Hey Everybody at the Elks this is Dave Brennan, just wanted you guys to know we recieved your boxes the other day and WOW I don't know what to say except thank you very much. Everybody here thanks you as well. I'll be sure to stop in when I get there. I hope everybody has a safe and happy holiday. Thanks againg from all of us.
Love Dave
P.S. I don't think I'll ever eat another tastycake again.
Letter about Home Services Program on April 6, 2005
Dear Elk Lodge Members;
I am writing to you to thank you for the services that you provide for my daughter and my family. We have been involved with Dianna McCord since January of 2000. She has been a tremendous help to us in many ways.
I found out about Dianna through the janitor at my children's elementary school. He also has a child with special needs and though that I could benefit from your program. I just wanted to let you know how Dianna has helped us since we met. She has referred us to Cerebral palsy clinic and has attended doctor appointments with us as well as IEP meetings. She has found funding for things not covered by insurance such as equipment and even a covference for us as parents to attend on Rett Syndrome so we would know the latest on our daughter's diagnosis. Even though we were connected with medical assistance we were unaware that we could be reimbursed for transportation to doctor appointments, therapy, etc. We were also unaware the medical assistance would cover diapers after the age of three. Finding this out has really helped us out financially, considering my daughter is now eighter years old and still in diapers. Dianna has referred us to Make-A-Wish but we are still trying to decide what to do for her wish. When my husband lost his job she helped us all by assisting my husband and I in obtaining health insurance and assisted us with funding for our utilities through energy assistance and private funds.
Sometimes she has been here solely to listen and give emotional support. That is on of the greatest things about your program, because your program allows the nurses to be able to give us the time we need that no other program that we have been involved with could give us. This gives you a glimpse of what Dianna has done for us but by no means covers all that she has done.
We as parents out there have no idea about the services that are available for our children. So again I would like to thank you for the services you provide to all the families across the state and not just our family. If I can ever be of assistance in helping to spread awareness of your program, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Jody Polen
The Elks At Work From Bill Zalot
The Elk's nurse program has truly been an advocate for me. They have helped me fight for housing, keeping paratransit available to me as well as getting funds for eyeglasses, fitted for wheelchairs, computer equipment and more. They have helped me get into an attendant care program. In short, they have allowed me to stay at home despite the death of my Dad four years ago.
They helped me also to find a regular gig for using my skills as a writer. Through the efforts of my caseworker Jennifer Turbett I have become a regulare contributor to the United Cerebral Palsy of Philadelphia & Vicinity newsletter.
While I think of the Elks at work, I see them as a great resource to help an individual network. I can not tell you how many times Jennifer has helped me find the right agency to deal with a particular issue. She is an advocate and true friend.
Recently Jennifer in conjunction with United Cerebral Palsy helped me get funds for a trail pass that was lost in the mail. They replaced the money I put out. This was a big deal for someone on a fixed income.
The Elks at work are there for their patients whether to help visit a doctor or set-up in home treatments and more. Jennifer and the team make a difference in my life. By helping me network, I hope I have made a difference in the lives of others.
Letter about Elk's Nurses Organization on March 31, 2005
To Whom It May Concern:
I am the parent of an autistic, epileptic and non-verbal son. Last year my son had 130 grand mal seizures. Many times I am too tired to attend meetings or go on the Internet to get information about my son's conditions.
I would like to tell you about one of your nurses, Monica Wildonger. Since we met at the ARC in Bethlehem, PA, she has been a terrific source of information for my family. She has met my boy and our family and knows our problems whether they are medical or general. She always informs us about pertinent information concerning my son. She makes us aware of benefits, which may be of use to us and also how to access the benefits. We live in an area where services are few and far between. Monica has made sure that we know what is available to us.
Last summer she obtained a large tricycle for my son. He is unable to ride a two-wheeled bike. I cannot express the joy this brings him. Every one in the neighborhood recognizeds us now. In pleasant weather, he will ride before and after school. It is the one activitiy he really enjoys.
Many times the families of special needs children feel isolated; Monica is always there if I have a question.
Monica is more than an acquaintance, she has become a friend.
Thank you for supporting your nursing services and our family.
