Virginia’s WWRC: Taking a Humble Approach to Offer Patients Hope

Paul was an active business owner before a stroke forever changed his life. One week after the stroke, he openly wept during a physical therapy session, overwhelmed by the emotions of how much his life had changed. “A week ago, I couldn’t lift my head off a pillow,” he said, his speech altered by emotion and the effects of the stroke. “Today, I am standing upright and walking. This device has given me hope.”

Hope. We are lost without it. That’s why the device that gave Paul hope is changing lives around the country. That’s also why we at the WWRC Foundation want to purchase one for our medical rehabilitation facility at the Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center (WWRC). That device is the SafeGait 360° Balance and Mobility Trainer. SafeGait provides body weight support and fall protection to patients like Paul who suffered an injury or illness and are now relearning how to perform the everyday activities we take for granted, like walking, getting up out of a chair, and climbing stairs.

Patients with traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, stroke, Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis require intense physical rehabilitation in order to regain their mobility. Because these patients cannot always support their full body weight and are at risk for falling, their rehabilitation is even more challenging. Can you imagine trying to learn to walk again, with the very real fear of falling casting a shadow over every therapy session? SafeGait helps take away that fear by supporting up to 50% of the patient’s weight and preventing injury to both the patient and the therapist by safely catching a patient when they lose their balance.

WWRC is no stranger to giving people hope. Since 1947, we have provided vocational training and medical interventions for people with disabilities to assist them with getting jobs and living more independently.

The message of “hope and a path forward to employment” is a key theme among people with disabilities receiving our services,” said Rick Sizemore Director, Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center.

“Our clients come to us after having a brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke or other life changing event,” says Sharon Russo, MS, PT, Director of Physical Therapy at WWRC. “Often times when someone is first injured they are told they are lucky to be alive. With some folks who have such disabling conditions, I’m not sure that they really feel that they are that lucky.”

Our rehabilitation team at WWRC saw the SafeGait 360 device in action, and realized the great potential it has to improve our patients’ recovery. Faced with the reality of not having the money needed to make such an investment in our patients’ future now, we at the WWRC Foundation are taking the unique approach of reaching out to local, statewide and national communities to ask for assistance in funding the purchase for the WWRC Fishersville, Virginia location.

Sure, foundations have local capital campaigns all the time asking for their neighbors’ help. The WWRC Foundation, through this crowd-funding effort is humbly asking people everywhere to make this project a reality. Maybe you live on the opposite side of our state or across the country, but we believe that contributing to the betterment of people in need doesn’t have to be confined to a geography.

What is the value of ‘possibility’?

“We do a great job helping people achieve their goals, “notes Russo. “This technology would let us go even further and be able to feel like we are doing an even better job of helping patients reach for those things that they are hoping to attain.”

The goal of this campaign is to raise funds for the SafeGait device and associated construction at our Fishersville center.

What is hope worth?

Ask the parent of a child with a spinal cord injury or the veteran being fitted for a prosthetic.

For your neighbor, your child, the love of your life or even a stranger: what would you give, to give them hope?

What can you offer to give someone hope?

Please consider providing an offering of hope when it’s needed most: today.

How can you help?

Donate now by clicking the orange “DONATE” button on the right. No amount is too small!
Spread the word to friends and family by sharing this page.
See the potential in people’s abilities rather than focusing on their disabilities.

Thank you! The WWRC Foundation deeply appreciates your consideration and generosity as you help us reach our goals to support those receiving services through WWRC by purchasing this life-changing SafeGait device!

Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center Foundation, Inc.

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Virginia’s WWRC: Taking a Humble Approach to Offer Patients Hope