Ethan is a 7-year-old boy recently diagnosed with Perthes Disease, a rare childhood condition that affects the hips. Perthes Disease can be incredibly painful and uncomfortable, and prohibits the child from walking, running, jumping, or playing.
For now, Ethan is unable to bear any weight on his legs. Perthes Disease can last for years before it improves itself or requires surgery. In the interim, many doctors prescribe specialized, fitted chairs that provide the right comfort, in the right places for children with this debilitating illness.
While insured, the new year had just begun and the family was unable to meet the deductible, which meant insurance would not cover the cost of Ethan’s chair. Ethan’s family was at a total loss, as the cost of the chair Ethan needed was more than they could afford. Through a mutual party, Ethan’s family was referred to Project MEND where Ethan was able to receive the refurbished chair he desperately needed: providing comfort and the opportunity “to be a kid again.”
“My family will never be able to thank Project MEND
enough for the difference they’ve made in Ethan’s life.”
– Ethan’s Mother, Denise
Multiplying the Power of Nonprofits
Ethan’s story is just one example of the multiplying power of Impact San Antonio’s High Impact grant to Project MEND. In 2017, Impact San Antonio awarded a $100,000 grant to Project MEND to continue and expand its work reclaiming, reconditioning and reusing medical equipment to serve several hundred new clients and improve the quality of life for many more existing clients. The grant enabled San Antonio-based Project MEND to buy two trucks and a specialized medical equipment sanitizing machine. With those additional resources, the grant to Project MEND was able to multiply into jobs filled by capable and eager employees, life-changing and affirming opportunities to regain mobility for people of all ages and relief for families and individuals facing staggering financial burdens.
When Project MEND applied for a grant under Impact SA’s Health and Wellness category, the agency’s ability to serve clients was endangered because its well-worn trucks that collect gently used medical equipment from throughout much of Texas and deliver it to clients after refurbishment and cleaning were on vehicular life support. And the agency needed of a new, highly specialized HUBSCRUB machine that sanitizes used medical equipment using ultraviolet rays.
Compassion Unites our Membership
Impact SA’s $100,000 grant provided those critical acquisitions and quickly enabled Project MEND to serve 300 additional clients. That’s 300 additional lives changed, enriched and empowered. And that’s the real power of Impact SA’s giving model.
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Now, more than ever, our community needs the generosity and commitment of the women of Impact San Antonio to continue our legacy of improving the quality of life for all our neighbors. We’d love to have you. To join or renew, go to: |
