ATBF Outreach
Life After Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) turns a life upside down. Although paralysis can occur from any number of reasons — an accident, virus, surgery, stroke — the end result is the same: altered lives filled with overwhelming challenges, changes and adjustment. The Outreach Program of The Alan T Brown Foundation to Cure Paralysis (ATBF) offers meaningful assistance and hope in several ways:

ATBF functions with compassion and understanding as a resource and support system for the newly injured and their families. Telephone counseling is an ongoing — and essential — component of the Foundation’s outreach mechanism. These calls and meetings can be about coping emotionally, physically and/or psychologically. ATBF disseminates information regarding recommended doctors, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, therapists, travel, fertility options, playing sports, going back to school — and so much more. The list is endless.

In coping with uncertainty and trauma, it can be reassuring to know that people care. The Alan T Brown Foundation takes great pride in the role it has played, and continues to fulfill, in making a difference in so many lives.

In June 2008 ATBF's Outreach Program was recognized by the Golf Writer's Association with the Mary Bea Porter Award.

ATBF Peer Mentoring Program

The Peer Mentoring Program is under the umbrella of the ATBF Outreach Program. Through the ATBF Peer Mentoring Program, lifelines are forged to offer support and assistance in moving forward. The Foundation facilitates relationships by connecting the newly injured with those who have "been there." ATBF links individuals based on their level of injury, age, common interests, etc., and also helps bring together spouses, siblings and friends of those who have become paralyzed.

ATBF Transition Care Program

The Alan T Brown Foundation Transition Care Program will provide important home care services to un-insured paralyzed patients through the Visiting Nurse Service of New York, reflecting the Foundation's decision to focus on quality of life issues. The transition from hospital to home is most often a traumatic and chaotic time for a newly-injured person. Program participants and their families will receive visits from a wide range of health care providers who will help them manage their new physical limitations and daily routines by demonstrating: how to transfer from a wheelchair to a bed, how to take a shower, how to prevent pressure sores, and so much more.

The ATBF Transition Care Program will be there for those during that crucial time when they are adapting to their new environment as a paralyzed person, and help set the groundwork for their future care.

TD Bank Affinity Program - It Pays to Belong

Your participation earns us an annual donation based on the aggregate average balance of the members enrolled. The more people that sign up - the bigger the donation to the Foundation. Existing TD Bank Customers are eligible too! Just visit your local TD Bank Store and ask to be added to the Affinity Membership program to benefit the Alan T Brown Foundation, and they'll take care of the rest. If you have questions or to open an account, please email thomas.toy@yesbank.com, or call Tom at 212-246-2112.

Help support our fundraising efforts by joining TD Bank's Affinity Membership Program.