West Nyack couple donate funds in son's memory

By KHURRAM SAEED
THE JOURNAL NEWS
(Original publication: January 9, 2004)

WEST NYACK — A little more than a year after they created a foundation in memory of their infant son, Glenn and Ilana Meyers have raised close to $100,000.

The Slater Jett Meyers Foundation last year awarded nearly $22,000 to Jawonio and Inspire, two regional organizations that work with children with birth injuries, the at-risk group the charity specifically seeks to serve.

"The results are so severe," Ilana Meyers said, describing birth injuries. "They require so much care, and the outlook for them is pretty grim."

One of the goals for this year is to spread the wealth.

"Organizations aren't used to somebody cold-calling them saying they have this money they want to give away," said Glenn Meyers, 41, who works as a section manager in gas operations for Orange and Rockland Utilities.

The West Nyack couple also intends to raise their profile in Rockland, Westchester and Orange counties and Bergen County, N.J., this year. Despite their attempts to seek out agencies, Ilana Meyers said many groups aren't aware funding is available for the right cause.

"Here we have this money," Ilana Meyers, 37, said, "and we want to give it away."

For all of the nonprofit foundation's success, its origin is draped in personal tragedy.

Slater Jett, the Meyers' son, died Aug. 31, 2000, after suffering brain injuries during his birth. He was less than 8 months old.

Two years later, the West Nyack couple started a foundation in his honor and kicked it off with a golf fund-raiser at Dellwood Country Club in New City. It raised $60,000. In September, the golf tournament generated $40,000.

"I feel that I have to be strong for my other kids," said Ilana Meyers, who has three children, including a son born in January 2002. "I don't want them to think their mom was always sad because of Slater. I would like them to think of Slater as the reason for making our difference in the world."

At Jawonio's New City campus, their contribution has been readily apparent since September.

The foundation's $14,400 grant paid for a state-of-the-art treadmill featuring an adjustable harness that helps improve mobility, posture and coordination. It can be used by adults and children.

Jerry Staller, Jawonio's director of education and clinical services, said the machine helps build endurance, strength, the cardiovascular system and self-esteem in people who have trouble walking.

It's been successful for children with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, spinal injuries and other neurological disorders, he said.

"This allows us to get toddlers up on their feet and to stimulate a desire to walk," Staller said.

For the Meyers, the gait-therapy equipment offered an opportunity to fund an entire project and benefit many children at once.

The couple made a similar gift last year to Goshen, N.Y.-based Inspire, also known as the Orange County Cerebral Palsy Association.

The foundation is looking into paying for alternative therapies for children whose insurance does not cover acupuncture, yoga and reiki. The therapies would be offered at a Bergen County, N.J., medical center affiliated with Pascack Valley Hospital.

"The best part is you get to help people, especially knowing how much it can mean to the people it's going to," said Ilana Meyers, a stay-at-home mom who once owned a business that specialized in making bridal veils and hats.

The couple is also seeking to establish a second fund-raiser, likely a running event that would be held in Rockland in April or May.

Like the fall golf outing, the family run would be dedicated to Slater Jett, Glenn Meyers said.

"We thought we would make it an 8K run," he said, "one kilometer for each month of his life."

 

The Slater Jett Meyers Foundation   2 Old Farm Court   West Nyack   New York   10994    Telephone: (845) 358-1792

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