Craig Hospital Blog

Research Study Opportunity for Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury

Research Study Opportunity for Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury

Posted: 03 Jan 2012 06:35 AM PST

Study Title:
A New Measure of Subjective Fatigue in Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury

Introduction:
Fatigue (a feeling like you are often physically and/or mentally exhausted) is an issue for many people who have had a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Our previous research into health related issues after brain injury have shown that fatigue is related to problems with emotional, social participation, physical/fatigue, and cognitive or thinking challenges.

Purpose of this Study:
The goal of this study is to evaluate a newly developed TBI-related fatigue questionnaire.

What Happens During this Study:
After an initial collection of demographic information is complete, you will be asked to participate in one interview (that will involve several assessments or questionnaires). The demographic information collected will include things like age, education level, living and working status, and medical history. The initial collection of demographic information, which may be done at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center or by telephone, will be followed by the interview. Each interview is approximately 1 hour long and may be done at your convenience. The interview is made up of multiple choice questions related to fatigue and other health-related quality of life areas.

Compensation:
You will be paid $25 for participating in the interview.

Potential Risks and Discomfort:
There are no known risks associated with your participation in this study. Discomfort may be experienced only to the extent that some of the questions may be of a more personal nature and that the interview may require up to 60 minutes of your time.
You may withdraw at any time.

Who is Eligible to Participate:
You must have had a traumatic brain injury (i.e. hit on the head, concussion, knocked out) that required you to seek medical attention. Mild, Moderate and Severe Injuries are all included in this study. Further, you need to wait at least six months after your brain injury to start this study. You must be 18 years or older. You need to be able to understand and communicate in English. You must be able to provide documentation of your injury. Informed consent and HIPPA forms will be mailed to you to complete.

Who is Sponsoring this Study:
The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, U.S. Department of Education.

Who is Responsible for this Study:
Jeffrey Englander, MD
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center

Whom Do I Contact If I’m Interested in Participating:
Paul Carufel (408) 793-6431 or (800) 352-1956
paul.carufel@hhs.sccgov.org

Not Your Typical Hospital Holiday Buffet

What  do you think of when you see "Holiday Buffet" listed on a hospital menu?Maybe something to acknowledge the holidays, something apart from the standard, daily menu routine with a few cute decorations thrown in for good measure... 

At Craig Hospital, it's not what you'd ever envision it to be, for at Craig, the patients are not passing aquaintances whose faces might be recognized a week later by the healthcare staff who treated them. Craig patients become family.  They're here for extended periods as they recover and relearn how to rebuild their lives following a catastrophic brain or spinal cord injury.  Their families are integrated into all aspects of care and rehabilitation as they embark on a new path of discovery.

The Craig buffet is a labor of love by the "team" of department directors,executive staff and board members, for they know that a hospital is the last place anyone wants to be for the holidays--so they bring the holidays to those patients and their families who would rather, but are unable to be, home.

Decorations are ordered months in advance by Wendy Gordan.  The team spends the entire day and well into the evening transforming the cafeteria into a sparkling haven complete with tablecloths, trees, wall hangings, and low lighting.  They also help prepare a truly special menu:

• Shrimp cocktail with prawns the size of large thumbs
• Spinach Salad
• Warm dinner rolls
• Prime Rib (yes the REAL Prime Rib) and Ham  
• Scalloped Potatoes
• Sweet Potatoes
• Farfalle with Fresh Tomato & Basil
• Prince Edward Island Vegetables
• Broccoli
• Eggnog Cheesecake, Pumpkin Mousse or Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake for dessert

As they don their aprons, and step into formation,  they remarkably meet the challenges of creating a home atmospere and making each person they are fortunate to serve, feel very special.

From all Craig staff, thanks to all of the department directors, executive staff, and board members for making this such a memorable occasion for all of us.

Tom Balazy, M.D., Medical Director, Craig Hospital

Traumatic Brain Injury Results in the Spirit of Giving

Guest Bloggers:  Andrea Kuskie and Sydney Kuskie

I wanted to give everyone an update on Sydney since it has been almost a year now since her accident.  Considering what Sydney has been through she is doing amazing.  Thanks to Craig Hospital’s high school teacher and volunteer tutors Sydney is on track to graduate in May with a 4.0.  She is applying to colleges which offer medical programs as she wants to be a nurse anesthetist.    

 Sydney has always been extremely athletic- playing soccer since Kindergarten, snowboarding since 2^nd grade, and wake boarding since 8^th grade.  Unfortunately she will not be able to participate in any of these sports so she has taken up weight lifting and golf. 

 The part of Sydney’s brain that had the most damage was the part that controls her emotions.  Before the accident Syd was extremely outgoing and very funny.  She has become much more quiet and introverted, she would rather hang out at home then go out with friends or to school sporting events.  The biggest challenge for her has been trying to figure out who she is now and where she belongs.

Through all of this Syd has remained extremely positive and when you ask her what the worst has been she will tell you nothing, “more good has come from the accident than bad”.  She is truly an inspiration and through this ordeal wants to help other families that are or have been in similar situations, please see the attached letter.  I feel that by Sydney putting together this fundraiser for Craig Hospital is a huge step in the right direction towards her healing process. 

 Everyone has been so generous to Sydney and I and so kind and caring.  We appreciate your continued thoughts, prayers, and friendships.

 ANDREA KUSKIE

                                             ________________________________

Some of you know my family and I personally but for those of you who do not here is my story.  My name is Sydney Kuskie, I am a senior at Dakota Ridge High School.  On December 13, 2010 I was pulling out of the High School parking lot to head home for lunch when I was t-boned on the driver side by another vehicle traveling at 45mph.  I was transferred to Swedish Medical Center where over the next few days they discovered I had broken my pelvis in 3 different areas, my pubic bone, my sacrum, a rib,  bruised my lung and my kidney, had paralysis on the upper left side of my body, and was bleeding on 5 different areas of my brain.  Within 3 days of my accident I was fortunate enough to be transferred to Craig Hospital as an inpatient, which I called home for the next 2 months. I had numerous roommates whose families weren’t from Colorado. One of my roommate’s parents would fly in to Colorado to stay with their daughter, while the other would be home in Texas with their son. They would switch back and forth every few weeks. The dad had to quit his job so that he could take care of his daughter.  Another boy my age was from South Dakota.  His mom stayed with him for 6 months while his dad stayed back home to take care of his brothers.  They would travel to see him every few weeks. 

 The majority of inpatients at Craig hospital ate the cafeteria food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; while I had the luxury of family and friends bringing me home cooked meals since they all lived in the area. It didn’t phase me as much then, but now I think about it and cannot imagine being thousands of miles away from my home with no family or friends to be by my side supporting me and bringing meals to help my mom out. Craig gave so much to my family and I and I want to be able to give back to them somehow. The best way for me to give back is to help those families from out of town. My goal is to raise money so that we are able to help these families pay for travel expenses, buy food at the local grocery stores, buy gift cards for restaurants and coffee shops in the area.

As a non-profit acute care and rehabilitation hospital governed by a volunteer community board of directors, the Craig family is dedicated to delivering the highest quality of catastrophic injury treatment available anywhere.  The Craig foundation provides for members of their community to give hope to patients and their families.  Because of the generosity of these donations my mom was able to stay by my side 24 hours a day 7 days a week for the next four months. 

 I am writing this letter in hopes that you or your company will become part of helping me help the families in need at Craig Hospital.  They have given so much to my family and I and our community, I would like to help give back to them. 

 Anything helps.  Your contribution is tax deductible.  Please send checks made out to the “Craig Foundation” to:  Sydney Kuskie, 10921 W. Brittany Dr., Littleton, CO 80127.  I would like to deliver these to the hospital Friday December 30^th. 

 Your support is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

 

 

 

 

  Sydney Kuskie

Craig Hospital Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization

 

Craig Hospital is the recipient of the prestigious El Pomar Spencer and Julie Penrose Award for the Outstanding Nonprofit in the state of Colorado

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MEDIA CONTACTS:                                                                               

Mary Bonner:  mbonner@craighospital.org                                                        

Kenny Hosack: hosack@craighospital.org                                                   

Englewood, CO, September 21, 2011.  El Pomar recognizes individuals and organizations across Colorado that serve their communities with distinction.  Since its inception in 1989, the Awards for Excellence program has provided nearly $5 million in grant support to more than 400 nonprofit organizations throughout Colorado.  Honorees do not apply for the awards, but are nominated and selected by the Awards for Excellence Selection Commission.

The Spencer and Julie Penrose Award is given to the nonprofit that best exemplifies the commitment to service and excellence that Spencer and Julie Penrose sought to recognize and promote throughout the state of Colorado.  Penrose Award winners receive $50,000 to support and grow the El Pomar mission, which is to encourage and promote the current and future well-being of the people of Colorado.

 “It is an honor for Craig Hospital to receive the Spencer and Julie Penrose Award.  The entire staff at Craig is committed to those we have the privilege of serving.  They are the best at what they do and are continually raising the benchmark. Our patients inspire us to strive for excellence in all we do. We are rewarded by witnessing their remarkable outcomes following catastrophic spinal cord and brain injuries, as they return to home, work, school and the community--and back to the business of living,” says Mike Fordyce, President and CEO of Craig Hospital. 

Craig Hospital www.craighospital.org is a non-profit, national rehabilitation hospital and research center that specializes exclusively in treatment and research of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) and traumatic brain injury (TBI).  Craig treats patients from all fifty states and several foreign countries, and in 2011 was ranked in the Top Ten Rehab Hospitals by US News and World Report for the 22nd consecutive year.  Craig is currently pioneering cutting-edge research, as well as advances in adaptive technology, and has just opened The Peak at Craig Hospital, a state-of-the art fitness center exclusively for people with varying degrees of disability.

 ###

Ralph Anhold - The Comeback

Ralph Anhold - The Comeback

A seasoned biker, Ralph Anhold was descending Squaw Pass in July of 2010 with two of his long-time biking friends.  He doesn’t remember exactly what happened.  He may have fainted while on his bike, descending the final four miles of the highway near Bergen Park. His friends became his memory for that day.  He crashed at the bend in the road, just 4 miles from highway 74 near Bergen Park.  He was taken to St. Anthony’s and was eventually transferred to Craig. 

 “During my recovery I thought I was thinking clearly, I thought I was logical, but now in hindsight, looking back, I realize how much this brain injury affected my mind.  I wasn’t able to think like I do now.   My family thought the dad prior to the accident was dead.  They needed as much support as I did.  It’s initially hard for family and friends to understand and connect with a TBI patient.  But luckily, I’m back, thanks to physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, the support of my family, and Craig.

 I was finally approved a couple of weeks ago for my first public ride since my accident.  Jam the Damz is my goal.  I’ve worked hard to come back and I think I’m there.  I want to get my buddies out there so they can see that I’m okay!

 My team is iBrainTrain – I don’t know what “I” stands for…like in iPad, iTunes.  So why not iBrainTrain? I have kept the team closed to just people I contact so far, but if my friends don’t start joining, iWillBrainTrainAnyone!  Jam the Damz.  September 24 – that date is my comeback."

Ralph (center) with friends.

Join us!  September 24, 2011 at Clement Park in Colorado.  For more information or to register, go to www.jamthedamz.org

www.craighospital.org

Funds raised will benefit Craig Hospital, Adaptive Adventures and U.S. Handcycling.

Cycle of Love

A Cycle of Love

 Jam the Damz is a cycling event in Colorado that benefits Craig Hospital, Adaptive Adventures and U.S. Handcycling.  All three organizations provide adaptive programs for people with disabilities. Last year, over 200 riders raised more than $55,000.  This year looks to be equally as promising.

 The 2nd Annual Jam the Damz Colorado Charity Ride will take place on Saturday September 24, 2011 and will begin in Clement Park near Columbine High School in Littleton, CO.

 To date, the top fundraiser is Laura Moss.  Her father, Ted, sustained a spinal cord injury when his plane crashed in 2007. 

 “That was the hardest day of our lives,” remarked Laura, “but we were so thankful he survived.  How many people do you know survive a plane crash? Even though our family was close, it brought us closer as a team – we all continue to work together.”

 “My dad was athletic and physically fit prior to his accident.  Within four months post-injury he was working out at a gym, driving, traveling…even kayaking!  His mantra has always been, ‘these are the cards we are dealt.’  He not only dealt with those cards, he’s doing even more than he did prior to his accident!”

 One day, Laura decided to Google “Spinal Cord Research Fundraiser Colorado.”  She was thrilled to find the Jam the Damz race.  “Initially this was something we could do for my father to show our support.  We never want him to think we forget what he’s going through every day of his life. What we found with Jam the Damz was inspiration…to see so many people on handcycles with similar injuries out enjoying and living their lives was a gift.  It is so comforting and exciting knowing that my dad will be able to sneak out of Chicago and see other injured people and what they’ve accomplished.  Matt Updike was instrumental in the challenge and education of the handcycling sport.”  (Matt was a US Paralympian in handcycling in Beijing).

 Family members are coming from Chicago, Steamboat and Denver to ride with and support Laura, Ted, and Jam the Damz.  To date, Laura has raised more than $9000  for Craig Hospital, Adaptive Adventures, and U.S. Handcycling.  And she still has two weeks to go before the event.

 "We all know individuals who can transform hopeless situations into challenges to be overcome, just through the force of their personalities.  This ability to persevere despite obstacles and setbacks is the quality people most admire in others, and justly so; it is probably the most important trait not only for succeeding in life, but for enjoying it as well." 

Go Moss Team!!

To find out more, or to follow Laura’s fundraising success, go to www.jamthedamz.org

 SEPTEMBER 24, 2011

www.craighospital.org

www.ushandcycling.org

www.adaptiveadventures.org

 

JAM THE DAMZ Cycling Event

JAM THE DAMZ Cycling Event 

What are you waiting for? - BE INSPIRED!

Last year this inaugural event was a huge success, raising over $60,000 for Craig Hospital, US Handcycling and Adaptive Adventures.  There were over 200 riders, 50 of which were handcycles. This year, we not only have local participants, but the top fundraiser is from Chicago! To date, she has raised in excess of $7,000! Watch for her story to be posted on this blog in the next few days.

Ride, volunteer, or donate by going to www.jamthedamz.org.  There is a course for everyone from the leisurely rider to the hard-core competitor.  This fun, family event will take place on September 24, 2011 at Clement Park in Littleton, Colorado.  And don't forget the after party with music, food, drawings, and fun!!  BE INSPIRED. 

 


  
For more informaton go to www.jamthedamz.org

 www.craighospital.org

Craig Hospital Presents an Adaptive Outdoor Recreation Expo

Craig Hospital presents an adaptive outdoor recreation expo on Friday, September 9th, 2011 from 10 am to 2 pm.  The event will take place outside, near the east building parking lot. Adaptive Outdoor Recreation Organizations will be providing information about adaptive recreational opportunities available throughout Colorado. There will also be demonstrations of a variety of equipment. Whether your passion is handcycling, fishing, hunting, golf, skiing, or tennis, or scuba, we can show you more adaptive recreational opportunites than you've ever dreamed of! Come join us at the adaptive outdoor recreation expo on Friday, September 9th, 2011 from 10 am to 2 pm at Craig Hospital.

 
Tricia Downing, a paraplegic athlete, is the second female wheelchair racer (first female paraplegic) to complete an Iron distance triathlon (2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, 26.2-mile run).

To donate to the Craig Hospital Foundation, call 303-789-8650, or visit www.craighospital/foundation.

 

The 14th Craig Hospital/RE/MAX, LLC Invitational Golf Tournament at the Sanctuary

 
                                                                                                                   Photo by Mary Bonner

The 14^th Craig Hospital/RE/MAX, LLC Invitational Golf Tournament at the Sanctuary took place on July 21, 2011.  It was a picture-perfect day with only one minor rain delay. We offer special thanks to RE/MAX, LLC, our presenting sponsor, and GH Phipps Construction Companies, our dinner sponsor, and Quantum, our beverage sponsor, along with all of the other committed companies and individuals who made this event possible. 

 This year, there were over 100 participants in a modified scramble format.  Prizes were given for closest to the pin, the longest drive, team low net and team low gross. Congratulations to Lonnie Martinez for winning the grand prize drawing for the Bowers and Wilkins Zeppelin Air Speaker System.

 Proceeds from this event will go towards Craig Hospital’s programs of excellence. 

About Craig

Craig Hospital was just ranked in the Top Ten Rehab Hospitals for 22 consecutive years by US News and World Report.  Craig is a world-renowned private, non-profit rehabilitation hospital and research center that specializes exclusively in treatment and research of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) and traumatic brain injury (TBI).  Craig treats patients from all 50 states and several foreign countries. No one expects a catastrophic injury to happen to them—but a motor vehicle accident, a sports accident, a trip over the dog, or a dive into shallow waters can dramatically alter a live in a single moment.  “That could never happen to me,” suddenly transitions to, “I can’t believe this has happened to me!”  Costs for rehab equipment or home modifications can be financially devastating.

 About the Sanctuary

Sanctuary is known for its elevated tees, towering pines and 180-degree mountain views of Pikes Peak to the south and Longs Peak to the north.  Five sets of tees invite every level of play.  It is estimated that a golf ball travels 11% farther at Sanctuary’s altitude compared with sea level.

 The Sanctuary was created as a place of refuge, preservation and nourishment, not just for wildlife, flora and fauna, but for service organizations committed to developing unique relationships with those who support their efforts to improve our community.  To date, more than 284 charities have netted more than 52 million dollars to directly benefit the many constituents they serve, thanks to the vision and generosity of Dave and Gail Liniger.

 Designed by renowned golf course architect Jim Engh, Sanctuary protects a private oasis of 220 acres from residential development, effectively complementing 12,400 surrounding acres of dedicated open space.  It is not uncommon to see elk, deer, foxes, coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats, black bears, porcupines, wild turkeys and golden eagles.

 “This is a day that I don’t even care about my golf game…just the experience of being here is enough for me,” remarked one participant.

Adaptive golf, at its best!

www.craighospital.org

Thirty-Second Annual Craig Hospital Hobie Day

The 32^nd Annual Craig Hospital Hobie Day took place at Cherry Creek Reservoir on Friday, July 28.  Starting just after dawn, Craig Hospital staff and volunteers packed up gear for nearly 50 patients with varying degrees of spinal cord and brain injury for a day at Cherry Creek Reservoir.  Set-up included special mats, so wheelchairs could be safely maneuvered across the sand to the shade of specially placed canopies. This “army” worked for weeks to plan this annual event to make sure it was a fun and safe trip for patients, away from the confines of the hospital.  Behind the scenes, special classes took place at Craig so staff volunteers could be trained in water safety and patient transfer from wheelchairs to boats.

Hobie Day is the largest hospital outing of its kind in the world.  This outing provides patients with the opportunity to experience what is possible after catastrophic spinal cord and brain injuries, through “applied therapy.” Along with the boating experience, patients learn to navigate the beach and learn the necessity of taking care of themselves in extended periods of exposure to heat and sun.  Accompanied by nurses, therapists and staff from a variety of other departments at Craig, patients are able to test their rehabilitation and self-care skills in real world conditions. 

According to Craig President and CEO, Mike Fordyce, “This day is just one example of the caring nature of our committed staff.  Our team is so much more than a hospital – we truly care about our patients and rejoice in their accomplishments as they get back to the business of living following a catastrophic injury.”

The event is organized by Hobie Cat Fleet #61, whose captains bring 11 Hobie Cat sailboats, a pontoon boat, and three power boats for the entire day.  There are 45 business sponsors who plan, cook and serve the outdoor barbeque of hotdogs and hamburgers. Some people are in charge of hydration, while others run the sunscreen table, and others just make sure everyone is having a good time.  

According to one patient, “I never had an opportunity like this before my accident.  To think that I could do something like this now…I never would have imagined.”

Empty wheelchairs lined the beach - their occupants traversing the calm waters of Cherry Creek Reservoir. A gentle breeze accompanied them while the live band provided a perfect soundtrack to a beautiful day.

www.craighospital.org