Medichair Cranbrook & Firemen Raise Nearly $7,000 For Md Patient Gerry Rennie
Funds will be used to support Gerry's specialized home care and equipment.
CRANBROOK, BC (Tuesday, June 05, 2007) -
"The fundraiser for Gerry Rennie was a resounding success," says organizer Sharon Barber. "We raised $3,400 from the barbeque, raffle and 50-50 draw. Then the Cranbrook Fire Department generously matched us dollar for dollar. So, in total we raised $7,000!" Barber, a Product Consultant with MEDIchair Cranbrook said the money will be used by the Rennie family to offset costs for equipment, in-home care and medical expenses not covered by BC Medical and the Muscular Dystrophy Society. "We all remember Gerry as a vibrant and dedicated family member of the Cranbrook community when he was stricken with Muscular Dystrophy in 1991," says Barber. "Gerry donated a lot of his time and resources to the Cranbrook community and it was time to give him something back." Gerry currently requires a specially configured power wheel chair that tilts while carrying his respirator; a hospital bed and low air loss mattress that reduces skin breakdown (resulting from spending long hours in the same position), special meals through tube feeding, and in-home care support. About MEDIchair the home medical equipment specialists' MEDIchair, a LifeMark Health Management company, is North America's largest and fastest growing Home Medical Equipment (HME) franchise company with stores from coast-to-coast in Canada. MEDIchair stores carry a comprehensive line of Home Medical Equipment products including wheelchairs, scooters, lift chairs, bathroom safety products, home accessibility solutions, and soft/disposable personal health care products such as incontinence supplies, wound care, compression, and bracing. These specialty products are designed to enhance the quality of life for people experiencing disabilities, injuries, surgeries, and aging. MEDIchair prides itself on providing caring, knowledgeable and highly trained consultants committed to finding the right home health care product solution for each customer. MEDIchair also promotes good health through its public education and awareness programs, and through its adherence to best practice management. www.medichair.com -30- For more information, please contact: Ms. Sharon Barber, Product Consultant, MEDIchair Cranbrook, (250) 426-6600 Mr. Neil Bousquet APR, PR MEDIchair (403) 256-8834 neil.bousquet@medichair.com Gerry Rennie's Story Gerry and Giselle Rennie moved to Cranbrook in July 1989 from Ponteix, Saskatchewan with their three children, Doug, Sheryl, and Sandi. They took over the operation of the Mini Mart & Canadian Tire Gas Bar. Gerry was diagnosed with Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy in 1991. The illness progressed rapidly but Gerry continued working and being involved in the children's activities. These activities included hockey, baseball, softball, curling, choir, golf, basketball, volleyball, and altar servers at Christ the Servant. The children attended St. Mary's, Laurie, and Mount Baker schools. Gerry and Giselle sponsored many of these activities through sponsorship. In May 2005, the station was re-flagged as Petro Canada and sold in November 2005. At this time, Gerry retired as his disability made working too difficult. Gisele went to work at the Credit Union in March 2006. On December 27, 2006, Gerry was admitted to the Cranbrook Hospital with pneumonia. On January 1, 2007, he was airlifted to Lions Gate Hospital in Vancouver. The pneumonia resulted in Gerry requiring a permanent ventilator for breathing. On January 31, 2007, Gerry returned to the ICU in Cranbrook Hospital. Gerry was finally able to return home on March 7 and is the first resident of the East Kootenay with MD to return home once permanently ventilated. Gerry has accepted this turn of events as he has every other challenge caused by Muscular Dystrophy, with strength, courage, and faith, along with unending support from the medical community, friends, and family.
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COMPANY INFORMATION
MEDIchair Ltd
2121 29th St. NE
Calgary,
AB
Phone: (403)204-1419
Toll Free: (800) 667-0087
Fax: (403)204-1409
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