Recipients
» Joe Radzikowski
Joe following a car accident on May 21, 2006 suffered an incomplete fracture of C -4/ 5 which left him paralyzed with minimal movement in his arms. With strong determination, Joe has undergone intensive rehabilitation and has experience some positive outcomes. With this strong determination Joe remains optimistic that his future will be one of controlled movement not only in his arms but also his legs.
The HeadNorth Foundation wanting to assist Joe and his rehabilitation, provided monies to continue therapy at The Awakening Health Center in Solana Beach. Pictured is Joe on a FES bike which simulates the firing of leg nerves resulting in muscle contraction.
» Robert Hoeschen
Robert is a jolly 77 year old man who lives in Poway with his wife Barbara. On March 25th 2008, while visiting friends in Minnesota, he experienced a cardiac arrest which caused him to fall down a flight of stairs. The fall resulted in a fracture of the C2 vertebra which left him a paraplegic. Although newly injured and progressing slowly, Robert is motivated and smiles at all who visit him.
HeadNorth’s Response ONE program provided him some financial support that Mary Thompson, MSW at SHARP Memorial (pictured above) jokingly said would be used to help pay for gasoline for his wife as she commutes back and forth to the hospital. HeadNorth will follow up with Robert to ensure his transition home is a smooth one.
» Joel Romine
My name is Joel, I am commonly known as bowl head to friend and family. Some of my interests are in the automotive industry. I have worked in this field for nine plus year, I specialized in lubrication for oil and lube company, which you may know as Oil Max. I have lived and studies in the Claremont area for thirty plus years and have no plans on relocation at this time. My past hobbies were bike riding, building ponds and natural habitats, and playing the piano and drums.
Up to date, I’m currently in a motorized wheelchair due to an automobile accident, which happened February 20th 2005. My accident was in the palm desert area, to which I was a passenger. I was thrown out of the vehicle along with the driver. The automobile flipped and landed in the middle of the road. I landed upside down on a barbwire fence which resulted in a C-2 fracture and C5-6 incomplete fracture. I am now known as a complete Quadriplegic. I live a very limited live since and I’m dependant upon other people for my every need. This is a very frustrating way to live.
I now seek knowledge, guidance, patience and educational wisdom. This is my life goal, so I can be available to help and assist others. I hope this helps someone in needing a real story to overcome the ill in front of them. I have an ongoing struggle on a daily basis to survive with the help of others. I hope you achieve all your goals in life.
The HeadNorth Foundation is proud to present Joel Romine with an electric Hoyer transfer lift. He is an inspiration and caring man to everyone he meets. Upon presenting Joel with his new transfer lift, Joel shared that he no longer needs to be afraid of transferring to and from his bed to his chair.
» Michael Loftus
When Michael suffered a fall on January 14, 2008 his life was changed instantly. As a result of the accident he suffered a spinal cord injury at the C4-5 vertebrae. Michael is making progress in his rehabilitation and has recently moved up to a skilled nursing facility. Loretta Stirling, RN and Rehab Case Manager at Sharp Rehabilitation Services, worked with Michael and the Response ONE program firsthand. “I think your program is wonderful. I really do. I appreciate that you guys are out there doing what you’re doing. There are so many people out there with need.” Loretta said. With the help of the HeadNorth Foundation’s Response ONE grant program Michael was able to put a down payment on a power drive wheelchair, increasing his independence and supporting his reintegration into an active lifestyle.
» Jennifer McCallson
As a spirited high school cheerleading instructor, round-off back handsprings were nothing out of the ordinary for Jennifer. In August 1999, however, she collided with another instructor, suffering a spinal cord injury to her C5/6 vertebrae leaving her paralyzed from the chest down with minimal movement in her arms. Her passion and motivation has enabled her to live independently and she is improving her mobility on a regular basis. HeadNorth provided Jennifer with voice recognition software, making typing and communication much easier and efficient.
This tool aids her in continuing to be the strong, independent woman she is today.
» Patricio and Iris Juarez
The HeadNorth Foundation's Board member, Paul Jacobson, proudly presents a check for $1,000 to Patricio and Iris Juarez to help with their immediate financial needs. Injured in a motorcycle accident in January 2008, Pat is now focused on his recovery and his return home.
During our presentation, Iris surprised Pat by informing him that they would not be returning to their home, that was mostly inaccessible, but to a new fully accessible home financed by the owner of Iris' company.
Pat, a bit overwhelmed by this news, is now doubly excited about leaving the hospital and being at home with Iris and their three beautiful children. Pat and Iris both know that HeadNorth will continue to be a resource as they make their transition to their new home.
» Scott Slade
In January 2007, as Scott and his wife Kathy were anticipating the birth of their twin daughters, Scott suffered a horrific bacterial infection that invaded his body leaving Scott a ventilated dependent quadriplegic. To meet Scott today and experience his love for life and his girls is inspiring. HeadNorth wanting to help and assisted Scott and Kathy to purchase a much needed van so the whole family could travel not only to rehabilitation but to the many amazing sites that San Diego has to offer.
» Alana Swagerty
On November 10th, 2005, Alana Swagerty was a happy, healthy 16 year-old and excited about her Junior year at Valhalla High School. She was a member of AVID, a good student, and was preparing for a career in advertising. She loved dancing and hanging out with her boyfriend. On November 11, her life and those of her family and loved ones changed.
Alana awoke that morning with a pain in her neck. Within minutes, she could not feel her body. Paramedics were called; she stopped breathing and was revived en route to the hospital. Since that day, Alana has been paralyzed from the neck down and needs a respirator to breathe. She was originally diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis (TM), a rare neurological syndrome caused by inflammation of the spinal cord. She has been in 6 hospitals and rehabilitation facilities from San Diego to Los Angeles. It was later determined that she suffered from a spinal stroke.
Alana’s family has been crucial in her recovery. Her mother, father, two sisters and her brother have been with her along the way. Trips to the east coast to meet with doctors and time spent with some of the American Idols have been become commonplace for them. Despite the many obstacles she faces daily, Alana is determined to make the most out of her life. She has graduated from high school and is currently going to Cuyamaca College to obtain her 2 year general education. She then plans to attend a 4–year college to major in Communications and Public Speaking. Her plan is to be an inspirational speaker and possibly a stem cell advocate.
In order to help Alana and her family get back to normal life, over the Christmas season the HeadNorth Foundation began working to complete the home office that was started prior to her stroke. This included plywall, paint, shelving, a pull down ladder which accesses the attic in the garage and a new set of couches in the living room. The improvements to the house allow easier access for Alana and help to accommodate the she and her family’s everyday necessities. The HeadNorth Foundation also helped fund a trip to the Ability Center to have their adapted minivan serviced to ensure smooth operation for the time to come.
» A-Jay Nagle
A-Jay Nagle sustained a fracture of his fifth cervical vertebra in a dune buggy accident in January of 2005. During his rehabilitation at Craig Institute, CO, the commitment and support of his wife, Amy and family was unwavering. Not only were they dedicated to the pursuit of A-jay’s success, but they extended their support to other patients and families.
A-Jay’s motivation to improve his quality of life following his accident is a testament to his character. He continues an out-patient program for arm, trunk and leg strengthening, pool therapy and ambulation training on a weekly basis. The results have provided independence in areas that required assistance in the past. He is now a member of the local quad rugby team and continues to support his profession within the Arvada Fire Department.
A-Jay’s request for a XLT Gold Hand-cycle was granted by the HeadNorth Foundation in June 2006 at the cost of $4,045.00. A-Jay continues to pursue his dreams and has become a volunteer, peer counselor, athlete, role model and most of all a wonderful person.
Update: Recent Letter sent by A-Jay Nagle November, 2007 « click here
» Matt Clinton
On Dec 14, 2005, my son Matthew had a rare Spontaneous Spinal Cord Stroke, effecting C2—C4. Currently they have no explanation on what caused this stroke or why it occurred. Matthew is 24 years old. He currently is a ventilator dependent quadriplegic but is slowing showing signs of improvement on his right side.
Before his injury he lived in Orem, Utah for the past 5 years. He lived an active life, taking full advantage of the natural surroundings. He is passionate about rock climbing, and thoroughly enjoyed camping and river rafting. Matthew attended Utah Valley State College full-time, majoring in Computer Science. One of his goals is to get back to school by this fall by taking on-line classes. Matthew also is active in his church. His faith has been a great strength to him throughout this ordeal.
One of the most impressive attributes Matthew has demonstrated since his injury has been an unwavering positive attitude. He has never been angry or depressed about his situation. He feels that he doesn’t have time to waste on negative thoughts. Matthew knows he has a lot of work ahead of him to rebuild his muscles, health and strength. He is soft spoken and very polite to others. His attitude and demeanor have endeared him to his nurses and doctors. Matthew has a wonderful family support from his parents and siblings. He is the fifth of six children. He also has a great group of friends who have come to give him moral support during this time in his life.
When Matthew is released from Craig Hospital he will be going home to Spokane, WA to live with my husband and me. We will be the primary caregivers. The discharge date for Matthew at this time is April 18, 2006.
I hope that this brief letter has given you at least a small glimpse into my son’s personality and situation. As you can imagine, this has been a challenging experience for my husband and I as well. In order for me to be with Matthew and prepare to be the primary care-giver, I resigned from my full-time profession. I have also been away from my family to be with him while in the hospital. We are very dedicated to helping Matthew in any way we can to rebuild his life.
During our stay at Craig Hospital, we were introduced to Eric Northbrook. We were also informed that he is part of a foundation looking to help people with spinal cord injuries, such as my son. One of the more difficult things my husband Barry and I have had to learn during this ordeal has been how to except charity. However, we have learned that life occasionally puts trials in our path that requires us to lean on others. If you deem that Matthew merits consideration from your foundation, it will be greatly appreciated. Attached is a list we were asked to compile of some of the financially uncovered expenses. We would welcome any financial help your Foundation could give us.
Thank you for your time and financial consideration on Matthew’s behalf.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Clinton
» Manny Fernandez
Manuel (Manny) Fernandez III, was 13 months old when he was shot in the spine, Manny was hospitalized and miraculously survived however was paralyzed from the chest down. Throughout his young life he has shown to be a fighter and although restricted to a wheel chair, Manny loves to participate in sports such as basketball, soccer and even completed a half marathon in August 2006.
Through the Victim of Crimes organization, Manny’s adopted mother worked tirelessly to secure a "conversion van" and in 2000 this organization gave Manny and his family a 2000 Chrysler Grand Voyager Conversion Van. Manny loved the van as it made him feel more independent as he was able to get in and out of the van on his own, greatly improving his quality of life. He thought it was the "coolest" thing ever as did the kids at school. Just press a button and the ramp goes down and he would rolls in. "Just like magic" Manny would say.
Then on the 4th of July 2006 at a Bar-B-Que on the beach, Manny’s father returned to their parked van for some supplies and found the van has been stolen from the parking lot. Police found the fan a week later, striped and burned. It couldn’t have happen at a worse time. Manny’s mother had just been laid off of work and the family was struggling financially. Manny, who was currently in counseling to help him deal with being a child with a disability, was devastated by the event. Life became once again very difficult with only one car to accommodate the whole family’s needs including Manny’s limited mobility.
Manny’s father (Manuel Fernandez II) wrote to the HeadNorth Foundation in July 2006 following hearing from police that the van was a total loss. The HeadNorth Foundation responded immediately and with the help of The Ability Center of San Diego purchased a Dodge Grand Caravan which was converted with a lift gate for $21,710.76 and was presented to Manny and his family on Monday, October, 30th 2006.
Manny continues to enjoy the freedoms the van brings and strives on a daily basis to live life to the fullest. The HeadNorth Foundation was honored to support Manny and is proud to be friends with such an inspirational young man.
» James Fargo Balliett
In October of 2005, Jamie was diagnosed with a tumor attached to my spinal cord (T1-T4). This very rare mass had engulfed the cord and was causing pain, a loss of balance, severe clonus, and poor muscle performance in my legs. Upon consultation with several doctors, Jamie decided to undergo a decompression surgery in November, to widen the canal and improve spinal fluid circulation. The mass was too closely integrated with the cord and could not be removed. A second surgery was needed soon after and this resulted in his current paraplegic state. No neurosurgeons have been able to explain my loss of all leg functions except to say that the spinal cord was under tremendous pressure before the surgeries and this change in pressure caused bruising and damage to an already unstable nerve region.
Recently, after being a patient at Craig Hospital for six weeks, Jamie rediscovered my first real sense of freedom, by getting outside and riding a hand-cycle. The hand-cycle gave Jamie new hope, improved self-esteem, and a better sense that he could retain new levels of independence.
Jamie’s financial savings and resources are being used for home modifications, leaving them unable to purchase certain items essential to his recovery. One significant item to Jamie is a hand-cycle. This would provide excellent exercise in building upper body and back strength. The cost of a hand-bike is approximately $4000, equipped for on and off-road. As Jamie heals, and regains the physical ability to ride a standard bike, he would be willing to commit to donate this bike back to the Foundation, hopefully to be distributed to a Craig Hospital patient.
The Head North Foundation proudly contributed $4,000 to Jamie to purchase a hand cycle.