Ohio Eagles continue to have positive impact on spinal cord injury patients through charitable contributions

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center sees charitable contributions by Ohio Eagles as crucial

In a recent letter to all members of the Ohio State Aerie of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, new State President and Ohio Veterans and Fraternal Charitable Coalition Boardmember Jim Donaldson urged them to continue their support of the East Central Regional Lew Reed Spinal Cord Injury Fund.

“My special charity for my year as state president is the ‘the walking machine’ project at The Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center and their affiliate, the NeuroRecovery Network,” Donaldson said.

The “walking machine”, more formally known as a Body-Weight Support System, is truly groundbreaking technology. The patient’s body is suspended over a treadmill using a harness system while specially trained therapists move their legs to simulate walking. This innovative training helps awaken nerve pathways by repetitively stimulating the muscles and nerves in the lower body.

So far the Eagles have raised over $30,000 for the new Body-Weight Support System with financial support continuing from clubs across the state that participate in the OVFCC’s charitable raffle program.

“Much of the money in our Lew Reed Spinal Cord Injury Fund comes from Eagle clubs that participate in the charitable raffle program. During my three years on the OVFCC Board, my other passion has become implementing a successful and accountable video raffle program. Since the OVFCC started that program, we have helped raise over $2.4 million dollars for Eagle charities and Aeries across the state. It’s a great tool for our clubs and the charities they support and is truly a step in the right direction for our Aerie’s to embrace their charitable efforts, as well as pay some of our internal pressing needs”.

“This electronic raffle program is going to help purchase another body-weight support system that would double the Wexner Medical Center’s treatment capacity and reduce their patient waiting list”, said Donaldson.

“Isn’t that something? Just think of the impact this will have on future patients and their families”.