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What's New
Colorado Neurological Institute (CNI)
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More Ways to Contribute to CNI > Annual Fund > CNI NeuroHealth CenterThe New CNI NeuroHealth Center: Case Statement2007 marks a year of continued growth, challenges, and setting new benchmarks for providing the finest care possible for patients dealing with neurological health disorders at the Colorado Neurological Institute. Not only have we grown in numbers but also we’ve set greater challenges for improved service, enhanced community outreach, and the largest operational goal ever reached in our nearly 20 year history. Since its creation in July of 2005, and grand opening in August of that year, the CNI NeuroHealth Center is the first and only facility in the Rocky Mountain Region dedicated exclusively to neuro health and wellness, professional training, and research. Initially focused on serving the non-insured and underinsured, the NHC’s unique offering combine a wide range of services – including wellness and rehabilitation, patient education and support, complimentary therapies, and community outreach. This 1,823 square feet of space houses the Mile-Hi Sertoma Surgical Teaching Laboratory which includes nine microsurgery stations for physicians’ surgical training. Thanks also to a grant from Cochlear Americas, surgeons from around the world have received specialized training in cochlear implants. This laboratory provides closed circuit TV connections to operating rooms at Swedish Medical Center. Thanks to support from the Spalding Community Foundation, the NHC provides various physical, occupational, and speech therapy opportunities for stroke survivors, especially, the uninsured or underinsured. 3,339 therapeutic treatment sessions were provided to post stroke patients who are medically under or non-insured. Stroke Risk Assessment and Wellness Techniques are available in addition to nutrition, stress management, smoking cessation, and 24-hour blood pressure monitoring. A number of stroke research projects, including the ProFess Study, a four-year study on the prevention of second strokes in patients are conducted through the NHC. This world-wide study enrolled more than 15,500 patients within 90 days of their original stroke. Another study is now underway through the Northstar Everest company. This looks at “return to function” for post stroke patients with hemi-paresis of the arm. This specialized study will involve 200 patients across the country and CNI’s NeuroHealth Center is 1 of only 20 sites selected. The NeuroHealth Center is also a focal point for patients with all neurological disorders including, spasticity, MS, deep brain stimulation, and for the Huntington’s Center for Excellence. Through the NHC, CNI conducts a great deal of its community outreach efforts. Primarily NHC representatives provide patient education and support in a broad spectrum of neurological disorders. In 2006, this outreach included community groups, clubs, churches, corporate health fairs, and 23 locations throughout the State of Colorado for the 9 News Health Fairs. The Real MessageWhat’s remarkable about CNI’s NeuroHealth Center is not just the services offered. What’s most important are the stories of the patients who’ve experienced services there. In 2006, a 12-year old boy, Kyle Severson, suffering from a stroke made incredible progress in his rehabilitation efforts. His outcome was so dramatic he said, “I wouldn’t be dressing myself, standing, walking, running, or going to school today if it weren’t for the Colorado Neurological Institute.” Another story involves Bob, one of the CNI NeuroHealth Center’s first patients, who in his 60s suffered a stroke and lost the use of his arm and couldn’t walk. All he said was, “I want to be able to hug my wife.” Now, over a year later, he has regained the ability to have a productive life and, is thankful, he CAN hug his wife. In addition, thanks to a donation of an electric scooter from the National Stroke Association to CNI, Bob can take extended walks and hikes with his wife. What a journey! Another patient, Tony, was a successful real estate broker in his 40s. Tony was athletic and suffered a stroke and had severe aphasia (difficulty to speak). As a stroke survivor, Tony’s persistence, recovery, and community outreach are phenomenal accomplishments. December 24, 2004 Tony recalls was “not a fun Christmas Eve.” On that day, he suffered a hemorrhage and was rushed off to emergency room. There he suffered a severe stroke and spent the next few months recovering in the hospital. This was quite a change of lifestyle for a real estate agent who was also highly involved in maintaining his health as an athlete. As a result of the stroke, Tony was disabled. He could no longer participate in sports; let alone walk and he had severe aphasia. Tony suffered tremendous emotional and physical setbacks. However, he did not allow his disability to limit his life. Tony was willing to try anything to recover and one of the places he found was CNI. At CNI Tony began his uphill battle towards his goals. He also researched and participated in a variety of rehab methods around the community. Eventually Tony’s mobility and speech regenerated. He went from using a wheel chair to using a cane to walking. In 2006 Tony proved that his disability is now ability when he participated in the Denver Marathon. His quality of life increased from dependent to independent. Most important, Tony was able to get his life back on track physically and emotionally. Tony not only worked to improve his life but also became deeply involved in improving the lives of others. Tony is an extraordinary advocate for stroke recovery. He volunteers at Easter Seals and is the newest member on the Spalding Community Foudation Board. He was able to speak to the Spalding Board in order to raise funds for the Neurohealth Center, which put those resources towards other recovering stroke patients. Further, Tony attends stroke support groups in the community regularly. There he speaks to other stroke survivors for support and to provide the therapy information and resources he utilized during his recovery. He inspires other stroke patients by his improvement and hard work and sets a positive example for their own goals. Everyday Tony provides hope to those who might be discouraged by their disabilities. Similar to Tony, Joe also suffered aphasia due to a stroke. Joe, in his 50s and a high powered attorney, could barely speak. Thanks to CNI’s NeuroHealth Center and the concentrated and focused rehabilitation, Tony and Joe joined Kyle and the three walked the last 3 miles of the Denver Marathon. Tony and Joe both now speak on behalf of CNI to members of the community. Bob Lanan suffered a stroke and found he couldn’t walk up stairs. Thus, his family had to set up a room on the main floor of his house. Thanks to CNI, Bob can now walk up stairs…and, sleep in his own bed…with his wife. A family back together! Felicia sung in her church choir. The joy and satisfaction of singing with her church choir was a mainstay in her life. She suffered a stroke and had no insurance. Through CNI’s NHC, Felicia is able to do many of the simple things we take for granted. She can finally open a refrigerator door or close a dishwasher. She can now walk up stairs again…especially, the stairs at her church…and sing with the choir she loves. She didn’t need insurance…just CNI’s NeuroHealth Center. “It’s changed my life!” At 21, Carly had the world by the tail. She enjoyed life, and worked as a nanny. A stroke changed all that instantly. One year later, with rehabilitation at CNI, Carly is a nanny again and taking 3 courses in college. Her mother swore she’d never be in college if it weren’t for CNI. Herman was one of the NHCs first patients. A stroke kept him from being able to do even the simplest of activities. He couldn’t go anywhere without assistance from his wife. Thanks to CNI, Herman can now go places on his own. If you can imagine, he was most “relieved” to be able to do this. His wife was, too. Having freedom and your dignity was one of the greatest gifts CNI provided. Another patient comes to Colorado twice a year for 6 week intervals. As a male ICU nurse at a hospital, one would think insurance wasn’t an issue. In this case, it was. He suffered a stroke and was administered TPA (a blood thinner often used with stroke patients). Unfortunately, he suffered a hemmorage as a result of the TPA…an unfortunate incidence that effects only a small percentage of TPA recipients. Fortunately, his sister found out about CNI’s NHC and made arrangements for his visits. His progress has been profound and never would have occurred if CNI’s NeuroHealth Center didn’t exist. Never Give Up!Janet’s positive attitude and recovery for fellow stroke survivors and research study patients is exceptionally inspirational. Janet volunteered for the Northstar study and was randomized into the surgical group. She underwent incredibly invasive surgery twice: once to have an electrode device implanted on the Dura of her brain, and the other to have it removed. However, even while she was recovering from the discomfort of the surgery, she always had a smile on her face. After the first surgery, where the Northstar device was implanted, Janet unceasingly complied with the study guidelines and completed six weeks of therapy sessions; five days a week for 3 ½ hours each. Janet’s positive attitude throughout the study is an inspiration for other stroke patients. When faced with a difficult trial, she never abandoned her dreams of moving her left side. Janet continued to push through the hardships until she reached her realistic goals. Further, Janet’s incredible recovery is a story to be told to stroke survivors. In 1996 when she had her stroke, she lost her ability to utilize her left hand and arm effectively. She was disabled on her left side for almost ten years. However, after participating in the Northstar study, she began to improve drastically. Now Janet can use the left signal on her car, put on and take off earrings, type on her computer with both hands, hold a glass, change her vacuum bag, and things we all take for granted every day. What is incredible is that so far post-stroke Janet was able to regain the ability to complete her daily activities which had been lost since 1996. Janet is a living inspiration to the philosophy of Colorado Neurological Institute. She was far beyond her statute of limitations for recovery. Yet, with her positive attitude and hard work in the study, Janet improved her quality of life. These are just a few of the reasons why the CNI NeuroHealth Center is here. Enhancing our ServiceRecently, an opportunity presented itself...the chance to move into expanded space that would allow the NHC to offer even more to patients and the community it serves. On the same floor, just on the other side of the 701 Building on the Swedish Medical Center Campus, is 5,200 square feet of space that would enable CNI to have greater capacity to meet more needs and enable more patients to experience rehabilitation and recovery. This space will position CNI’s NeuroHealth Center with the capability of doubling the amount of patients it works with and invite additional research programs and services it currently offers to the community. In addition, CNI will be able to bring together all its program offices and rehab faculty into one space thus increasing the capability to work together as CNI addresses the many neurological health problems is represents. Two-Step ApproachIn order to make this new expanded space a reality, CNI has initiated two efforts that will meet immediate needs and sustain the NHC long into the future. Based on projected costs and needs, CNI needs to generate immediate revenue to handle the build out requirements for each space and purchase the equipment necessary to meet patient needs. Through the naming opportunities listed below, CNI believes this approach can be met. Specifically, CNI is offering a 50/50 approach whereby major naming opportunities can be made through a half payment immediately and the remaining amount of the pledge be paid over a period of time. Thus, CNI can designate the remaining half of the funds be directed to an endowment that will generate revenue for sustaining operational and maintenance needs in the future. Honoring Our SupportersWithout question, the many people who support CNI through charitable contributions make a significant difference. Without their support, CNI would not be able to conduct the work it does helping patients in a mulit-disciplinary way. The following are the naming opportunities associated with the new NeuroHealth Center for CNI. Naming and Funding OpportunitiesNaming the NeuroHealth Center Space: $2,000,000This is the most visible naming opportunity and a way for a donor to make a profound and lasting statement. Countless patients and their families as well as researchers and physicians, and staff will visit this space. Even more reassuring is the fact that this gift and naming opportunity will stay with the space as CNI continues to grow. Thus, as this space reaches its limitations, the name associated with the NeuroHealth Center will carried to any future location. This naming opportunity will be designated an endowment gift and used to maintain and enhance the Center in the future. Naming a Wing: $500,000There are two wings associated with the expanded NeuroHealth Center space. The South Wing will house the program aspects for all of CNI’s Centers and the conference and education facility and the North Wing will serve as the location for all therapist offices and exam rooms and PT/OT activities. Conference and Education Room : $75,000 to $100,000This exciting new space will serve as a meeting and conference room for CNI administrative needs, Board of Directors meetings, community outreach seminars, and CNI’s telemedicine program equipment. It is envisioned that this room will be fitted with the latest technology for communication and meeting needs. PT/OT Room: $50,000No other room will receive greater appreciation from patients than this room which will house all the physical training equipment to meet rehabilitation needs. PT/OT Kitchen and Resource Library: $50,000This special, handicapped accessible, area will serve to help all patients in need of rehabilitation assistance in returning to daily life needs and functions. It will also be reception space for the Conference and Education Room and provide computer stations for additional patient integration back into the community Speech and Language Room: $25,000Therapy room to provide Vital Stim therapy and other rehabilitation services in the areas of voice and audiology. Lobby and Reception Desk: $10,000Upon entering the NeuroHealth Center, patients, families, guests, will be greeted via this inviting and relaxing welcome area. Every visitor will pass through this space. So, it’s visibility and the naming opportunity is exciting. Small Conference Rooms: $10,000 eachTo meet the need for more private and intimate meetings two smaller conference rooms are planned. These can be used for patient and family meetings, professional consultations, etc. Exam Rooms: $10,000 eachFour Exam rooms have been planned for the expanded NeuroHealth Center. These will more than double the capability to work privately with clinic patients. Offices: $10,000 eachSix offices will be identified for CNI Programs and Services. This will provide all CNI efforts to be in one place and allow for greater interaction and support to meet the mission of supporting interdisciplinary interaction. Lab: $10,000A lab is planned to meet specific needs to check patient vitals, etc. Therapist Offices: $7,500 eachTwo offices designated for therapists will include equipment enabling private work and updating of confidential files, etc. Administrator’s Office: $5,000Overseeing the operations of the NeuroHealth Center will be critical as CNI will be continually reaching out to the community and providing as much support to patients and therapists and physicians as possible. Therapy Supply Room: $5,000NeuroHealth Center therapists will require space for the many technical and related medical supplies required to meet patient needs. File Room: $5,000Information is critical and protecting the privacy of all patients is required by law. Thus, this room will house all patient information and data in the most secure way possible. Other Naming OpportunitiesGifts for equipment, recruitment, training, and research will also be honored with appropriate recognition with attractive plaques in the new NeuroHealth Center, as well as in our annual report and promotional materials. For more information on these specific funding opportunities, please contact CNI directly at 303-788-4010. BACK TO TOP |
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