Re: No more AFOs - MDA budget cuts

[Guest guest]

This is such awful news.. Just awful.

In a message dated 12/7/2009 4:50:54 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,

gfijig@... writes:

(This is the 'official word' from Weibe at MDA headquarters in

Tucson. I had emailed him when I first heard about this last week- G)

Dear Gretchen,

Thank you for your recent email seeking confirmation of the news that,

effective January 1, 2010, MDA will no longer be able to provide funding for

the purchase of leg braces.

Unfortunately, this news is true and a direct result of the economic

challenges being faced by MDA and other not-for-profit agencies across the

country.

We wish MDA was immune to the financial crisis that is impacting our

nation, but this year alone we are anticipating an income shortfall of some $14

million. As you may be aware, this year's Telethon was down nearly $5

million from that of last year. In response to these fundraising challenges,

expense reductions were implemented in many areas of MDA's operations,

including closing 21 field offices, retrenching 120 positions, and a

nation-wide

weeklong furlough during the week of 11/23 – 11/27.

These details are summarized in a November 30 letter from MDA President &

CEO Jerry Weinberg to MDA families.

After other cost reduction options had been implemented and exhausted, it

became apparent that services would need to be curtailed. Of the extensive

listing of services provided by MDA, every effort was made to limit

reductions in services to areas where other resources remain available.

As you know, private and public insurance options, as well as federal,

state, and community based resources, are able to assist with the purchase of

AFOs and other orthopedic equipment.

While MDA is no longer providing assistance with the purchase of leg

braces, wheelchairs and communication devices, be assured that we are prepared

to help through our equipment loan program and by connecting individuals

with federal, state and local resources that can be of assistance. Also, MDA

will continue to assist with repairs to a wide range of durable medical

equipment.

We know that this program change is difficult news for everyone to hear.

Although we are faced with belt-tightening, MDA will continue to fund

cutting-edge, cure-driven research and provide a wide range of services that

remains unparalleled among national voluntary health agencies.

As you may know, these services include a nationwide network of clinics;

award-winning Quest magazine and access to MDA's library of educational

videos and publications; MDA summer camp for youngsters; provision of $500

annual financial assistance for durable medical equipment repairs; an equipment

loan program; seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccinations; advocacy; transitional

services designed to provide expanded resources for those entering

adulthood; resource referral; informational web sites; support groups; and

educational seminars.

Thank you for taking time to contact us. Please know that MDA stands ready

to assist all families in the MDA community to the full extent of the

Association'Thank you for taking time to contact us. Please know that MDA

stands ready to assist all families in the MDA community to the full extent of

the Association'<WBR>s services program while continuing i

Thanks,

Wiebe

National Director of Outreach Initiatives

Muscular Dystrophy Association

3300 E. Sunrise Dr. Tucson, AZ 85718 (520) 529-5493 _swiebe@..._

(mailto:swiebe@...) www.mda.org