Sponsored by Coloplast

Player's Corner

Forums › Rugby Talk: General Discussion ›

Charity Equipment

The USQRA’s 2010-11 Post-Season is Sponsored in Part by

Astra Tech - Eagle Sportschairs – Fusion Medical

Melrose USA – The Roho Group – Spinergy - Coloplast - Xcalibur

britney

posted 8/1/10 - 2:42 pm

Does anyone know of an organization that donates or sells equipment (at low cost) for newly injured people who cannot get medical benefits? I've recently learned of a new quad who was hurt while in the USA on a student exchange program with a work visa. He has received charity hospital stay and short rehab stay but will be needing equipment soon. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know!

Thanks!

‹ Donations of used wheelchairs 25" Spinergy LX Blue Heavy Spoke wheels with ds locks for sale ›

joey

posted 8/5/10 - 11:23 am

Hi Britney, There is a place

Hi Britney,

There is a place in Pasadena, CA called the Convalescent Aid Society. They have free medical supplies, but I think they only give them to local residents. Can't quite remember.

Here's their number. (626) 793-1696

If nothing else, maybe they can give you resources.

Also, I see things like walkers and commode chairs at Thrift stores and Salvation Army.

Last, but not least, if you list things you're looking for you might get donations from individuals. I'm always finding things in my house/garage that I don't use anymore.

Tom Hamill

posted 8/6/10 - 9:25 am

I stumbled across this list,

I stumbled across this list, I don't know how good it is.
http://www.wheelchairfoundation.org/donate/give_or_receive_wheelchair.php

Matheny school in Peapack, NJ used to run an extensive equipment exchange, I couldn't find it on their website but it might be worth a call.  Rehab hospitals frequently get equipment donated back that they give away.  You never know what you might find on Craigslist.

Check with local fire companies and rescue squads, some of them collect unwanted DME, clean it up and donate it to people in need.  Also check the culture around his school, work and how he was injured, there might be a willing fundraising group or foundation, for instance, I've received two grants from the USRFF.  Finally, let us know specifically what you need, it might be gathering dust in one of our garages.

britney

posted 8/9/10 - 6:55 pm

Thanks for all the ideas!

Thanks for all the ideas! I'll pass them on to his primary therapists.

Here is likely what is needed. He is about 6'2" and weighs about 165#. He has absolutely nothing and is a brand new C5-6. We don't know where he will be living yet, so we're not sure about the bathroom situation. It is likely he won't have a roll in shower, and I have a few offers for rolling shower chairs if he could use one. So, here is my best guess:

an everyday chair (16 x16 ish)
or a frame or wheels

a decent cushion (16 x16 ish)

a slide board

a tub bench or commode chair that can go in a tub

any adaptive equipment you found helpful (for you 0.5 - 2.0s) when you were first injured

Thanks again!
Britney

Nick Fonner

posted 8/11/10 - 9:28 am

Have some equipment

I have a high profile Roho (15x15 or 16x16) and slide board. If you send me your address or the rehab's address, I would be more than happy to ship them out. Email me at n_fonner@msn.com