Flag Day at Phillies’ Citizens Bank Park
In conjunction with the White House Commission of Remembrance, members of United Spinal Association participated in Flag Day ceremonies prior to the Phillies/Reds game at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Members Richard Taylor and Fred Bowman joined other veterans, each representing a different branch of the armed forces, in a Salute to America’s Defenders of Freedom on the field in front of a record crowd of 44,710.
Also on hand, to lead the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, was Laura Schwanger, Regional Administrator at the Philadelphia office of United Spinal. The game that followed proved exciting for Richard and Fred when Phillies first baseman, Jim Thome, hit his 400th career home run in the first inning.
Wheelchair Winner Donates Loaner to Philly Independent Living Center
United Spinal Association’s Wheelchair Medic program raffled off a wheelchair at the Abilities Expo in Edison, New Jersey, in April. The winner (who chooses to remain anonymous) donated it to Liberty Resources, Inc., in Philadelphia, an independent living center that opened in 1989 and provides services such as peer support, skills training, and community integration to consumers with physical disabilities in a large portion of eastern Pennsylvania. Liberty Resources also maintains a program called Liberty Wheels that loans refurbished manual and power wheelchairs to individuals whose own wheelchairs are being repaired. Not only does this program provide a much-needed service, it also employs five people who have mobility disabilities.
Laura Schwanger, Regional Administrator, presented the manual chair to Gretchen Bell, Liberty Wheels Manager and Service Coordinator, on June 14 at Liberty Resources’ office. It was immediately offered on loan to Mary Hitner of Philadelphia. Hitner, who was at the center attending a meeting, traded in her power chair for the manual for a week in order to have greater access to transportation for her annual camping trip to French Creek State Park in southeast Pennsylvania. The seasoned camper was grateful for the loan and eager to start her vacation.
Donna Fredericksen is Director of Public Affairs.
