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We would
like to take this opportunity to introduce ourselves and our foundation, The
Slater Jett Meyers Foundation, established in memory of our son, Slater.
Briefly, Slater was a beautiful full-term baby who, due to complications
during his delivery, suffered from severe oxygen deprivation which resulted
in extensive brain damage. He was initially hospitalized for several
months before he was able to come home. He required around the clock
shift nursing, and an array of different equipment to sustain his life.
He was only with us for eight short months, but we cherished every moment of
those months. During his eight months, we learned so many invaluable
lessons. We have decided to focus on all the positive aspects of our
tragic situation, and pass on what we gained in order to help other children
who have suffered birth injuries.
We are a non-profit organization with 501c3 status, consisting of an
entirely volunteer staff. 100% of the proceeds from all our events
will be designated for children who have endured similarly catastrophic
birth injuries. Monies raised will be used to enhance these children's
lives in many different ways. Our goals include funding rehabilitative programs, subsidizing
the costs of medical equipment and treatment, and funding educational
programs and initiatives. There may not
be cures for these children's tragic illnesses, but we will strive to make a
difference in their quality of life.
One of the most significant aims of our foundation will be to develop
programs that provide support and advocacy for the children and their
families. We would like to publish everything we've learned in a
manual, to be distributed by hospitals to these families. You cannot
anticipate a birth injury. When something this overwhelming occurs,
most families are not prepared to deal with everything involved in getting
the best care and outcome for their child.
We have already established important connections with several tertiary care
centers in the tri-state area, and have developed relationships with
prominent pediatric specialists. We hope to assemble a first rate team
of professionals to help with everything from obtaining medical equipment,
arranging for nursing care, and most importantly, dealing with insurance
companies to maximize existing benefits.
Most recently we have established relationships with Jawonio, Inc. and
Inspire, Inc. Both organizations are United Cerebral Palsy affiliates
located in the New York metropolitan area. We are proud to announce
that we will have funded their new "gait therapy" programs at both
organizations. This
cutting edge program will help fulfill the dreams of hundreds of children
and adults to walk without assistance. We would also like to get
involved with adaptive sports programs, by purchasing the necessary
equipment and
providing the proper training/coaching.
The possibilities to make a difference are endless. None of this would
be possible without the backing of our generous supporters and the efforts
of our dedicated friends. We owe them a multitude of thanks for
enabling us to honor Slater's memory with every child we help. Each
moment we dedicate to our foundation, represents a moment spent to keep
Slater alive in all of our hearts.
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