Last year, the Foundation made its largest gift to date to Magee — $25,000 — supporting the brain injury programs at both Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation Hospital – Center City and Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation – Riverfront. The gift’s most visible results are simple but impactful. For patients recovering from brain injury or stroke, reading a traditional analog clock can be difficult. Thanks to the Lithgow Foundation, every patient room on Magee’s third and fourth floors now has a digital clock with large, bright numbers that also displays the date and outside temperature. These clocks help patients stay oriented, follow their therapy schedules, and regain a sense of independence. They have quickly become the talk of the hospital.
The Foundation’s generosity reaches well beyond the patient room. This gift also funds wellness scholarships that give individuals with disabilities access to the Magee Riverfront outpatient center, much like a YMCA membership, where they can use adaptive equipment with trained therapists on hand to help when needed. New electrical stimulation units have been purchased to help patients promote muscle and nerve regeneration as they rebuild strength and function. The Foundation has provided therapists and patients with updated iPads to relearn skills, practice cognitive exercises, and communicate when speaking is a challenge.
None of these resources are covered by insurance. They exist because donors like the Jackie Lithgow Foundation and so many more believe every patient deserves the best possible rehabilitation experience, from the first day of inpatient care to long after discharge.
To learn more about how you can support Jefferson Moss-Magee’s Traumatic Brain Injury Program, please contact tyler.mcgrath@jefferson.edu.