Vicky Garrison (President)
Tim Valentin (Vice-President)
Seth Thomas (Secretary)
Karl Olson (Treasurer)
Todd Kemery (National Director)
Jose Garcia Board of Directors
John Novicki
Ron James
Linda Hooker
Minneapolis, MN 55417
612-467-2263 office@mnpva.org
Bruce Henderson
National Service Officers Chapter Staff
Ginny Grabowski Office Assistant 612-467-2263
MS Contact
Rich Scott: 612-638-8418
Sarah Little Executive Assistant
612-699-8551
Jason Stephenson
Sr Veterans Health & Benefits Specialist
1 Veterans Drive - SCI 141
Minneapolis, MN 55417
612-629-7022
jasonS@pva.org
Tami Anderson
Sr National Service Officer
Editor-in-Chief: Vicky Garrison
Editor: Sarah Little North Star Bullet
Ginny Grabowski Volunteer Coordinator
Mission
Foundedin1946,theParalyzedVeterans ofAmerica(PVA)isanational organizationdedicatedtoservingformer membersoftheU.S.ArmedForceswho havesufferedcatastrophicparalysisasa resultofspinalcordinjuryordisease.By Publiclaw92-93(1971),theU.S. CongresscharteredPVA. 1 Veterans
Federal Building Room G915
St. Paul, MN 55111
612-970-5668 | 1-800-795-3609
tamiA@pva.org
Jim Arndt
Vocational Rehab Program
Federal Building Room G915
St. Paul, MN 55111
202-416-6476 | 1-800-795-3609
jamesA@pva.org
Ellie Smith Administrative Assistant I
Federal Building Room G915
ellieS@pva.org
Please help us deliver the correct version of the newsletter to you! We understand that some members enjoy receiving the paper version and we are happy to send one. But if you'd prefer to get an electronic copy, please let us know by emailing us at office@mnpva.org or calling us at (612)-467-2263. Electronic distribution of newsletters saves money and trees.
As I write this post, winter is taking a last stab at showing its face. This year's winter has been quite unusual in Minnesota, allowing time for sunny, warm walks, a few grilled meals on the deck, and winter coats that spent much time in the closet. Several weeks ago, we watched the spring wildlife make its appearance. As is typical at our home in the spring, a pair of wood ducks lazily swam in the creek, woodchucks came out of hibernation, and female robins, round with eggs, rested on our deck.
Now, I look out the window and see several inches of snow covering the yard and creek as it continues to blow and snow. I fix my eyes on the flurry of birds trying to feed before the storm worsens and the robin perching precariously on the suet feeder since she cannot reach her regular feed of worms in the ground. They look cold, hungry, and desperate for daily food. Yet, still, they prevail.
This wildlife scene reminds me of my own situation but in a beautiful way. Many of us with challenges in our lives, such as spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and other health issues, also prevail! Desperate for pain to diminish, symptoms to lessen, or function to improve, we still push on. We may sometimes wonder why life has to be so hard, and some may even question whether life is worth living. The difficulty of our lives makes us strong, and our unique characteristics give us value. We are strong enough to push on and experienced enough to know when to rest. Our wisdom lets us know when to ask for help, and most importantly, our unpretentiousness lets us accept it. These wonderful characteristics, shared by many in the disability community, are the things that help us prevail. And that, my friends, is beautiful!
Like a child, be happy for no reason!
Recent changes to PVA membership criteria have opened up our membership to all veterans with MS. Call us today to find out more information. If you know of a veteran with MS, share this information with them!
If you have MS (or know someone who does) and have any questions about MNPVA, please contact our office!
The next MS Walk is Sunday, May 5, 2024! Start forming your teams now! MS Coordinator: Rich Scott richscott@mnpva.org
The PACT Act 2024 Expanded Health Care Eligibility by Tami J. Anderson
On March 5, 2024, the Department of Veterans Affairs, (VA) made all Veterans exposed to toxins while serving our country, eligible to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits.
What the expansion means is that all Veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Global War on Terror, or any other combat zone after 9/11 are eligible to enroll in VA health care. Also, a Veteran who never deployed but was exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty in the United States – working with chemicals, pesticides, lead, asbestos, certain paints, nuclear weapons, x-rays and more, are now eligible to enroll in VA health care.
It includes:
-Veterans who performed active service while assigned to a duty station in (including airspace above) certain locations during specific periods of time:
o On or after August 2, 1990, in the following countries: Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, or the United Arab Emirates.
o On or after September 11, 2001, in the following countries: Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Uzbekistan, or any other country determined relevant by VA (Note: VA has not determined any other country relevant at this time).
o Veterans who participated in a Toxic Exposure Risk Activity (TERA), as defined by law (and described below), while serving on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training.
o Veterans who deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, Operation Inherent Resolve, or Resolute Support Miss ion.
If you fall under any of the above, there are no deadlines or expiration dates for you to apply for VA health care. VA health care provides the best and most affordable health care for Veterans in America, with copays as low as $0 for prescriptions, urgent care, outpatient care, and more for some Veterans at VA.
For more information, visit VA.gov/PACT to learn more and apply today. Or contact your PVA National Service Officer.
(Information received from The PACT Act 2024 Expanded Health Care Eligibility Stakeholder Toolkit – March 2024).
Consider supporting PVA by donating your unused vehicle! For wheelchair accessible vehicles, contact us at the MNPVA office at 612-467-2263. Your vehicle will be matched with one of our veterans in need of accessible transportation.
For all other vehicles, go to pva.careasy.org/home. Donations through National PVA also benefit our chapter.
The uDrink is a simple and innovative piece of adaptive equipment that uses patent pending technology to empower people with disabilities with the ability to hold and drink a beverage independently. The uDrink is an ideal solution for people with limited or no grip strength due to spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, ALS, cerebral palsy, stroke, arthritis, other disabilities or for the elderly. With the added security of a uDrink on their beverage of choice, people with disabilities affecting their hands can have peace of mind. The worry of dropping or spilling a drink due to a weak grip or from poor/inconsistent hand function goes away.
https://www.uadapt.com/udrink
Editor’s Note: MNPVA does not endorse any product, but encourages our members to connect with their PT/OT to see what adaptive devices and equipment are a good fit for you. If you don’t ask, you won’t learn!
If you have a “cool tool” you want to share - please call the office. We’d love to know about it.
Drink holder for limited or no grip strength
Handleless cup not included
Comments from users
“This cupholder has been a lifesaver for me and saved me from dropping or spilling drinks many times!”
“Very durable”
“Great for people with weak hands and poor or no grip. Gives me more independence.”
Office Phone
612-467-2263
We love hearing from our members. If you have a question, a need, or just want to say hi, please reach out. The chapter is you and you are the chapter!
Monday - Thursday 9am - 4pm Friday 9am - 1:30pm
Call or Text
Executive Assistant (Sarah)
612-669-8551
President (Vicky) 507-273-5261
Office Assistant: ginnygrabowski@mnpva.org
Executive Assistant: sarahlittle@mnpva.org
President: vickygarrison@mnpva.org
Facebook: @MinnesotaPVA
Instagram: pva.mn
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/mnpva X (formerly Twitter): @pvamn1993
Our office is conveniently located in the VA Minneapolis SCI/D center, across from the PT/OT center.
Virtual Meetings Available Upon Request Email
Though I was born in Grand Island, Nebraska, I was raised in rural Minnesota as my family had settled in Farmington by the time I was 5 years old. Farmington was a small town and we lived 11 miles away in what was then known as “the Hampton Woods”. My youth was filled by school, sports, dirt bikes, shooting guns and devising methods to blow things up. In general, trying things that seem like a good idea when you’re a kid. My parents supported our inquisitive, creative, and sometimes wild behavior, but with a firm understanding that we were responsible for any consequences. And there were many consequences.
After high school, I spent a couple of years in college, but couldn’t find a direction suited to my nature. So, I joined the Air Force as a forward air controller and it was the perfect fit. Marksmanship, survival, escape and evasion seemed a progression of what I enjoyed while growing up. Controlling artillery, attack helicopters, jets, and naval gunfire was my new method to blow things up with the negative consequences mostly being replaced by commendations. When left to my own devices during idle time, I still tended to amuse and entertain myself with ideas that were not thought all the way through. Once leading to a colonel’s reprimand that he wished he could just lock me in a cabinet with a sign stating, “Break Glass in Time of War”. That time came as well. The glass was broken, and I was off to serve in Iraq during Desert Storm.
Wisdom is the understanding that your knowledge is but a small fraction of all you don’t know.
While stationed in Germany, I met my wife, Christa. We were soon married and began our family. Leaving the military, we returned to Minnesota to raise our four children in Lakeville. Christa and I often talked about how we missed the military sense of community. The feeling of acceptance and willingness to help others seemed absent. After some time, we decided to build a house in a new neighborhood and our luck changed. The new neighborhood met and even exceeded the close knit feeling within the military. We shared good times and difficult times and were always willing to lend a hand. We truly cared for each other and raised our families together. I am so grateful to have been allowed to be a part of this group.
As I approached the age of 50, I was diagnosed with PPMS. The neurologist told me my treatment would be an annual MRI and see how long I could hold off the need of a wheelchair. Hoping to save money on the MRI costs, I approached the Minneapolis VAMC and was introduced to the SCI/D clinic. Their treatment plan encompassed all aspects of my life and gave me encouragement for a life with PPMS. The SCI/D has provided me with care and caring enveloped within that military sense of community.
The most positive impacts on my life have been my parents, my time in the military, neighbors who are also best friends, and the care and community within the SCI/D clinic. Any good in me is attributable to my love for my wife and the great pride I have had watching my children grow into respectful, responsible adults. Even if they don’t strive to blow things up.
We would love to get to know our MNPVA members more! If you would like to be featured in our newsletter, please call the office or you can email office@mnpva.org.
MNPVA would like to thank our office assistant, Ginny Grabowski, for taking on the added responsibility of Volunteer Coordinator. Please reach out to Ginny to find out how you can join the team of valuable volunteers serving SCI/D veterans.
The Minnesota Chapter will host the 2024 National PVA Spring Convention in May 2024. We're looking for an experienced National Anthem Singer for our convention as a backup. Please contact us if you would like to be a part of this spectacular event as we welcome other PVA members from all other locations.
Additionally, we always use volunteers in many different areas such as fundraising committee, event committee, website committee, mailing help, sewing, IT assistance or to provide support at events. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer team leader, please contact our office, and speak with Ginny.
No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.
-AuthorUnknown
Congratulations to our January puzzle winner John Hilker. Could you use a $25 Gift Card? Send in a completed copy or a digital picture of your completed puzzles for a chance to win in our regular drawing! One submission per month. Thanks to all for sending in your entries - participation is growing!
Next drawing date: 4/15/2024
All members are invited to join us at our monthly board meetings. These meetings are hybrid (both in person and virtual) so you can choose what works for you!
Please call the office at 612-467-2263 for details. We'd love to see you!!
Central Region Spring Meeting: Saturday 04/13/2024
Winter Regional Meetings (North/South): Date & Location TBD
Central Region Spring Meeting: Saturday, 4/13/2024
Northern Region Spring Meeting: Date & Location TBD (4/2024)
Southern Region Spring Meeting: Date & Location TBD (4/2024)
Summer Picnic at VA SCI/D Pavilion: Date TBD
Next Dates: 3/27/2024 4/24/2024
MNPVA is happy to announce the resumption of this popular event! Inpatients, outpatients, caregivers, and family are welcome! Come join us for an evening of fun, food, and learning!
EligibleveteranscanreceiveanEkso IndegoexoskeletonatNOCOST!
EksoIndegoisanFDA-cleared,powered exoskeletonwornaroundthewaistand legsthatenablesindividualsparalyzed fromspinalcordinjuries(levelT3-L5)*to standandwalk,offeringanewlevelof independence.
Scanwithyourphone formoreinformation onhowyoucould receiveyourownEkso IndegoPersonal.
ContactustofindoutifyouareeligibletoreceiveanEkso IndegoatNOCOST!
AnevaluationbyyourproviderataSCI/Dcenterisrequiredto determineeligibilityforuseoftheEksoIndegoPersonaldevice
GettingVeteranswithSCI BackonTheirFeet
ArecentlyrevisedVApolicyallowsEkso Indegotobeissuedtoqualifiedveterans atnocost.**
Walkathomeandinyourcommunity
Improveyourcardio&bonedensity
Enjoyeye-levelconversationsagain
Proudlydesigned& assembledintheUSA
April 4
Calendar at a Glance
April 5
April 13*
April 18
May 2
Adaptive Sports/Recreation
@ Northern Star Basecamp
Last Day to Register for Wheelchair Games
Twin Cities Spring Meeting
Adaptive Sports/Recreation
@ Northern Star Basecamp
Adaptive Sports/Recreation
@ Northern Star Basecamp
To Be Determined South Spring Meeting
To Be Determined
North Spring Meeting
*Dates are subject to change. Locations to be determined.
Hosted by: Team River Runner - Minneapolis
Locaon: Dates sessions held:
Edinborough Park Pool
7700 York Ave S
Edina, MN 55435
Space is Limited!
Please contact one of the Team River Runner Chapter Coordinators to reserve a spot:
Cohen Rautenkranz
Cohen.Rautenkranz@teamriverrunner.org
(763)807-6241
Friday, Feb 9, 2024, 1:45 - 3:45 p.m.
Sunday, Feb 11, 2024, 5:15 - 7:00 p.m.
Friday, Feb 23, 2024, 1:45 - 3:45 p.m.
Friday, Mar 8, 2024, 1:45 - 3:45 p.m.
Sunday, Mar 10, 2024, 5:15 - 7:00 p.m.
Friday, Mar 22, 2024, 1:45 - 3:45 p.m.
Friday, Apr 12, 2024, 1:45 - 3:45 p.m.
Sunday, Apr 14, 2024, 5:15 - 7:00 p.m.
Friday, Apr 26, 2024, 1:45 - 3:45 p.m.
TRR North Central Regional Whitewater Park Clinic - Wausau, WI,July20-21. Free camping on site. Boats, gear, meals, and instruction provided. This event is provided at no cost to veterans and their families.
If you are interested in this event please email Cohen.
April
May
June
July
Sept
Includes two great accessible seats. Save your parking, snack, and non-alcoholic beverage receipts to request reimbursement from us. Bring a family member, friend, or caregiver for the second seat! For ticket recipients who want to say thanks, share a photo with us! Tickets are drawn and awarded about ten days before each game.
Interested members should contact our Sports/Rec Director, Ron James or call the office at 612-467-2263
MNPVA wants to make it easier for members to attend activities in their MNPVA wants to make it easier for members to attend activities in their communities and just for fun! Reimbursement is available for activities like communities and just for fun! Reimbursement is available for activities like concerts, sporting events, and theater! concerts, sporting events, and theater!
Reimbursement may include the cost of admission, lodging, transportation, Reimbursement may include the cost of admission, lodging, transportation, meals/food, non-alcoholic beverages, and parking for MNPVA members. meals/food, non-alcoholic beverages, and parking for MNPVA members.
Reimbursements cannot be made until event date has passed and attendance
Reimbursements cannot be made until event date has passed and attendance confirmed by signature on form. confirmed by signature on form. Contact the office for a more information or Contact the office for a more information or reimbursment form. reimbursment form.
Itemized receipts required and must be accompanied by a signed Itemized receipts required and must be accompanied by a signed reimbursement request form. Some restrictions apply. reimbursement request form. Some restrictions apply.
Please note: FY23-24 shall not exceed $1000/member. Availability of funds are subject to change at anytime. Reimbursement amount is set each year in October by the Board of Directors based on budget.
If you want something you’ve never had, you must be willing to do something you’ve never done.
Our chapter continues to support active bowling groups that meet weekly. All skill levels are welcome, and no commitment is required. Bowling once a week has many benefits for both the body and mind. Current locations include:
Thursdays at 11am
McPete's Sports Bar & Lanes
590 Humboldt Dr
Big Lake, MN
Fridays at 11:30am
Split Rocks Bowling
5063 273rd St
Wyoming, MN 55092
Fridays at 11:30am
St. Croix Lanes
1153 St Croix St
River Falls, WI
If you're near - let us know
As we grow our bowling groups, we have many ideas for events, competitions, and gatherings. Our chapter's own famous "Minnesota" Bowling Ramps are available for those desiring to bowl regularly.
If you live in the Twin Cities metro area and would like to join a more local bowling group, let us know! We're looking into starting a group in the Bloomington area.
Please contact the office at 612-467-2263 if you’re interested in joining; and if there isn’t a local group, we can help get the word out to form one.
Discover ongoing research in our community aimed at enhancing life quality for individuals with spinal cord injury or disease. Each study includes contact info, inclusion criteria, and status. MNPVA invites you to review these opportunities, contact the researchers with queries, and discuss with your physician if they suit you. Thanks to the amazing local researchers for their vital work in the SCI/D field!
University of Minnesota researchers are seeking participants with or without a spinal cord injury for a clinical trial. We are interested in how bone health affects insulin sensitivity and sperm health in adult males with spinal cord injuries. Participation in the research will take approximately 5 hours over 3-4 visits. Compensation of $200 will be provided for participation.
Investigator: Dr. Leslie Morse, morsel@umn.edu, 612-301-3072
Coordinator: Liza Nowlin, rehablab@umn.edu, 612-301-3072
Researchers at the University of Minnesota (UMN) are conducting an anonymous online survey to gather information about individuals living with spinal cord injury (SCI) who have used psychedelic drugs after their SCI. Participation involves completing an online survey. This survey will take about 20-40 minutes to complete, depending on how you respond.
https://tinyurl.com/SCI-Injury-survey
Do you want to find out?
The Brain Body Mind Lab is recruiting participants with complete or incomplete spinal cord injury to compare the effect of Remotely-delivered Cognitive Multisensory Rehabilitation versus Remotely-delivered Exercise to improve sensation and movement after a spinal cord injury.
•Be 18-75 years of age
•Be able to hear and comprehend the English instructions given in the study
•Have a complete or incomplete spinal cord injury (>1year)
•Be able to self-transfer with some assistance and push a call button
•Have an available care-partner to assist with the interventions
•Not be pregnant
•Be medically stable and no MRI contraindicationsParticipants will:
•Either receive 12 weeks of physical therapy with Remotely-delivered Cognitive Multisensory Rehabilitation OR Remotely-delivered exercise, 3x/week, 45min/session for 12 weeks
•Have 2 MRI scans of the brain + 3 clinical assessments
•Fill in questionnaires related to function, quality of life, and body awareness
Dr. Ann Van de Winckel, PhD, MSPT, PT
avandewi@umn.edu (preferred) 612-406-2500 or 612-625-1191
"This is not VA research. It will not be conducted by VA, has not been reviewed by VA's Institutional Review Board, and is not endorsed by VA. VA is not responsible for any costs incurred by a Veteran if the Veteran enters the study as a research subject. The announcement is being provided for information only." - expiration date 10/16/2024
VA Research Study seeking veterans with spinal cord injuries who use wheelchairs and who use a lift to transfer to their wheelchair.
The purpose of this research study is to assess and refine our CMAP system (Comprehensive Mobile Assessment of Pressure), a seated pressure mapping system. Participation will last about 4 weeks.
Participants must have a smart phone and a home wifi connection.
Participants will use a pressure mapping device in their wheelchairs at home – this device sends seating information to a research therapist who will monitor activity and make recommendations for pressure injury prevention.
Participants will complete surveys and participate in interviews. The study provides up to $100 compensation to participants.
The principal investigator of this study is Christine Olney, PhD, RN. Anyone interested can call the study coordinator at 612-467-4806.
IT’S GOOD TO BE ALIVE!
We would like to invite members to attend the Opening Ceremony for the 78th Annual PVA Convention, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel Minneapolis. As well, we would like to extend an invitation to the Awards Brunch. Please see below for dates and times. All members are welcome to attend additional sessions. If you would like to attend, please RSVP with the office either via phone (612-467-2263) or by emailing office@mnpva.org.
Opening Ceremony: Tuesday, May 14, 2024
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Awards Brunch: Saturday, May 18, 2024
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Co-Presented by:
Daniel Becker
Brian Bolstad
Mary Duchene-
Rodenkirchen
Douglas Eckhoff
Jared Farwell
Launette Figliuzzi
Patrick Garza
Joshua Giese
Robert Greskowiak
Michael Hamlin
Richard Jost
Michael Lanning
James Leither
Domingo Martinez
Michael McDonald
Wayne McMath
David Meyer
Dan Orcutt
Jeff Peterson
Karla Peterson
Philip Ratzlaff
Matthew Ross
Stephen Schmelz
Gregory Seiger
Donald Tessmer
Christopher Walzel
John Winter
Robert York
Arthur Anderson
Dennis Bateman
Carl Beckenbach
Barry Borgen
Wayne Bren
Kenneth Brookins
Matthew Butzer
Matthew Carlson
David Cartwright
Ambrose Cemensky
Todd Christensen
Colton Cory
Robert Davis
David Elcombe
Terence Emery
Jeffrey Freeman
William Frisby Eduardo Figi
Duane Gominsky
Rod Guthier
Robert Hart
Jerome Jackson
Richard Johnson
Lawrence Karels
Douglas Kleindl
Judy Klemm
Charles Kriesel
Houa Lee
Daniel Lehmann
Roger Loken
Joseph Mauricio
Thomas Peterson
Denton Pomahatch
Jeremiah Reed
Donald Ruotsinoja
Franklin Star
Wayne Sterling
Mark Stulz
Stephen Thell
Heather Thompson
Mark Tidd
Bruce Truax
Terry Turbes
Charles Willis
William Wilson
Gregg Wise
Online Puzzle: https://mnpva.tiny.us/MNPVA-Puzzle
Please help us keep our membership list up to date. Contact the office if you have recently moved, updated your phone number, or email address. This ensures our ability to pass on the latest news to our members. Remember, any updates you may make with the VA are not shared with us.