President's Post

Vicky Garrison Editorial

I’m very excited as we begin to see the first signs of Spring. In my area, the southern portion of Minnesota, the weather forecasts a potential for 60 and 70-degree weather in the coming week. After a lengthy, cold, and snowy winter, this is fantastic news for me, having grown up in warmer climates!

On April 13th we will have held our second meeting this year, with two more scheduled before the end of our fiscal year, September 30. Our dedicated executive assistant, Lauren, recently spent hours calling to invite our members. We also have many summer activities planned. My heart swells with joy when we join in person at events and meetings, opening new doors for activities, friendships, knowledge, and support. Our board of directors enjoys seeing long-time members and getting to know our new ones!

As delighted as I feel about our increased activity schedule, my heart feels equally solemn, knowing that many members still have unmet needs. The COVID situation over the last three years created a heavy toll on many, both physically and mentally. Missed or delayed treatment, lack of in-person medical visits and critical follow-up care, and home care shortages affected many. While numerous things are back to business as usual, the consequences linger for some of the SCI-D population of veterans. Multiple studies now indicate that the lockdowns were not without adverse effects in some instances.

For seasoned SCI-D veterans, think back to the first one to three years after diagnosis when most of us learned to adjust to our change. We spent vast amounts of time and energy working with professionals to fine-tune life skills, dial in care routines, and learn to accomplish tasks differently. We also absorbed the shock of receiving a life-changing diagnosis. For this intense learning, real in-person connections are imperative. Imagine trying to complete this adjustment in a lockdown scenario when suddenly the resources that used to be so readily available aren’t there. Also, struggles can continue, or new complications surface, even for those beyond the initial phases of an injury or diagnosis.

This is absolutely not a critique of our frontline providers and caregivers. I hold the utmost respect and appreciation for their dedication and tenacity while facing challenges that were and continue to be in front of them. All of us owe these devoted people an immense amount of gratitude. My statements simply reflect the here and now - what we see in front of usregarding the ramifications from the past three years. I’ve spoken to many veterans and non-veterans and have seen the profound negative impact on their lives. Many of you have seen them too.

Since we can’t go back in time and change the circumstances, what can we do? I propose we can take action where we are now. Take stock of the situation, and find the next person to help. Be on the alert for that veteran who needs a hand. We are one group, brothers and sisters, bonded by our military service, commitment to our country, and strong will. I challenge all veterans to reach out to one another and offer help.

Message for Members

I’d like to take this opportunity to speak to every chapter member. If you have an unmet need, please get in touch with us. If you need help getting equipment, please let us know. If you feel stuck in a rut and want to be more active but don’t know where to start, please call us. If you just need to talk, we're here for you. While we may not be miracle workers, we're dedicated and persistent when it comes to our mission, with many resources available to us.

Minnesota Paralyzed Veterans of America continues to work very hard to advocate for the needs of our SCI/D veterans. We understand the serious concerns with accessibility, home health staff shortages, and maintaining and promoting vital VA specialty care for all. Many of our veterans still struggle with incomes that don’t adequately support them. We have veterans that lack family support nearby and face social isolation. Our chapter desires to help our members who face struggles that impact their quality of life.

While our mission may have many words, descriptions, and areas covered, it all comes down to serving our member veterans with SCI-D. And that, my friend, is you.

Like a child, be happy for no reason!