Major gift launches Parkinson’s disease Meds Connection program
Couple’s $250,000 pledge will underwrite medication costs for patients at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center
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As a Parkinson’s patient, Sheila Fitzgerald understands the impact of the disease and the ever-increasing costs associated with it. She and her husband hope their charitable gift will increase quality of life for other Parkinson’s patients, by ensuring they have access to medications that improve their comfort and enable them to participate in everyday activities.
“Our purpose in funding Meds Connection is to bring relief to Parkinson’s patients in our state,” said Mrs. Fitzgerald. “Living with this disease is already stressful, and patients should not have to worry about whether or not they can afford the treatment they need.”
The Meds Connection program, developed by Tom Viviano, American Parkinson Disease Association information and referral specialist for Parkinson’s disease at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, and managed by Renee Allen, community outreach representative for Meds Connection, is wholly reliant on philanthropy. The gift from the Fitzgeralds will be utilized to launch Meds Connection specifically for Parkinson’s patients. Once the program is tested and secures sufficient long-term charitable funding, the hospital plans to expand it to support patients with other neurological diseases at Banner Good Sam.
Viviano sees incredible potential for the future, and knows that engagement from the business sector and the community at large is crucial to ensuring that Meds Connection remains a viable resource for Parkinson’s patients.
“The Fitzgeralds have been passionate advocates for those with Parkinson’s disease, and their generosity is a reflection of their belief that patients can live comfortable lives with the right treatment,” said Viviano. “Their leadership gift will open the door to other charitable funding opportunities in our community, such that we can eventually ensure that all Parkinson’s patients who meet the program's qualifications will be assisted through Meds Connection.”
About Banner Health Foundation
Banner Health Foundation fosters a spirit of giving by making health care solutions a reality for our community. Contributions made to the Foundation are invested locally in Banner Health’s not-for-profit facilities and programs to advance health and wellness. Caring for the future of Arizona since 1978, Banner Health Foundation is supported by the generosity of individual donors, the public and private sectors, and thousands of active volunteers.
About Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center
Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center has been providing medical care to Arizona and the Southwest since 1911. Banner Good Samaritan is owned and operated by Phoenix-based Banner Health, a nonprofit organization, and is a flagship hospital within the system. The hospital was named to U.S.News & World Report’s “America’s Best Hospitals” list for Gynecology, Heart and Heart Surgery, Kidney Disease and Urology. Banner Good Samaritan has been recognized as a Magnet™ facility by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the highest honor a hospital can earn for its nursing care and practices.
About the American Parkinson Disease Association Information & Referral Center
The APDA Information and Referral Center at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center provides individuals with Parkinson’s disease, their caregivers, family members and physicians information on the latest research and available resources to improve quality of life. Through a grant, the APDA underwrites a staff position dedicated to providing community outreach support to Parkinson’s patients. The APDA is housed at the Banner Good Samaritan Rehabilitation Institute and can be reached via the Neurosciences Clinic at (602) 239-6733.
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Contact:
Meds Connection Program
(602) 239-6733
Banner Good Samaritan Public Relations
(602) 239-4411
Banner Health Foundation
(602) 747-4608
