Can Do! Spring 2013

CAN DONews from Magee Rehabilitation hospital sPrING 2013

!FIT FOR ALL:INSIDE MAGEE’S HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER

Making the Grade: A look at the young adults recovering—and studying—at Magee

The Check Up with Dr. Brian Kucer,Medical Director of the Brain InjuryProgram at Magee

Cover Story: We all know exercise

is good for us—but the traditional gym

isn't for everyone. That’s the idea

behind Magee’s Health and Wellness

Center at the Riverfront Outpatient

Center. Open to the community, the

Wellness Center offers programs geared

toward promoting healthy and active

lifestyles for both able-bodied

individuals and those with disabilities.

CHECKING IN…Catching up with former patients Josh Crompton and

saineh Barclay.

MAGEE & ADAM TALIAFERRO FOUNDATIONwhat started out as a friendship has flourished into a strong

partnership. Learn more about how magee and the ATf are teaming

up to improve the lives of people living with spinal cord injuries.

FIT FOR ALL: MAGEE’S HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER magee's Health & wellness Center at the riverfront outpatient

Center offers fitness accessible to everyone.

THE CHECK UP WITH DR. BRIAN KUCERmeet one of magee's newest team members, Dr. Brian Kucer,

medical Director of the Brain Injury Program and Co-Director of

the Concussion Clinic.

MAKING THE GRADE: A LOOK AT THE YOUNG ADULTS RECOVERING —AND STUDYING—AT MAGEEfor young people going through rehab, continuing their education,

whether it be in high school or college, is so important that magee

developed specialized therapeutic services for adolescents and

young adults, designed to help them return to a life of

independence.

GIVERS CORNERmeet Alan milberg, Chairman of the friends of Jerry segal executive

Committee.

Table of ContentsCAN DO! SPRING 2013

Kimberly shrack, ms

Public relations &

social media manager

1513 race street

Philadelphia, PA 19102-1177

Phone 215.587.3363

mageerehab.org

Please write to us at the address

above, or call if you wish to have

your name removed from the

list to receive CanDo! or future

fundraising requests to support

Magee Rehabilitation Hospital.

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CAN DO! SPRING 2013 3

Dear Friends:

spring is traditionally thought of as the season of renewal, as we

welcome changes in temperature from cold to warm, and colors from

drab greys to myriad shades of green. seemingly, the theme of renewal

fits right in with this spring 2013 edition of Can Do! As you will see,

magee continually renews our ties with magee alumni. we will visit

with former young people that we had the privilege to serve. Their

stories of how they continued their education while at magee and what

they are doing now gives insight into the tremendous strength, fortitude

and positive mental attitude of these amazing individuals, and it’s no

wonder they are doing so well.

It doesn’t matter whether we are able-bodied or physically

challenged, springtime is a great time to renew our commitment

to health and wellness. magee’s riverfront outpatient Center

now offers a membership-based wellness Center for people

of all ages with customized equipment to meet the needs

of those with varying physical abilities. whether you

A LetteR fRom ouR PReSIdeNt ANd Ceo

JACK A. CARROLL

are a seasoned workout veteran or just starting out, you will be amongst friends and will be made to feel totally

comfortable in this supportive environment. Come on down for a tour and try us out. Perhaps you’ll be renewing

friendships with magee alumni that you already know, or making new friends from the community. Great people

in a great place for a great workout—all combine for a healthier and happier lifestyle!

But wait—there’s more! This issue is packed full of what’s happening now at magee. I want you to meet

Brian Kucer, m.D. He’s the medical director for our Brain Injury Program and the Philadelphia Concussion Center.

Inside, you can read about his background, but from my perspective, the most important credential is that he is a

genuinely caring and likeable person. He’d be a great neighbor even if he wasn’t your physician. You don’t learn

that in medical school or resident training. some doctors have it and some don’t—it’s a DNA thing and he’s got it.

we’re thrilled he’s at magee bringing those traits to our patients and their families.

read your way through this edition and you will note our renewal of the great connection magee has with the

Adam Taliaferro foundation, as well as the recent reveal of our ekso robotics at raise A Glass for a Cure. This event

raises funds for magee and spinal cord injury research backed by the miami Project’s Buoniconti fund.

renewing friendships and spirits continues on may 3, 2013 as we enjoy the 13th Annual Night of Champions.

This night features many Philadelphia sports legends and includes live and silent auctions, raffles, live entertainment,

food and fun for all. The money raised supports not only magee’s wheelchair sports activities, but also many other

critical patient programs that quite honestly wouldn’t exist without your generous donations. so save the date,

and see you there!

finally, don’t miss the news about magee being featured on the National Geographic Channel for our work with

robotics. It was a wonderful show that everyone should see.

Now look, I’m running out of space—see you inside! Have a wonderful renewal!

sincerely,

Jack A. Carroll, PhD, MHA

CAN DO! SPRING 20134

Nobody expects to have a stroke.

especially not when they’re 31 years old.

But that’s exactly what happened to

Josh Crompton in April 2012.

“I was getting ready for work and, without

any warning and with the force of what

I can only imagine a gunshot feels like,

I collapsed,” he said. “Then paralysis set in

on my entire right side.”

strokes among young people are on the

rise for a variety of reasons. for Josh, the

culprit was an ateriovenous malformation

(AVm), a group of blood vessels abnormally

connected with one another in his brain.

The AVm, which he has had since birth,

burst, sending massive amounts of blood

into his brain. After surgeries and

stabilization, Josh was sent to magee for

the next steps—literally.

“when I got there, I had no use of my right

side—my arm and hand, leg and foot were

all paralyzed,” he said. “Doctors, friends…

everyone was trying to prepare me for the

worst. But I told anyone that would listen

that I would walk out of magee.”

And he did. After two months of inpatient

therapy at magee, Josh had regained

much of the control back in the right side

of his body, and was writing, feeding

himself, shaving and, yes, walking. But as

monumental as that day was, the most

inspiring moment of his recovery was like

a scene out of a Hollywood classic.

To help magee patients acclimate to the

real world before they are discharged,

therapists will often take them on outings

into the city to practice skills they’ll need

to navigate outside the Hospital. Josh’s

assignment for the day was to hail a cab

and practice giving the driver directions.

He hopped into the taxi with his physical

therapist mark Dewane and recreational

therapist Jenna Zuber, and directed

the cabbie to the iconic Philadelphia

museum of Art.

Josh Crompton

Every now and then, a former patient drops us a line.Recently we heard from Josh Crompton and Saineh Barclay.

CHECKING IN WITH…

Josh recalled, “I looked at mark and

said, ‘Do you want to try the steps?’ He

laughed—he didn’t think I was serious.

I didn’t really think I was serious. At that

point I hadn’t climbed more than four

steps at a time.”

But mark, who had been with Josh

throughout his therapy, had confidence.

“He said, ‘Let’s give it a shot.’ so I did.”

was is easy? Absolutely not. But after

clearing the first batch of the steps, then

the second, then the third, Josh was

committed. Like rocky, there was no

going back.

“It wasn’t graceful. It was slow and

labored,” he said. “But when I made it

to the top of those steps… it was one of

the greatest days of my life.”

Josh still climbs those steps on a regular

basis. He has returned to his job as an

assignment editor at CBs 3 full-time, and

has also become an ambassador for the

Delaware Valley stroke Council, finding

avenues to raise awareness that strokes

can and do happen to young people.

while he says he still has a way to go, he

feels great about the progress he has made

—and he knows who to thank.

“The doctors at the acute care hospital

saved my life,” he said. “But magee gave

me my life back.”

Josh Cromptonclimbing the ArtMuseum steps.


By age 25, Saineh Barclay had already

overcome more adversity than most

people face in a lifetime. A cancer survivor,

she battled leukemia for nine months

before she received a bone marrow

transplant. A full match could not be

found, but doctors were able to find a half

match in her aunt. five years after the

transplant, she was doing well. enrolled in

nursing school with an active social life,

she was returning from a vacation when

things took a turn. Because of her bone

marrow transplant years earlier, saineh

was on a regimen of medication that

suppressed her immune system. while

on the flight home, she contracted

H. influenza, a bacterium that can result

in severe infection. Things quickly went

from bad to worse.

she was rushed to the er upon landing,

but by the time she arrived, she had

already gone into septic shock. when she

awoke, she was told that due to the illness

and the medications used during the

transplant, which restricted blood flow to

certain areas of the body, it was possible

both legs would need to be amputated to

save her life. saineh then made the difficult

decision to amputate both of her legs

below the knee.

she came to magee in spring of 2009,

ready to get back to her life and back in

the classroom. saineh was eager to return

to nursing school, and she credits magee

with helping her get there.

“There are certain physical requirements

nurses have to meet, such as the ability

to stand for several hours, transferring

patients, lifting and things like that,” she

said. “when I got to magee, I couldn’t do

any of those things, and couldn’t return to

classes until I was able to. I took the list of

Saineh Barclay

requirements to my care team, and they

helped me reach all the goals I needed to

be accepted back into the program.”

But magee did more than get saineh back

into school—her connections at the Hospital

gave her the opportunity of a lifetime.

“Thanks to a donation to magee by the

Anapol schwartz foundation, I was able to

attend an Amputee Coalition Conference

in California,” she said. “Being an amputee

in Philly, I don’t get many chances to meet

other amputees, let alone amputees my

age. At this conference, I didn’t have to

hide my disability, and I made friends that

I still talk to today.”

Attending the conference also gave saineh

a newfound confidence.

“I came out with the sense that I could do

anything,” she said. “I saw amputees doing

everything an able-bodied person can do,

things I never thought I would be able to

do again. I know now that I can do

anything I put my mind to.”

since her time at magee, saineh has

graduated from widener University with

her nursing degree, and is preparing to

start a job at Devereux, a nonprofit

behavioral health organization that serves

people with emotional, developmental

and educational disabilities. And with all

she has experienced these past few years,

she has some words of wisdom to pass

on to young people who have undergone

an amputation.

“remember, it’s not the end of the

world,” she said. “Don’t let amputation

stop you from pursuing your dreams.

It’s a long road and it takes time, but if

you put in the work, eventually you will

get where you want to go.”

CHECKING IN WITH…


DICK VERMEIL AND DAN POLETT NAMED MAGEE REHABILITATIONHOSPITAL’S 2012 HUMANITARIANS OF THE YEAR magee rehabilitation Hospital

named former Philadelphia eagles coach Dick Vermeil and Dan Polett the 2012

Humanitarians of the Year for their outstanding contributions to the community and

the Hospital. Vermeil and Polett were honored at the 2012 Humanitarian Award

Dinner on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at the four seasons Hotel in Philadelphia.

“magee’s Humanitarian Award is about giving back to the community and our

patients in meaningful and powerful ways—and I can’t think of two people who

deserve this year’s award more than Dick and Dan,” said Dr. Jack Carroll, President

Dick Vermeil (left) and Dan Polett were honored as the 2012Humanitarians of the Year for their outstanding contributions tothe community and the Hospital.

and Ceo of magee rehabilitation Hospital.

“Their commitment to the Hospital is

unwavering, and we are honored to

have them on our team.”

Dick Vermeil is a former head coach

for the Philadelphia eagles (1976–1982),

st. Louis rams (1997–1999) and

Kansas City Chiefs (2001–2005).

each of these teams had a

losing record when he joined

them—and he brought them

all to the playoffs by his third

season as coach. Vermeil was

introduced to magee when

he visited Penn state player

Adam Taliaferro in 2000. since

then, he has regularly supported

the magee Night of Champions

and is an honorary chair of the

Adam Taliaferro foundation and

magee rehabilitation Golf outing.

MAGEE TO HOST NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS ON MAY 3

magee rehabilitation will

celebrate its 13th Annual

Night of Champions fundraiser

on friday, may 3 at Penns Landing

Caterers in Philadelphia. magee’s Night

of Champions includes dinner, live and

silent auctions, raffles, live entertainment

and more. Proceeds directly fund

community and patient programs, such

as art therapy, horticultural therapy, the

facility Dog Program, Patient resource

Center, Gaspar Center, therapeutic

recreation and wheelchair rugby, tennis,

basketball and racing teams.

A VIP reception including Billy Cunningham,

John J. Dougherty, fran Dunphy, scott

Palmer, Bernie Parent, John spagnola,

Adam Taliaferro and others begins at 6 p.m.

and dinner begins at 7 p.m. seating is

still available! for tickets, please contact

the magee Hospital foundation at

215.587.3090 or [email protected].

Dan Polett is President, Ceo and

Dealer Principal of wilkie Lexus in

Haverford, Pennsylvania and Lexus

of Chester springs. He has served

on the leadership committee of

past magee events, and helped to

raise the funds necessary to open

the magee Dialysis Unit. Through

his personal connection to magee,

Polett became very familiar with

magee’s programs and services,

and all they can do for patients.

This inspired him to support

magee in its endeavors to provide

top-quality rehabilitation and

improve the lives of people living

with disabilities.

This year’s Humanitarian

Awards Dinner will be held

on November 19, 2013.

BE

NEFITING MAGEE’S

PATIENT PROGRAM

S

MAGEE HIGHLIGHTS


MAGEE REHAB AND EKSO FEATUREDON NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC raise a

Glass was not the only venue where

magee and ekso made an appearance.

on January 11, 2013, magee rehabilitation

Hospital and ekso Bionics were featured

on National Geographic Channel’s New

Age of exploration special entitled National

Geographic at 125. The segment, filmed

at magee in August 2012, followed

patient and south Philly resident frankie

Lamacchia who was paralyzed in a

motorcycle accident 13 years ago. with

the assistance of magee’s skilled physical

therapists and the ekso, the National

Geographic film crew captured frankie

taking his first steps in 13 years. The full clip

is available for viewing at mageerehab.org.

EKSO DEBUTED AT BUONICONTIFUND’S RAISE A GLASS EVENTmagee rehabilitation Hospital unveiled

ekso, a wearable robotic exoskeleton

and the latest in the Hospital’s arsenal

of rehabilitative technology, at The

Buoniconti fund’s 9th Annual raise a

Glass for a Cure on November 9, 2012 at

the National museum of American Jewish

History in Philadelphia.

magee acquired ekso (the cover story in

the fall 2012 issue of the Can Do!) thanks

to the support of the Philadelphia Chapter

of The Buoniconti fund to Cure Paralysis,

which contributed more than $100,000

toward its purchase. ekso is an adjustable,

portable, bionic exoskeleton designed

to help patients with lower-extremity

paralysis or weakness stand up and walk.

with the patient providing the balance

and proper body positioning, the physical

therapist uses the control pad to program

the desired walking parameters, such as

step length and speed, as well as to control

when the ekso stands, sits, and takes steps.

A National Geographic film crew captured SouthPhilly resident Frankie LaMacchia, who wasparalyzed in a motorcycle accident, taking hisfirst steps in 13 years.


mARk YouRCALeNdARS:2013 MAGEEEVENTS

2013 is positioned to be an

exciting year for magee

rehabilitation Hospital, with a

host of events and fundraisers

to benefit patients and families.

Please mark your calendars

with the following dates:

Night of Champions

may 3, 2013

(more information on page 6)

Jerry Segal Golf Classic

september 20, 2013

Adam Taliaferro Foundation

& Magee Golf Outing

october 21, 2013

Humanitarian Award Dinner

November 19, 2013

MAGEE OPENS OSTEOPOROSIS CLINICosteoporosis is a gradual thinning and weakening

of the bones, which can lead to to bone fractures.

Despite being preventable and treatable with

early intervention, many women and men do not

discover they have osteoporosis until they suffer

a painful bone fracture—giving osteoporosis

its reputation as the “silent disease.”

To ensure women and men identify and treat

their osteoporosis before they sustain fractures,

magee has opened its first osteoporosis Clinic

at the riverfront wellness Center. free

osteoporosis screenings using the Achilles

Heel scanner are available to the community

the first friday of every month from 1 p.m. to

4 p.m. at the magee riverfront outpatient

Health and wellness Center at 1500 s. Columbus

Boulevard. The test takes only a few minutes

and can aid your doctors in the diagnosis of

osteoporosis.

Please call 215.218.3900 to schedule

your appointment.

MAGEE HIGHLIGHTS

JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON THEMAGEE BLOG! magee is offering fans a

new way to connect. This April marks the

launch of the first ever magee blog:

believe@magee. The blog will cover a

range of topics related to disability, health

and prevention, and will include photos,

videos, interviews and more great

information about things happening at

magee and beyond. The blog also includes

a special Ask a Peer section where users

will have the opportunity to ask our peer

mentors questions about living with a

disability, from travel tips to advice to

caregiver support. Visit believe@magee

today at blog.mageerehab.org.

MEET JOEY: MAGEE’S NEWESTFACILITY DOG magee is excited to

announce the arrival of the Hospital's

newest facility dog Joey! short for Jovana,

Joey is a two year old Black Lab and

Golden retriever mix, and is working with

patients at the riverfront outpatient

Center. Joey is highly trained and works

with patients during therapy sessions to

help them achieve their goals. Her

handler is occupational therapist Christina

rinehimer. To learn more about how

you can work with Joey, please call

the riverfront outpatient Center at

215.218.3900.

Meet Joey, Magee’snewest facility dog.

To receive updates on Magee’s

programs, invitations to special

events, and more, sign up for

Magee News

by sending your email address

to [email protected]

or call 215.587.3090.

MAGEE & ADAM TALIAFERRO:A fRIeNdShIP tuRNed PARtNeRShIP

A cornerback for Penn state University, Adam Taliaferro sustained

a spinal cord injury on the football field in 2000 while making a

tackle in a game against ohio state. Told by doctors he may never

walk again, Adam came to magee for his rehabilitation and walked

out of the Hospital just months later. The Adam Taliaferro foundation

(ATf) was founded to provide emotional, financial and educational

support to individuals who have sustained a catastrophic head or

spinal cord injury in sanctioned team events in New Jersey,

Pennsylvania or Delaware.

The missions of the Adam Taliaferro foundation and magee rehab

are each focused on the same thing: improving the lives of people

living with disabilities. Because of this, what started as a friendship

between Adam and magee has turned into a solid partnership

between the Adam Taliaferro foundation and the Hospital.

In 2011, the ATf and magee hosted their first-ever joint fundraising

event: the Adam Taliaferro foundation and magee Golf outing.

on october 22, 2012, the event celebrated its sophomore year with

golf, live and silent auctions, and fantastic company at Green Valley

Country Club in Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania. special guests included

several gridiron legends, including John spagnola and Kevin reilly.

The event raised more than $37,000 for spinal cord injury research,

rehabilitation and quality of life programs supported by both magee

and the Adam Taliaferro foundation.

"As someone who has faced a spinal cord injury, I can tell you that

the difference between surviving and thriving is support," said Adam.

"The Golf outing is my way of giving back, of bolstering the research,

rehab and programs that helped me, to ensure all people with

spinal cord injuries have the same opportunities that made my

recovery so successful."

But the ATf and magee work together for more than fundraising—

they also joined forces to spread a little holiday cheer. on December

16, 2012, the Adam Taliaferro foundation sponsored a holiday party

for patients at magee. There were ample holiday goodies, as well

as a special visit from mr. Kris Kringle. It was a great event, and

provided a little sense of home for the patients and their families.

As the Adam Taliaferro foundation continues to grow, magee looks

forward to a continued relationship that is sure to grow stronger

throughout the years.

To learn more about the Adam Taliaferro Foundation,please visit www.taliaferrofoundation.org.


save the date for the 3rd annual adam taliaferro Foundation and Magee

golf outing on october 21, 2013.

Adam Taliaferrowelcomes everyoneto the 2nd AnnualAdam TaliaferroFoundation &Magee Golf Outing.


We all know exercise is important.

FIT FOR ALL

A Look INto mAGee’S

heALth & WeLLNeSS CeNteR

Open to the community,

the Wellness Center offers

programs geared toward

promoting healthy and

active lifestyles for both

able-bodied individuals and

those with disabilities.

we’ve all heard

about the myriad benefits, from strengthening bones and muscles

to weight control to reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease

and type 2 diabetes. But for many adults, exercise still is not a part

of our daily routine. According to a recent survey, more than 21%

of adults in Philadelphia County exercise less than once a week.

And the statistics are even worse for older adults and adults with

disabilities.

so if we know the benefits, what’s stopping us?

Nurse practitioner Chris Taylor has an idea.

“Can you imagine me at a regular gym?” she said, while a member

of the staff helps her stretch out the muscles in her hand before

her workout. “magee’s Health and wellness Center is different.”

Chris first came to magee in early 2012 after sustaining a spinal

cord injury. Prior to her injury, she had been active—very active.

Bikram yoga, cardio, weight training—even tandem bicycling—

you name it, she had tried it. After she completed therapy at

magee, she was desperate to get back to this lifestyle, but

knew she would have to do things a little differently.


“my body works differently that it did before my injury,” she

said. “I was too uncomfortable to go to a regular gym. I

needed a transition from therapy to where I was before.”

That’s the idea behind magee’s Health and wellness Center

at the riverfront outpatient Center. open to the community,

the wellness Center offers programs geared toward

promoting healthy and active lifestyles for both able-bodied

individuals and those with disabilities.

“The gym can be an intimidating place, especially for someone

with a physical limitation,” said Carol owens, PT, GCs, Therapy

manager at magee riverfront and wellness Center. “At magee,

we know there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to wellness. And

that’s why we’re here.”

Like traditional gyms, magee’s wellness Center offers flexible

hours, degrees of membership, diverse variety of equipment

for both aerobic activity and muscle-strengthening, and even

yoga classes. But that’s where the similarities end.

one of the biggest differences between the wellness Center

and traditional gyms is obvious from the moment you come

in the door: the equipment. sure, there are the traditional

treadmills, ellipticals, free weights and bikes—but there is also

more specialized equipment, such as a bike with electrical

stimulation, a multi-trainer that uses resistance bands

instead of weights, and moTomed movement therapy. This

equipment can be used by both able-bodied individuals and

people with disabilities, and most pieces are also wheelchair

accessible—meaning gym-goers don’t need to transfer

out of their chairs to get a good workout.

Monthly memberships to the Magee

Health and Wellness Center begin at $50.

To learn more, please call 215.218.3900.

for Chris, one of the major benefits of the wellness Center

over traditional gyms is the level of support.

“while working out at the wellness Center, I have access to a

physical therapy aide who assists me with all my exercises. she

has direct access to PTs and oTs at all times—and they are all

so approachable,” she said. “They understand how my body

works and can suggest different exercises that are compatible

with my physical limitations. I definitely couldn't get that at a

regular gym.”

And this VIP treatment isn’t just for Chris—it’s for everyone that

comes in the door.

“Before joining, every member meets with a physical therapist

to talk about their health and fitness goals,” said Carol. “we

create a plan for you, show you how to use the equipment,

and provide advice and support along the way. even if you

have never exercised before, don’t worry—we’ll show you

how to work out effectively and safely.”

since joining the wellness Center, Chris has been able to meet

many of her fitness goals—and get back to what she loves.

“several months ago while in therapy, I was lamenting how

I missed riding my tandem bike with my husband, and my

therapist asked me to bring it in—the wellness Center team

wanted to see us in action,” she said, laughing. “They helped

me on, gave me tips on balance, and were close by the whole

time to make sure I was doing okay. And we rode that bike

all through the building. That’s the thing about this group.

They don’t just want you to exercise—they want you to do

what you love.”


Can Do! (CD): Tell us a little about yourself and your

background.

Dr. Brian Kucer (BK): I’m a local—I grew up in Gwynedd,

Pennsylvania. I went to stanford University for my

undergraduate degree, and came back to Philadelphia

for medical school. I completed medical school at

Jefferson medical College, and actually completed

my residency at Jefferson/magee.

CD: So what made you come back?

BK: There’s no place I have ever been to where the quality

of the people—from the moment you come through

the front door to every therapist, nurse, supervisor,

etc.—is so high. There is no team more dedicated to

the mission of their organization than the team at

magee. I really wanted to be a part of that culture.

And beyond the culture, there’s, of course, the

expertise. The people in the Brain Injury program—

and throughout the Hospital, really—are so fantastic

at what they do, that working together we have the

potential to get even better. That is rare territory

to be in.

CD: That’s great to hear! Anything you’re working on

now that you’re especially excited about?

BK: I am especially excited about the work we’re doing

at the Concussion Clinic. our approach to treatment

of patients with concussions is individualized. we

look at the entire picture to develop a treatment plan

to maximize recovery, and it’s what really sets

magee apart. It’s quickly becoming a place where

people come after they have been treated for a

concussion elsewhere and things aren’t going so well.

In addition to our clinical expertise, the biggest

strength of this program is the coordination

between physicians, neuropsychologists, adolescent

coordinators, social workers and therapists. Together,

we can really work to accommodate people during

their recovery period.

CD: It seems like concussions have been on everyone’s

minds lately. We’ve seen this topic in the news

frequently.

BK: Yes, concussions are one of the most pressing issues

in brain health and injury today. The recent media

attention has created a lot of awareness, and more

people are seeking help for suspected concussions.

And we have better interventions to help them

recover faster. Having concussions and brain

injuries in the public eye is a good thing—it will lead

to more funding and research, and, ultimately, the

development of new technologies to help prevent

head injuries or detect them earlier.

CD: Anything else to add?

BK: Yes—working at magee, with this team and these

patients—it’s my dream job. It’s always been a special

place to me, and I am happy to be a part of it.

one of the newest members of Team Magee is Dr. Brian Kucer,

Medical Director of the Brain Injury Program at Magee and

Co-Director of the Concussion Clinic. The Can Do! editor

sat down with Dr. Kucer to talk about his experiences at

Magee thus far, and his thoughts on some of the most

pressing issues in brain health today.

the CheCk uP WITH DR. BRIAN KUCER


WHEELCHAIR SPORTS PRoGRAm uPdAteS

The season is coming to an

end for our fall and winter sports teams.

Here are some highlights from the last few months.

• The magee Beast of the east wheelchair rugby Tournament took

place November 9-11, 2012 at riverwinds Community Center in west

Deptford, NJ. The event featured eight teams from the east Coast,

including two from magee.

• Team magee had a strong

representation throughout

the Philadelphia marathon

weekend. Team magee

included four wheelchair

athletes, 27 able-bodied

runners that participated in

the half or full marathon,

and seven teams of staff

from the Hospital that ran in

the 8K.

• The magee spokesmen wheelchair basketball team participated

in halftime of a Philadelphia 76ers basketball game on

January 30, 2013.

• magee’s Ceo Jack Carroll traveled to an away tournament in

washington, D.C. to watch magee’s sports teams in action.

For more information about Magee’s Wheelchair Sports please

contact Keith Newerla, Wheelchair Sports Coordinator, at

[email protected] or 215.587.3412.

Jack Carroll with the Magee Eaglesrugby team in Washington, D.C.

HONORING BARBARAHUGHES: 29 YeARS ANd moRe thAN 20,000 houRS

“It’s a 50/50 relationship. I help the patients and the

patients help me.”

Barbara Hughes began volunteering at magee in 1984,

after hearing about the Hospital through a classmate

who was a former patient. from the moment she

entered the doors of magee, she felt like she needed

to be here. Twenty thousand service hours later, she

still does.

“magee’s energy and spirit just got inside me and keeps

me coming back,” she said. “You could say I’m addicted

to magee.”

Barb began by volunteering in the library, assisting

patients and families with materials. But that certainly

wasn’t the only area of the Hospital she touched.

she also volunteered in the gift shop, Alcove Café

and volunteer services department. she now

volunteers three to four days a week running magee’s

patient leisure activities. whether it’s Bingo and

Poker night, sports sunday or movie Night, Barb is

behind it. And why?

“Because patients come first,” she said.

Barb’s presence is felt—and appreciated—throughout

the Hospital.

“I truly couldn’t do my job without her,” said Jeff

Doyle, magee’s Guest relations Concierge. “she is

dedicated, and always there for our patients.”

“Barb has shown great creativity and dedication in

all of the volunteer roles she has taken on,” said meg

rider, Guest relations and Volunteer services manager.

“we are honored that she continues to serve all the

patients and families here at magee, and extend to

her our sincerest thanks for her extraordinary 20,000

hours of service.”

Barbara Hughes will be honored at magee’s 2013

Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon during National

Volunteer Appreciation week on April 25.


MAKING THE GRADE

the biggest struggles most 15-year-olds go throughare driver’s ed and remembering their locker combination. But for Nico Clothier, those

were not even blips on his radar. He was focused on overcoming a much larger

obstacle: a spinal cord injury.

while on a community service trip, Nico jumped into a pile of leaves, sustaining a

serious injury to his neck, which in turn caused a stroke. After his acute care at

Jefferson University Hospital, he was sent to magee to complete his rehabilitation.

In addition to extreme physical challenges that made his daily therapy difficult, he was

also on a ventilator and couldn’t verbalize. He had a long road ahead of him, and he

knew it. And while in many ways, his life was drastically different from that of the

average 15-year-old, there was one big way in which it hadn’t changed: he still had

to go to school.

At magee, there is an emphasis on treating the whole person—not just the injury. for

young people going through rehab, part of that includes continuing their education,

whether it be in high school or college. It’s so important, in fact, that magee developed

specialized therapeutic services for adolescents and young adults, designed to help

them return to a life of independence after their time at magee. The Adolescent and

Young Adult educational and Vocational Program is coordinated by marykate miller,

m.ed. and Vilma mazziol, ms, LPC, CrC.

“Young people at magee have just undergone a life-changing experience,” said

marykate. “everything is new to them, but we can make sure their education remains

the same. our goal is keep every student that comes through our doors on track so

they can graduate with their class.”

But when patients are spending hours a day in therapy and coping with their new

functional limitations, keeping them on track to graduate with the rest of their class

is far more difficult than it sounds.

Young people at Magee have

just undergone a life-changing

experience. Everything is new

to them. We can make sure

their education remains the

same. Our goal is to keep every

student that comes through

our doors on track so they can

graduate with their class.

Jonathan Manno and his tutor Jake Gross goover his pre-calculus homework assignment.

A LOOK AT THEYOUNG ADULTSRECOVERING —AND STUDYING—AT MAGEE


magee continues to follow-up with these patients to ensure their

academic and vocational plans remain on track. That includes

assisting with the college application process, serving as

recommenders for college and vocational programs, making

referrals to the appropriate state vocational rehabilitation offices,

career and training exploration and follow-

up services to assure they are on course with

their academic and vocational goals.

“OBSTACLES ARE MEANT TO BE OVERCOME.”Thanks to the special adolescent and

young adult services, magee’s young adults

go on to do great things. Nico is a prime

example of the success you can achieve

with the right support system and a whole

lot of determination.

As you can imagine, things were not easy for

him while he was at magee. Therapy was

difficult, and being nonverbal made it more

so. But that didn’t stop him. Not only did he

persevere through therapy, but also through

his education. He received tutoring while at

magee, and homebound tutoring after he

was discharged. He was able to return to

school for his senior year—and graduated

with the rest of his class.

That alone is a tremendous accomplishment.

But then Nico threw a prestigious university in the mix.

marykate helped Nico and his mother Audrey through the college

research process, suggesting schools that have demonstrated

their commitment to students with disabilities and sharing helpful

information regarding the search process. According to Audrey,

the best advice she received was to call and visit a university’s

disability office before you ever visit as that will give you an

idea of what the college experience will be like. enter University

of California at Berkeley. The University’s Disabled students’

residence Program is “incredible,” emphasizing independence

and empowering students to live their own lives. Nico knew that’s

where he wanted to be. He applied and was accepted, and is now

enjoying the west Coast college experience.

“It’s worth it to keep trying,” he said. “There will be many

obstacles, but obstacles are meant to be overcome.”

Jonathan is hoping for the same success—and will no doubt

achieve it.

“It will be great to finally get back to school,” he said, in between

vocab words. “I’m hoping to come back in the spring. But

definitely for my senior year.”

marykate and Vilma look forward to seeing him in that cap and

gown. “everyone that has gone through this program at magee

that wanted to has been able to graduate with their class,” said

Vilma, smiling. “we’re both proud to help make it happen.”

“SECOND BEST THING”High school junior Jonathan manno taps his pencil on the side

of his wheelchair as he goes through his vocabulary homework.

Like most 16-year-olds, it’s not his favorite subject. But unlike most

16-year-olds, he is grateful for the opportunity to study it.

He came to magee after a parkour accident

(an international sport that can be best

described as urban obstacle course running)

left him with a spinal cord injury. He started out

as an inpatient, but had since moved on to

outpatient therapy. It was important to

Jonathan to graduate with the rest of his class

in 2014—but that would take some planning.

His family met with marykate and Vilma as soon

as he was admitted to magee to discuss his

schooling and his goals. from there, marykate

and Vilma took the reins. They contacted

the school to learn more about Jonathan’s

schedule and class requirements, provided

them with all the appropriate documentation

for a medical leave of absence and

coordinated with the guidance counselor.

Because Jonathan lives in Atlantic City, it was

too far for his teachers to travel. so marykate

and Vilma worked with Team Tutor, LLC to

bring school to him.

“we tell parents not to worry about anything

with schooling and education,” said marykate.

“from the homework to the grading to the reporting, we have

it covered.”

And they do. Before he knew it, in between therapy sessions,

Jonathan was working with his tutor on english, history,

pre-calculus, physics and, yes, vocabulary.

“It provides you with a sense of normalcy,” said Jonathan. “And

I like having a one-on-one tutor. It’s the second best thing to

actually being back in school.”

BEYOND TUTORING The support magee provides for students goes beyond tutoring—

far beyond. marykate and Vilma also act as advocates for students

to make sure they get the credit (and credits) they deserve.

“we work with schools to find out ways students can get credit for

all the work they put in while at magee,” said Vilma. “for example,

we work to get students gym credits for therapy, art credits for art

therapy, and provide opportunities for volunteering at the Hospital

for those schools that require service hours.”

And when patients leave, they aren’t on their own—magee is always

right behind them, helping them along the way.

“we encourage our patients to return to school before the end of

the school year—the longer they wait, the more difficult the

transition will be,” said marykate. “we work with both the student

and the school to prepare for their return, and make our

recommendations for ways to make it smoother.”

Nico Clothier, former patient and current U.C.Berkeley student, stops by Magee over holidaybreak to get some Locomotor Training.


SPotLIGht oN RESEARCH

What’s New in Research at the Regional Spinal Cord Injury

Center of the Delaware Valley

magee rehabilitation Hospital, together

with Thomas Jefferson University Hospital,

has served as the regional spinal Cord

Injury Center of the Delaware Valley

(rsCICDV) for more than 30 years.

Designated by the National Institute on

Disability rehabilitation and research as a

spinal Cord Injury model system of Care,

the Center has since embarked on a

research agenda designed to lead

advances in clinical care and quality of life

for those living with a spinal cord injury

(sCI). Between 2011 through 2016,

rsCICDV will participate in multiple

research projects related to these goals.

Here are examples of just a few of the

designated projects in which magee is

participating as a partner of the rsCICDV.

PREDICTING NEUROLOGICALRECOVERY AFTER TRAUMATIC SCI This project will track natural neurologic

recovery patterns following an sCI. The

team will then compare these patterns to

previous findings, in which participants

received a pharmaceutical or clinical

intervention. The results of this

investigation will help the team determine

how well these interventions work, and

how they can be improved for future use.

DIAPHRAGM PACING – LONGITUDINAL FOLLOW UP Diaphragm Pacer systems (DPs) are a

device implanted on the diaphragm to

facilitate breathing instead of depending

on a mechanical ventilator. This study will

review medical and functional outcomes

of persons who have received a (DPs)

while in magee’s system of care. This

investigation will help the team determine

how these devices can be most helpful for

appropriate individuals in the future.

THE VALUE OF MRI AND DTI ASBIOMARKERS FOR CLASSIFYINGACUTE SCIDr. Adam flanders of Thomas Jefferson

University Hospital is conducting research

to review the use of imaging studies to

provide additional objective information

to determine the extent of the spinal

cord injury in the first few days after injury.

Because those patients then come to

magee as the rehabilitation continuum of

the spinal Cord Center, magee staff will

provide the follow up neurological exams

while patients involved in this study

are inpatients, and throughout magee’s

Lifetime follow-Up system of Care.

This monitoring is a crucial component

of data analysis for this study.

To find out more about the

research projects that Magee is

involved with, or to see if there

are any research projects that you

could participate in, contact Mary

Schmidt Read, Spinal Cord Injury

Program Director and Research

Coordinator for Magee Rehab &

Regional Spinal Cord Injury

Center of the Delaware Valley at

[email protected].

(ASUBIO) A MULTICENTER,RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE-BLIND,PLACEBO-CONTROLLED, PARALLEL-GROUP STUDY TO EVALUATE THE EFFICACY, SAFETY ANDPHARMACOKINETICS OF SUN13837INJECTION IN ADULT SUBJECTS WITH ACUTE SCImagee is one of many trauma and

rehabilitation centers throughout North

America to be involved in a trial of a drug

designed to promote neurorecovery and

neurorepair in patients with post-traumatic

cervical sCI. As one of the study’s rehab

centers, magee will receive enrolled

patients from surrounding trauma acute

care centers, and provide them with

a daily infusion of the drug, and measure

outcomes using the AsIA neurologic

exam and the sCIm functional measure.

Patients who choose to be involved in this

study will be monitored throughout their

inpatient stay and during outpatient visits

to our Lifetime follow-Up system of Care.

Magee is proud to be a part of such

innovative research activity as a part of

the RSCICDV, and pleased to be able to

provide these opportunities to those

people the Hospital serves throughout

the continuum of care.


SHARING OUR EXPERTISE

pResentations

AMERICAN PHYSICAL THERAPYASSOCIATION Combined Sections Meeting 2013 in San

Diego, California

Physical therapists at magee not only

attended this prestigious conference, but

also presented. Liz watson, PT, DPT, NCs

was part of an expert panel of neurologic

specialists who presented on a new

outcome measure for spinal cord injury

based on pre-injury function instead of

compensation. Colleen sullivan, PT, DPT

also joined an esteemed group of panelists

to discuss ethical and professional issues

for new graduates.

NURSING ALLIANCE FOR QUALITY CARE National Consensus Conference in

Herndon, Virginia

Janice schuld, msN, CrNP, CrrN, ANP-BC

participated in a poster session about

nursing contributions to engaging patients.

Her poster, “Patient engagement Project

(PeP) Celebrates Independence,”

highlighted magee’s current patient

engagement project. marci ruediger, PT,

ms, Director of Performance excellence

and Deborah Long, rN, msN, CrrN,

Clinical resource Nurse, were also

acknowledged as credits on the poster.

Magee Rehabilitation Hospital is proud to be home to some of the

rehabilitation field’s finest clinicians. Our staff is often requested to speak

on topics at national and international conferences, and is also called

upon to publish papers and recommendations in top clinical trade

publications. Below are some examples of how we are sharing our

expertise with the world.

GUY FRIED TUTTLEMAN LECTURE SERIESMagee Rehabilitation Hospital in

Philadelphia, PA and the Sands Casino in

Bethlehem, PA

magee’s spinal Cord Injury Program

Director and Coordinator of research

mary schmidt read, PT, DPT, ms presented

on therapeutic technology for people with

spinal cord injuries and other neurologic

dysfunctions. Dr. Todd Lewis, clinical

neuropsychologist and brain injury clinical

specialist, presented on psychosocial

issues in traumatic brain injury. Cate Dorr,

ms, oTr/L and facility dog ford presented

on canine facilitated therapy, and Dr. Lane

Brown presented on funding for the

traumatic brain injury survivor.

NEURORECOVERY CLINICAL TRIALPRESENTATIONSmagee’s spinal Cord Injury Program


mary schmidt read, PT, DPT, ms has been

involved as the primary trainer for two

ongoing research clinical trials. Both

projects are pharmaceutical studies,

investigating the neurorecovery effects in

traumatic spinal cord injury and multiple

sclerosis. mary’s role is to provide training

for the individual sites’ study personnel on

the standardized outcome measurements

being used to prove whether the drug has

had an effect. These trainings are held at

magee or at the study institutions

throughout North America.

publications

ARCHIVES OF PHYSICAL MEDICINEAND REHABILITATIONSeptember 2012

members of Team magee were involved in

several studies on Locomotor Training with

the Neurorecovery Network. magee’s

spinal Cord Injury Program Director and

Coordinator of research mary schmidt

read, PT, DPT, ms and Amy Bratta, PT,

DPT, NCs, were involved in a study about

establishing the Neurorecovery Network.

mary was also involved in a number of

other studies in this publication, including

research on balance and ambulation

improvements in individuals with chronic

incomplete spinal cord injury using

Locomotor Training-based rehabilitation;

the relationship between AsIA examination

and functional outcomes in the

Neurorecovery Network Locomotor

Training program; and Locomotor Training

as a treatment of spinal cord injury and

in the progression of neurological

rehabilitation.

JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGIC PHYSICALTHERAPYSeptember 2012

magee’s spinal Cord Injury Program


mary schmidt read, PT, DPT, ms co-

authored a study about life care planning

outcomes for patients with motor

incomplete spinal cord injury, both

before and after Locomotor Training.

Mary Schmidt Read, PT, DPT, MS isMagee’s Spinal Cord Injury Programdirector and the coordinator ofresearch. She is involved in manypresentations and publicationsthroughout the year.

It was a terrible act of senseless violence that introduced Alan milberg to magee

rehabilitation Hospital in January 1997. His son scott was a student at Johnson

& wales University when a gunman’s bullet changed his life. As a result of the

shooting, scott sustained a spinal cord injury and came to magee.

while an inpatient at magee, scott met Jerry segal, one of magee’s most

prominent former patients. scott was fascinated by Jerry’s story and it served

as a great motivator for him during his therapy. It wasn’t long before scott told

his dad, “You have to meet this guy!”

Alan met Jerry, learned all about the Jerry segal Classic to benefit the patients

of magee, and, as they say, the rest is history. Alan “felt an immediate connection

to want to help in some way,” and attended his first segal Classic golf outing in

1997. He brought friends, family and business colleagues along, and has served

as a sponsor ever since. He also began his work on the executive Committee

that plans the event.

It was easy to see that Alan was a sharp, bright and giving guy. In fact,

Jerry segal calls him “one of the most giving people I know.” Alan brought

a new energy to the executive Committee and stepped up to help in any way

he could. Lou starkman had been the Chairman of the segal Classic since its

inception, and as soon as he got to know Alan, he thought he might be the

“right” guy to take over as the Chairman.

Lou approached Alan, who said he’d do it, but not just yet. He told Lou that he

“needed another year or two.” Alan retired as the President of royal Paper in

2000 and, true to his word, assumed his new job as the Chairman of the segal

executive Committee.

Alan has served in that role for the last 12 years and has helped the Classic hit

some major milestones, including raising $1 million for the event in 2007, and

crossing the total raised mark of $10 million in 2010. funds raised through the

segal Classic have supported much needed equipment, programs, family meals,

housing, and so much more over the last 23 years.

“The segal Classic does such good things to help people, and everyone on

the committee works hard for this one cause: the patients at magee,” he said.

“It’s not one person that makes this work. It is a real team effort and, when I

stand on the stage the night of our event, looking out at the crowd, I am so

proud of all that we do.”

Jerry segal and the friends of Jerry segal work on the tournament year-round,

and Jerry says Alan “leaves no stone unturned, and puts his heart into all we do.”

Jerry and Alan have developed an amazing friendship over the years, and both are

very good at reminding everyone that “we do it because the patients of magee

need our help.” Alan also adds, “we are always looking for people to get involved.”

GIVERS CORNER: Alan Milberg


To learn more about this great

team and how you might play a

part, you can contact the Magee

Development Department at

[email protected]

or 215.587.3090.

We are grateful for the

hard work and dedication

Alan Milberg gives as the

Chairman of the Friends of

Jerry Segal Executive

Committee and appreciate

the difference he has made

in the lives of our patients.

Alan Milberg (left) with Jerry Segal.

saVe the Date!

Jerry segal golf classic

september 20, 2013

Magee offers many different programs that only happen because of

generous philanthropic support. Donations from individuals, foundations

and corporations help Magee provide the following programs.

our Peer Mentor program matches newly injured patients with former patients who can

serve as role models and resources to help them adapt to life, understand what is ahead,

and answer questions from someone who is dealing with the same medical issues.

Art Therapy, Horticulture Therapy and Recreation Therapy remain critically important

to patients’ recovery, and your support helps bring those programs to life.

YOUR DONATIONSAt WoRk

charitable support is also used to purchase specialized equipment for

use in our therapy gyms, help treat outpatients in the gaspar Center,

and do so much more! gifts can be made online at MageeRehab.org or

by mail using the envelope in this Can Do! magazine.

For additional information on how you can provide support to help

our patients, please call the Magee Development Department at

215.587.3090 or email [email protected].

•

magee sponsors teams and individuals to

compete in wheelchair basketball, racing,

tennis and rugby. while these programs are

focused on wheelchair sports, the benefits are

much greater, including teaching independence,

self-care and mentoring.

The Wound Care Team is able to help patients

dealing with challenging issues associated with

wounds by providing nutritional supplements,

dietary counseling, and specialized care.

Magee’s facility dog Joey makes a

difference every day by helping patients

achieve their therapeutic goals. Learn

more about Joey on page 8.

•

•

•


Facility dogJoey gets a goodtooth-brushing– all whilehelping patientAnnie Emanuelwork on her finemotor skills.

Address Service Requested

1513 Race Street

Philadelphia, PA 19102-1177

Phone: 215.587.3000

mageeRehab.org

BELIEVE

Non-Profit

organization

u.S. Postage

PAId

Philadelphia, PA

Permit No. 2269

We know, we know.

Updating your will isn’t

always at the top of

your to-do list. But as

everyone at Magee

Rehabilitation Hospital

knows, everything can change in

an instant. By planning ahead,

you can help ensure our patients

have access to the highest quality

therapies, the latest technology, and

cutting-edge programs and services.

But most of all, your generositywill give patients what they needmost: the ability to believe.

For more information about the Anna Magee Society and planned giving, please contact the Development Department at 215.587.3090 or email [email protected].

Here is some samplelanguage to include Magee in your will:

“I give, devise andbequeath to the MageeRehabilitation HospitalFoundation, a charitablecorporation existing under the laws of theCommonwealth ofPennsylvania and located in Philadelphia,Pennsylvania, the sum of______ dollars (or ______%of my residuary estate), or(description of securities,property, etc.).”

Can Do! Spring 2013

Documents

Transcript of Can Do! Spring 2013