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.
CAN DO! SPRING 2013 5
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…
CAN DO! SPRING 20136
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
CAN DO! SPRING 2013 7
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.
CAN DO! SPRING 20138
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
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.
CAN DO! SPRING 2013 9
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.
CAN DO! SPRING 201310
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.
CAN DO! SPRING 2013 11
“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! SPRING 201312
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
CAN DO! SPRING 2013 13
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.
CAN DO! SPRING 201314
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
CAN DO! SPRING 2013 15
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.
CAN DO! SPRING 201316
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
(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.
CAN DO! SPRING 2013 17
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
Director and Coordinator of research
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
Director and Coordinator of research
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
CAN DO! SPRING 201318
To learn more about this great
team and how you might play a
part, you can contact the Magee
Development Department at
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.
•
•
•
CAN DO! SPRING 2013 19
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.).”