“I remember looking back and thinking ‘he’s not going to stop.’ And so the next thought was shock and adrenaline and just get myself off the road,” said Benham.

Maria Benham ended up along the side of the road on highway 1238.  The Meade County Sheriff’s Department has a person of interest in this case.  That person’s truck and trailer has been impounded.  Adding to deputies’ suspicion is the fact that one of the wheels on the trailer has been replaced — indicating it might have been tampered with or repaired.

The person of interest has given a statement to the sheriff’s department, but has since retained an attorney, which has slowed the sheriff’s department’s investigation into the matter.

“Laundry, taking a shower, getting out of the bed, nothing is the same.  Absolutely nothing is the same,” said Benham.

Benham spent almost a month in University Hospital and Frazier Rehab.  She now gets around the house either in a wheelchair or the use of a walker.  She was recently fitted for prosthesis.

“I’m going to go on with my life, I’m not going to let it hold me back.  There’s no reason.  I do truly wish that he would be caught,” said Benham.

Benham says she owes her life to the deputy who placed a tourniquet on her leg.  She is also frustrated witnesses have not able to come up with more details to pin down a suspect she believes left her there to die.

“Whoever it was, he left me there to die,” said Benham.

She says she hasn’t decided if she will get back on a motorcycle.

“I haven’t decided whether I will get back on bike yet or not. That will come a little later on once I sort through the other things that need to be taken care of,” said Benham.

There is a reward for information leading to a conviction in this case.  You can reach the Meade County Sheriff’s Tipline at 270-422-4673.

AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS ASSOCIATION

2375 FORTUNE DR

LEXINGTON, KY

40509-4111

Do you have a flair for art? If so, here’s a great chance to design part of the 2009 USTA Kentucky Calendar and win $100 in cash! There are two categories: Juniors (18 & under) and Adults. One winning illustration/photo will be printed on the cover and the other will be printed on the back inside page of the 2009 USTA Kentucky Calendar. Winners will be announced at the 2008 Hall of Fame Gala on February 7, at Standard Country Club. For more details, click here.

The deadline to submit completed artwork or photo is December 31 at 11:59 p.m. Send your entries to Mary Beth Carrico or mail to the USTA Kentucky Office. Click here to view the Official Contest Rules.

United States Power Soccer Association Announces

USPSA NOW PROVIDING MEMBERSHIP INSURANCE

Carmel, IN - December 2, 2008 - USPSA is now offering accidental insurance coverage as well as liability insurance to all teams. All rostered   athletes and coaches will be covered for one fee. Referees will also have the option of purchasing individual coverage.

The new insurance will be available to each USPSA registered team at a cost of $135.00 per team and will cover teams for one year. This coverage includes up to twelve athletes and four staff members per team. This coverage in most cases will be a cost savings compared to the per person cost previously offered.

Coverage will cover all team practices, local games, tournaments, fundraising events related to power soccer, and clinics performed by your athletes/coaches to promote the sport of power soccer. 

If coverage is needed for your practice and tournament facilities you will be able to obtain a Certificate of Insurance Form on our website. It will then be submitted to the secretary at  USPSA.secretary@yahoo.com. 

Insurance sign-up forms and Certificate of Insurance requests for events and facilities are available on the USPSA website under downloads. Please allow 14 days for Certificates of Insurance. Only teams who have purchased their insurance through USPSA are eligible for certificates of insurance.

COVERAGE UNDER THIS PROGRAM INCLUDES:

Commercial General Liability: coverage which protects the uninsured against liability claims for bodily injury and property damage arising out of premise, operations, products and completed operations, and personal and advertising injury. No deductible applies to liability claims.

Legal Liability to participants- coverage which offers protection against bodily injury liability claims brought by persons participating in covered sports activities.

Professional Liability: provides protection against claims that arise out of the rendering , or the failure to render; instruction, demonstration, direction and/or advice related to the sports activity.

Medical Payments for participants: coverage which pays the medical and dental expenses incurred by participant when an accidental injury occurs while participating in a covered sports activity. The coverage is provided on an excess basis, responding after all other medical coverage available to participant has been exhausted. If no other medical coverage exists, the coverage becomes the primary. A $250.00 deductible applies to each claim, and the benefit period is two years from the date of the accident.

COVERAGE  EXCLUDES;

Abuse or molestation, amusement devices, asbestos, baby-sitting. child care services, carnivals and festivals, climbing walls, concerts, 24 hour premise liability, dunk tanks, employment-related practices, events involving gambling, (ie bingo, casino nights, poker, Texas Hold’em Tournament), events where alcohol is furnished or served, fireworks, fungo or bacteria, haunted attractions, lead, nuclear energy, Operation or ownership of a sports facility, outside vendors/concessionaires in conjunction with your organization, pollution, sports events/activities involving participants in sports other than those reported and for whom a premium has been paid, transportation of athletes or participants.

COVERAGE AND LIMITS;

Each Occurrence                                                            $1,000,000

General Aggregate                                                         $2,000,000

Products-completed operations aggregate                        $1,000,000

Personal & Advertising Injury                                          $1,000,000

Damage to premise rented to you                                      $300,000

Medical Expenses, other than participants                              $5,000

Professional Liability                                                      $1,000,000

Legal Liability to participants                                           $1000,000

Medical Payments for participants(excess) $250 ded.            $25,000

TEAMS CAN NOW UMBRELLA UNDER USPSA for 501(C) 3 STATUS

USPSA is now offering members in good standing who do not have non-profit status to raise funds for their team or power soccer program through USPSA.

This service will allow teams to solicite donations and sponsorship requests to corporations and other large donors who require the 501 (c) 3 status.

Donations can be made to USPSA and earmarked to the specific team. All funds will be deposited to the USPSA account and will be dispersed upon request with appropriate check request or reinbursement forms. 

The USPSA will manage each individual team account,generate the donor thank you letter, monthly team statements, end of year report and the tax filings.This service will be available for a 5% fee.

Participation, check reimbursement and check request forms can all be found on our website under downloads. 

We hope  you will take avantage of this valuable service. It will allow you to raise funds for your team and at the same time offer your donors all the tax benefits! 

This Saturday, December 6 at 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) will tune into NBC as Bob Costas will narrate a 90-minute broadcast covering the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China. The NBC highlight show will go in-depth with top U.S. Paralympic athletes as they trained for and competed in the 2008 Beijing Paralympics. *this was originally aired on November 9, 2008.

For more info go to the following link: http://www.nwba.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=1412&topic=&newlang=

The Championship Division (formally known as D1 & D2) Top Twenty was announced today. Below are the top Men’s wheelchair basketball teams (as of 12/2/08) 

1) Arkansas Rollin’ Razorbacks 

2) Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks 

3) L.A. Fast Breakin Lakers 

4) Utah Wheelin’ Jazz 

5) Orlando Magic Wheels

6) Golden State Road Warriors 

7) Magee Sixers Spokesmen

Grand Rapids Pacers 

9) Charlotte Rollin’ Bobcats 

10) Milwaukee Wheelchair Bucks 

11) Champaign Fire 

12) Charlottesville Cardinals 

13) Rockford Chariots 

14) Houston Rollin Rockets 

15) Chicago Wheelchair Bulls 

16) Denver Rolling Nuggets

17) Rancho Renegades 

18) L.A. Clippers Chairmen 

19) N.Y. Rollin’ Knicks 

20) Shepherd Stealers

Dec 1, 8, 6-7:30 p.m.

Place: Douglass Community Center Gym

Ages: 12 and older

Fee: Free!

For more informationor to preregister, please call 456-8148

TDD 502/456-8183    or  email   aleisure@louisvilleky.gov

Adapted Leisure Activities

2305 Douglass Boulevard #3

Louisville KY 40205

Monday-Friday

8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.