MS Awareness Month
March is National MS Education and Awareness Month, an effort to raise the public's awareness of multiple sclerosis. Over the years the HBF has developed a great relationship with the National MS Society's Rocky Mountain chapter, where MS patients are referred to the services of the HBF.
One recent example of a MS project is Cindy Sungaila. Cindy has had progressive MS since 1993 and is now a wheelchair-bound quadriplegic with in-home care. An everyday shower became too much of a risk for both Cindy and her care-giver so her MS Foundation social worker, Andrea Kleeman, recommended that Cindy contact the HBF for a critical remodel of her bathroom.
Within two weeks of Cindy's project start date, she had a new roll-in shower as well as a widened bathroom door allowing her to shower once again. It is these everyday tasks that make such a difference to our recipients. "My family was totally shocked about what was going on. I don't even know how to go on about this. I was thrilled," said Sungaila.
The retail value of the project was close to $5,000, but thanks to support from the NMSS and HBF members, the HBF spent less than $700 on the project. A special thanks to Accessible Systems, South Valley Drywall, Majestic Development Companies, Tallakson Plumbing, Alpine Lumber, A1 Superior Paint, CCD Interiors, Aurora Winn Nelson and McKee Woodcraft for making this project happen. |
