A Standing Frame For A Paraplegic MS Sufferer
Donation protected
My spouse, Allison, had symptoms of MS beginning in 1980, but she was only fully diagnosed in 1997. Despite receiving a variety of treatment s and medications her symptoms worsened over time and she had to retire her from her job as a school counselor on disability in 2008. Since about 2013, she has had monthly Tysabri infusions (about 6.5 years) which have helped slow her progression. Ocrevus, the newest drug, which is injected only twice a year, is not recommended to her as it is less effective for her advanced condition. Meanwhile her MS has continued slowly to progress, and has now left her a paraplegic. Save for her neck and head, virtually all her muscles are limp.
Despite the progressive MS, she has maintained her spirits. Once a month she hosts a book club meeting in our home, and weekly she leads a meditation and mindfulness group. One physical activity she loves is simply standing, and her primary means to do so is by use of a "standing frame" at the hospital PT facility, a frame like the one pictured. Standing promotes a number of healthy, physical and psychologic effects, e.g., improved cognition, memory, thinking, emotional stability, breathing, blood flow, blood pressure, muscle tone, bone density, and digestion.
Very few standing frames are available second hand (and Medicare will not continue forever to pay for her PT ). Having a home unit will add a wonderful, hope-filled exercise to her routine. The most useful standing frame with all the necessary or required accessories costs just under $7000, funds neither Allison nor I, both retirees, can afford. Donated funds would be used to purchase a new unit that Allison can use daily, and any excess funds would be donated to a charity that helps defray the costs of procuring equipment for other MS sufferers.
If you can help, it would be very much appreciated.
Despite the progressive MS, she has maintained her spirits. Once a month she hosts a book club meeting in our home, and weekly she leads a meditation and mindfulness group. One physical activity she loves is simply standing, and her primary means to do so is by use of a "standing frame" at the hospital PT facility, a frame like the one pictured. Standing promotes a number of healthy, physical and psychologic effects, e.g., improved cognition, memory, thinking, emotional stability, breathing, blood flow, blood pressure, muscle tone, bone density, and digestion.
Very few standing frames are available second hand (and Medicare will not continue forever to pay for her PT ). Having a home unit will add a wonderful, hope-filled exercise to her routine. The most useful standing frame with all the necessary or required accessories costs just under $7000, funds neither Allison nor I, both retirees, can afford. Donated funds would be used to purchase a new unit that Allison can use daily, and any excess funds would be donated to a charity that helps defray the costs of procuring equipment for other MS sufferers.
If you can help, it would be very much appreciated.
Organizer
Dennis McGlone
Organizer
Baltimore, MD