No more AFOs - MDA budget cuts

[Guest guest]

(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's

services program while continuing in our relentless efforts to eradicate

neuromuscular diseases through a worldwide scientific research program. Thank

you for all you do to serve the CMT community.

Thanks,

Wiebe

National Director of Outreach Initiatives

Muscular Dystrophy Association

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

www.mda.org

[Guest guest]

Story of my life! This year i would have been eligible for MDA help with AFO's

and i am in desperate need of help. C'est la vie!

jackie

No more AFOs - MDA budget cuts

 

(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's

services program while continuing in our relentless efforts to eradicate

neuromuscular diseases through a worldwide scientific research program. Thank

you for all you do to serve the CMT community.

Thanks,

Wiebe

National Director of Outreach Initiatives

Muscular Dystrophy Association

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

www.mda.org

[Guest guest]

I was afraid this would be coming down the road when they sent me a letter

explaining that they were really behind in funds. With any luck they will return

to this type of funding when the economy recovers. It might take a few year,

but there will be a recovery... In the meantime it sounds like they will do all

they can to help people get alternate funding.

I feel badly for their employees. A week's furlough has got to hurt! We have

four furlough days spaced throughout the year this year, and each paycheck that

comes in a day short is painful enough! I can;t imagine missing a whole week's

pay. Yes, all of us in that boat are fortunate to be able to keep our jobs, but

the missed pay still makes is difficult.