Marty Lyons Foundation Leads Fund Raising Effort to Donate a Home Rehab Quadriciser to Selden Man with Traumatic Brain Injury

March 29, 2017, Hauppauge, NY – The Marty Lyons Foundation (MLF), is a non-profit organization that grants wishes to children who have been diagnosed with a terminal or life- threatening illness. Recently, the foundation was among a group of donors who helped make a dream come true for a Selden resident, Andrew Rosa. Together with mother and son Eileen Valenti and Blake Burgan of Sachem and siblings, Scott, Dawn and Kim Roesch of the Rosech Law firm in East Meadow, sufficient funds were raised to purchase a Quadriciser rehabilitation chair to assist in Andrew’s recovery.

Andrew Rosa, now 22 years old, was a college-bound teenager, a junior firefighter, BMX biker and snowboarder. In 2010 he was struck by a car while he was riding his bike. The force of the impact left him in a coma for months while he fought for his life. He sustained a traumatic brain injury and became physically disabled, unable to walk or speak.

In 2013 Andrew’s mom, JoAnn, applied to MLF for a wish for Andrew. While he was immediately approved for a wish, he and his family were not quite sure what would be the most appropriate wish for him. When Andrew’s occupational therapist discussed the great benefits of the Quadriciser with his family, it soon became quite evident that this was his wish.

Because this miraculous piece of equipment was way beyond the financial parameters of MLF’s guidelines, others became involved to provide outside fundraising to help Andrew. Through the efforts of MLF Wish Coordinators, Terri Fudens and John Gordon, multiple donors generously contributed to the purchase of the Quadriciser, including a GoFundMe page set up by Eileen and Blake, and a generous donation from the Roesch Law firm. “Andrew’s wish took four years to complete, but it was well worth the effort,” said Terri.

The Quadriciser that Andrew received stimulates the brain and simultaneously encourages muscle memory in the extremities which later results in neurological connections and advancements. The Quadriciser allows Andrew to move his arms and legs in patterns that closely simulate walking and crawling. For the first time in years Andrew’s arms and legs can move simultaneously.

"The goal is for Andrew to use the Quadriciser in the home setting on a regular basis to improve his physical capabilities. It is our hope that he will eventually be able to stand and perhaps take a few steps on his own,” said JoAnn. At present, Andrew requires 24/7 nursing care and lots of love and support from his friends and family. He is showing signs of regaining brain function as a result of the intense therapy he receives in his home which is very encouraging.

For more information, visit The Marty Lyons Foundation at www.martylyonsfoundation.org

About Us: The Marty Lyons Foundation (MLF) was established in 1982 to fulfill the special wishes of children, ages three (3) to seventeen (17) years old, who have been diagnosed as having a terminal or life-threatening illness by providing and arranging special wish requests. We are unique in that we will grant a second wish to a deserving child.

The Foundation has 10 Chapters granting wishes in 13 states – Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia.

Incorporated in 1982 as a not-for-profit, tax-exempt 501 (c)(3) organization, MLF has granted over 7,300 wishes and is dedicated to making more dreams come true for our children. For information visit www.martylyonsfoundation.org

Seen in this picture, David Mynatt and John Gilliom from the Quadriciser Corp; Physical Therapist, Sharon, Eileen Valenti, Georgiana Borda, Occupational Therapist, Jimmy and JoAnn Rosa (front left), parents of Andrew Rosa; John Gordon, Peter Michalewicz, Sandra White and Terri Fudens from The Marty Lyons Foundation and Diane Lewis

Photo credit: David Conn/Corbett Public Relations