Today’s blog post comes from Ann Wendel, PT. Ann is the owner of PranaPT, a member of WebPT, and an active social media participant (@PranaPT). Thanks, Ann!
This is the time of year when we all pause to give thanks for what we have: family, friends, pets, a warm home, and a thriving business. The next few weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve will be filled with a flurry of excitement and parties, and we will look toward 2013 with our goals in mind.
Many clinics collect food and gifts for those less fortunate in their communities during this time. As we give thanks for what we have, we are reminded that there are others who often go without.
As we share locally, I would like to ask you to also think of communities that may not be near to you geographically, specifically, areas on the East Coast of the US affected by Hurricane Sandy.
Hurricane Sandy made landfall near Atlantic City, New Jersey, on October 29, 2012. The storm became the largest Atlantic Hurricane on record. Sandy is estimated (by some early calculations) to have caused damage of at least $20 billion. Preliminary estimates of losses that include business interruption surpass $50 billion, which would make Sandy the second costliest Atlantic Hurricane, second only to Hurricane Katrina.
Hurricane Sandy impacted the entire area where I grew up. I was born and raised on the Jersey Shore, and my whole family still lives there. My family, like many others in that area, went without power for ten days. All of the beaches where I played have been destroyed. The amusements parks, piers, and restaurants are gone. The beach clubs I lifeguarded at in high school and college are smashed. The beach where I attended my 20th high school reunion is gone. They will rebuild the area, but that will take time and it may never be the same.
Something many therapists may not have considered is that PT clinics in this area have also been significantly impacted. They have lost therapy and office equipment, furnishings, and electronics. As a therapy community, we can pitch in and help our fellow practitioners.
Through Twitter, I learned of an effort organized for this purpose. Helping PTs not only accepts donations, but also allows PTs in New York and New Jersey to request help and accept donations from anyone who feels motivated to give. As the website states:
“A grassroots effort is being launched by PTs to help PT owners and clinics impacted by Sandy in NY and NJ. 100% of the donations will go to those impacted. We are seeking money, equipment, supplies (office and otherwise), and anything else that you think can benefit.”
If you would like to help, please follow the link and make a donation. This is a way we can directly help fellow therapists and as a result, help those communities in need of continued rehab care.
I hope everyone had a very happy Thanksgiving and wish you all a peaceful holiday season.
