C-Mill
Andago
FES Cycle
DIEGO
SMART Glove
SMART Peg Board BITS
“This renovation far exceeded our expectations. It is much brighter, more patient-centric and open. We have fifty to sixty visits per day which shows the need for a multidisciplinary clinic.”
Nick Hopson, Clinic ManagerSheltering Arm’s East Laburnum clinic was recently renovated, and it transformed the clinic into a bright modern space with state-of-the-art equipment.
This refurbishment became a reality thanks to the generosity of donors to the Annual Fund. Donors including former patients and families, community members, board members and team members.
Construction began in May 2022, adding two thousand square feet to the facility. Renovations included new flooring, LED lights, and equipment mirroring the look and feel of Sheltering Arms Institute hospital’s main therapy gym.
Foundation President, John Lee McElroy (Mac) is thrilled with the expansion. “For one hundred thirtyfour years, Sheltering Arms has been meeting the needs of our community and those needs have evolved significantly. Over the last year, we’ve redoubled our effort to better serve vulnerable communities in our city.”
Thanks to this successful renovation, patients like Darryl Athy have already achieved outstanding results. In July, Darryl had a stroke and spent ten days in the hospital; he could not talk and needed assistance walking when he began outpatient treatment. His wife, Vernette, drove him to therapy starting on August 19 soon after the new East Laburnum clinic reopened. She says, “All of the therapists motivated him to get better.”
As a truck driver, Darryl was accustomed to working six days per week. Married twenty-two years, Vernette praises her
husband’s work ethic and sense of family. “When Darryl wasn’t on the job, he went to Goochland to check on his mother. He was always going strong.” Vernette recalls, “In the beginning of treatment, he did three sessions per day, twice a week to recover.”
Physical therapist Morgan Largen helped Darryl regain his ability to walk unassisted by using cutting edge equipment. For example, the CMill is a treadmill that offers body weight support while retraining a patient’s body and mind through virtual reality. Morgan says, “He was such a delight to work with. Physical therapy focused on high level strength, endurance, and gait training, so we used the C-Mill to challenge his dual task gait (having to think while he was
walking) and dynamic gait (stepping over and around obstacles), while increasing his speed and decreasing his support (no hands)!”
“In Mr. Athy’s case, it was getting back to work as a truck driver, so we reviewed what he would physically need to do his job.”
Occupational therapist Katherine Keesee used equipment such as the DIEGO and the SMART Glove, which helps upper body dexterity.
Since the hand is usually the last of the upper extremities to regain function after a stroke, using the SMART Glove generates positive feedback from most patients, including Mr. Athy, who is excited to see his hand working.
Leah Short, PT used a program on the CMill called Mystic Garden. Daryl learned to establish a walking pattern in a virtual reality garden which had a series of obstacles, like appearing snakes, of which he had to shift his body to avoid them. The activity kept him from focusing on the pain of the movement.
“The DIEGO is a bilateral upper extremity neuro re-education technology that provides off-loading weight assistance for a patient’s affected upper extremity.”
Mac shares, “The technology and equipment are useless unless it is in the hands of well-trained clinicians who are compassionate and dedicated to patients and their outcomes.”
Mac adds, “The East Laburnum facility offers multi-disciplinary care. For example, a stroke patient like Darryl Athy can receive physical, occupational, and speech therapy on the same day. He doesn’t have
to go to three separate places anymore. This is hugely important for the recovery and convenience of our patients.”
Thanks to speech therapy, Darryl can communicate better. He points out, “They pushed me with the work. I was doing exercises at the house. All the exercises helped.” Vernette is delighted with her husband’s progress. Darryl can now walk unassisted. “Sheltering Arms was an excellent support system for us. Without the clinic, Darryl would have been depressed. The people there went the extra mile to get him stronger.”
To learn more about how annual giving supports our continuum of care contact Mac McElroy, jmcelroy@shelteringarms.com or (804) 3424322
“The success of the East Laburnum clinic doesn’t happen without donor support. In the future, we will look to provide access to more people in vulnerable communities.”-
Mac McElroy, President of Sheltering Arms FoundationAndago: body weight support system
“Working with patients who have had a life-altering event and helping them get back to life is what motivates me. Sometimes life looks different after a stroke. I can help patients and their family navigate those changes. A patient’s goals are paramount.”
Morgan Largen, Physical Therapist
The effervescent Virginia Ellett inspired many people with her steadfast commitment to learning and helping others. She was a strong and independent woman who lived life to the fullest. An educator at heart, she loved teaching math and science, breaking new ground for young people in and out of the classroom. Her dear friend and cousin, Carol Beam, explains, “Virginia found STEM long before it was cool.” Her regular donations to Sheltering Arms were inspired by an enduring belief in the hospital’s mission.
Born March 1, 1927, Virginia was raised in Hanover County. In her youth, she excelled in math and chemistry which blossomed into a lifelong passion. She was the consummate science teacher at Thomas Jefferson High School; her generosity led to the founding of the Mathematics and Science Center in 1966, which served students in the metro Richmond area. Throughout her life, she enjoyed history, staying active with the Colonial Dames, the Jamestown Society, and the
Tuckahoe Women’s Club. Thanks to her enduring spirit of helping others, Virginia was an integral part of the Florence Nightingale Circle. Over the years, Virginia’s support of SAI and final bequest demonstrated her generous spirit.
Virginia’s outgoing personality and joy of life continued to shine brightly when she moved into Cedarfield retirement community in the 1990’s. Her creativity sparked many interests from card making, cross stitching, scrapbooking to producing glass art. Virginia pursued these interests with enthusiasm, making friends easily. Carol explains, “Virginia never met a stranger. She loved people and would always strike up a conversation wherever she went.”
Virginia championed higher education by funding the Lina McGee and John A. Ellett Scholarship in 2000 which supported a college student, majoring in biology, chemistry, physics, or math at the University of Richmond. This scholarship was named in honor of her parents. Another generous donation created
Virginia was a forward thinker and strong woman reminiscent of Sheltering Arms founder Rebekah Peterkin. Her incredible generosity to the campaign to build Sheltering Arms Institute hospital led to the dedication of the Science Lab in her honor. Virginia’s legacy lives on in our facilities and inspires us to support the greater good in our communities.
the Director of Education position at the Science Museum of Virginia.
Carol and Virginia enjoyed a wonderful friendship; connecting through a shared love of math, science, history, the outdoors, animals, and family genealogy. Carol says, “Virginia used to call me each evening before she went to bed, and we would catch up on our day.” She adds, “Virginia was a strong Christian who enjoyed supporting community organizations.”
In 2017, Virginia made an unexpected donation to Sheltering Arms Foundation. Lisa Resch, Director of Donor Relations, says, “I picked up the phone to thank her for this wonderful gift. She was very familiar with the hospital, having been a part of the Nightingale Circle. She invited Mac (Foundation President) and I to
lunch at Cedarfield.” For Lisa, the connection was immediate. That lunch also happened to be Virginia’s 91st birthday which made it even more special. “I was hypnotized and inspired by Ms. Ellett. She was so positive and full of southern charm. She was also an amazing storyteller,” says Lisa who saw Virginia as an innovator ahead of her time.
A friendship was born between Virginia and Lisa that became meaningful to both women. “On my next trip to Cedarfield, I had the pleasure of going to her apartment where she showed me her many collections. She had University of Richmond pillboxes, a cat collection and numerous craft items.”
“I love my job and the many ways I’m able to make new connections, especially over shared interests.”
The Florence Nightingale Circle was the first Sheltering Arms Auxiliary. It was formed in 1910 to raise money for the benefit of Sheltering Arms nurses. In the early years, Circle members raised funds to renovate and refurbish nursing quarters. Their work evolved to include materials for nursing education and during World War II helping nurses on the floor. From their founding they were also dedicated to helping patients heal and recover. They would visit patients bearing gifts and flowers. The Nightingale Circle is part of Sheltering Arms history, but the volunteer spirit of their members lives on through our volunteer program.
If you would like additional information on volunteering with Sheltering Arms please contact Michael GreeneRussell, mgreenerussell@shelteringarms.com or (804) 4324327.
Her cousin and longtime friend, Carol Beam selected the Science Lab, to recognize Ms. Ellett’s longtime support of Sheltering Arms Institute hospital and a lifetime of dedication to science, teaching and children.
The vast majority of legacy gifts to nonprofits are made not through annuities and other financial arrangements requiring the nonprofit’s management, but through wills and devices, such as living trusts and beneficiary designations on IRAs, 401(k)s, and other financial and investment instruments.
Over the past five years, Sheltering Arms Foundation has realized more than $2.5 million in estate gifts. These gifts have impacted many programs and projects, including the campaign.
When you notify us of your intent to include Sheltering Arms in your estate plans you become part of our Clifton House Circle, honoring our very first location in 1889.
Information included is not intended as legal or tax advice. Please consult an attorney or tax advisor for such advice.
To learn more about making a planned gift to Sheltering Arms Foundation please contact Kelly del Campo Merricks, kmerricks@ shelteringarms.com or (804) 3424132.
- Thank you to Ms. Virginia Ellett
“I aspire to be like Ms. Ellett. She was independent and loved her life. She loved giving back and being with people. She lived the life she wanted to lead and was extremely humble.”
Lokomat
is a dynamic body weight support system (BWS) which operates on a treadmill. It provides consistent support to patients learning to walk. The purpose is to ensure safety and provide additional physical assistance.
“It’s my honor to take care of my husband,” says Linda Taylor who shared how much Sheltering Arms Institute (SAI) means to her and her entire family. She appreciates the contributions of the whole team who provide Wilford “Will” with tremendous support after he suffered a series of medical setbacks and a stroke in February. She adds, “I know he would take care of me in a heartbeat if the situation was reversed.”
Their love story began on December 30th, 1974, when she was visiting friends at Fort Lee and ended up staying an extra day. As fate would have it, Will stopped by that day to share with her friends some good news he had received. Linda happened to answer the door and they met for the first time. In a series of fortuitous twists, he called and asked her out on a date. Linda recalls, “My mother absolutely adored Will. In fact, she told me that she didn’t want to meet anyone else right after they were introduced. Mother claimed she knew he was the one.” As it turned out, mother knew best. Will and Linda were married six months later. They have two children, Patrice and Derek, “a son-in-love,” Rodney, two grandchildren and Patrice is expecting a baby this spring. Derek, who served two tours in Iraq, has stepped in to help his father recover.
The Honorable Judge Wilford Taylor, Jr. influenced many people in his exemplary thirty-two-year career on the bench in his hometown of Hampton, Virginia. State judges saluted the retired jurist with the 2019 Harry L. Carrico Outstanding Career Service Award for his work. Judge Taylor began his legal career after graduating from Hampton University and the College of William and Mary Law School. He is a retired US Army colonel with twentyeight years of service in the reserves and was an adjunct professor at the College of William and Mary Law School.
At home, Will enjoyed cooking – often preparing gourmet meals to the delight of those around him. Linda says, “Will was known for being an excellent chef. He loved to cook for his family and friends.” Both Linda and Will share a deep faith, with Will serving as a deacon in their church. In the beginning of 2018, Will began having headaches, then one day fell hitting his head. A neurologist believed he had AVM (Arteriovenous Malformation) that occurred at birth. Linda and Will made the difficult decision that he would undergo a complicated two-part surgery. A full recovery was expected. After a rigorous rehabilitation over a six-month span, Will went back on the bench in 2019. By fall, he was teaching at the College of William and Mary again. Their lives returned to normal.
In February 2022, Will suffered a stroke and brain bleed. A nurse in Hampton told Linda that he would be bedridden for the rest of his life, which infuriated her. She went on the hunt for a better option. Linda explains, “Will could not do anything for himself.”
She praises the team who has taken such good care of Will. Linda says, “It’s a journey. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.” Her faith has sustained her as well as Will’s progress. He can stand and put weight on his left leg. He is a hard worker and is getting better each day.
Physical therapist, Monnivon Morrow, (Monni) says, “He has been a pleasure to work with. Every day, he comes in ready to work. No matter what his exercise is, he is always willing to try it out and gives his full effort towards it.” The Vector Body Weight Support and Gait Training System and Functional Electrical Stimulation Cycle have been helpful. Monni adds, “Will’s core control and orientation to midline in sitting has improved greatly, as well as his transfers.”
Will was discharged from Sheltering Arms Institute hospital on Linda’s 70th Birthday. She asked friends and family to celebrate with her by giving to Sheltering Arms. Her birthday presents will ultimately benefit others in need of assistance.
Service and a smile to brighten my dark days. Kindness and compassion you’ve shown along the way.
God knew I needed an angel. so He placed me in your care. I am so grateful and no one else will ever compare.
Thank you seems so inadequate for all that you have done. I was sheltered in your arms, now victory has been won.
By Linda TaylorTo learn more about the many ways your gifts impact patient care please contact Kyle Amey, kamey@shelteringarms.com or (804) 3424131.
Allow people with little or no voluntary leg movement to pedal a stationary leg-cycle called an ergometer. Computer generated, low-level electrical pulses are transmitted to the leg muscles.
An AVM is a tangle of abnormal and poorly formed blood vessels (arteries and veins). It is thought they typically develop in utero. They have a higher rate of bleeding than normal vessels. AVMs can occur anywhere in the body. Brain AVMs are of special concern because of the damage they cause when they bleed. They are very rare and occur in less than 1% of the general population.
“Being from out of town, I had never heard of Sheltering Arms. I did my research and knew I had to fight to get him in there.”
Linda’s faith, love of family and willingness to help others shine brightly.
When Wendell arrived at the hospital he was frightened but more upset he was missing election night returns. After one session of dialysis, the doctors at VCU Health were concerned that he would need acute care for the rest of his life. Wendell explains, “I made a decision that night that I was going to fight through this and go home to my family.” His journey is inspiring and a tribute to the excellent professional staff who helped him recover.
The Latham family has an indomitable spirit. Wendell grew up on his grandparent’s farm learning the value of hard work and discipline as a young man. He and his wife, Camilla, rode the school bus together when he was a senior and she was a freshman. Wendell was the first in his family to go to college, a proud alum of Virginia Tech. He subsequently enjoyed a successful career as a teacher, middle and high school principal, adult education director, director of business partnerships, and director of vocational education in Caroline and Stafford Counties as well as numerous leadership roles in technical education. Wendell and Camilla have three children and eight grandchildren and recently celebrated their fifty-seventh wedding anniversary.
Wendell arrived at SAI with multiple diagnoses. Camilla explains, “Wendell had four stents put in his heart in a complicated three-hour surgery at VCU Health. Several days later he reacted negatively to the contrast dye and was admitted once again to VCU Health with stage five kidney failure. He was extremely ill, and we almost lost him.” Wendell was weakened by these medical issues, so his wife, children, and their spouses took turns helping him get better. She adds, “I don’t think there is a Latham alive that doesn’t have determination of at least one hundred and twenty percent and that goes for our whole family. We are grateful.”
Their daughter, Wendy, put an extensive amount of time and effort selecting SAI for her father. She did her homework, talking to trusted friends, the caseworker at VCU Health and various other resources. Selecting the right facility for a father determined to regain his independence was paramount. Wendell wanted to get into a program that would allow him to do both physical and occupational therapies to achieve the best outcome. Wendy says, “I knew SAI was phenomenal- a world class rehabilitation center. Since Dad had multiple diagnoses, I knew this facility was our best option in every category based on my research. We
“Sheltering Arms Institute was a Godsend for me and my family,”
says Wendell Latham who arrived at Sheltering Arms Institute (SAI) November 2021 with stage five kidney failure.
knew it would be good for him.”
Physical therapy with Daniel Roquemore was a game changer, says Wendell, who fondly referred to him as ‘Dan the Man’ or ‘Dan the Mean,’ when they started working together. Wendell arrived at SAI unable to walk or do things for himself. One of his biggest challenges was to keep his arms folded and stand up. “He pushed me to work harder and get where I needed to be.”
Caitlyn Anzalone, occupational therapist, says, “Wendell was very motivated and willing to try anything I wanted him to do.” She successfully taught Wendell short cuts and tricks to help him become independent again. Caitlyn explains, “We set him up for success, especially when he met a challenge; we then created another one in order to push him to do things on his own.” For example,
she helped him find a new way to get his shoes and socks on by himself. Wendell says, “She was a Godsend and a very determined therapist.” The positive feelings were mutual. Caitlyn concludes, “He was super friendly and super appreciative.”
Wendell’s first day he could barely walk thirty feet. Eighteen days later, he walked two thousand feet. What a remarkable outcome! Wendell’s success story demonstrates the heart and soul of Sheltering Arms: a first-class organization where patients gain the power to overcome and return home.
the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. Project Gratitude celebrates special bonds between patients and team members, families and community. It provides opportunities for patients and their families to honor their caregivers.
In 2021 the Latham family made a donation to Sheltering Arms Foundation honoring Caitlyn Anzalone, Dan Roquemore and Dr. Jessica Hupe for helping him live a life beyond limits.
They further celebrated the special bonds formed during his recovery during a patient reunion lunch facilitated by the foundation.
To learn more about Project Gratitude please contact Lisa Resch, lresch@shelteringarms.com or (804) 3424326.
“We know the doctors at VCU Health saved Wendell’s life through the heart surgery and subsequent kidney problems. Sheltering Arms Institute gave him his life back so that he could get home.” - Camilla
Wednesday March 29 • 69 p.m.
Hilton Hotel Short Pump, Henrico Virginia
COVID may have stopped us from celebrating for the past three years but we are now ready to be “TOGETHER AGAIN” in 2023 and continue this wonderful event.
With the help of a group of dedicated volunteers we have reimagined our Power to Overcome event. We will continue to celebrate the Power to Overcome injury and illness. Join us along with our patients and their families, board, community, and team members to see what other surprises our committee may have in store for you!
P2O HOST COMMITTEE:
Kellie and Rick Kelley (CoChairs)
Kelly and Clem Sydnor
Eleanor and Robert Angle
Charlie and André Xavier
Please check the Foundation website for more information: ShelteringArmsInstitute.com/P2OGALA
The Foundation would like to thank everyone who participated in making Ability Day a success as we celebrated National Rehab week in September 2022!
We are thrilled to report we met the Sheltering Arms Institute Leadership challenge of receiving 100 gifts! This achievement unlocked their incredible gift of $12,000! The Ability Day participation to support Project Gratitude was amazing.
Among other items Project Gratitude helps the patient experience at the hospital by providing welcome bags and wheelchair totes for every patient admitted. Because of this incredible Giving Power, Project Gratitude will continue to fund programs that improve patient outcomes and celebrate the incredible, compassionate, hard work performed by each of you every day! Way to go Sheltering Arms Community!
We received 160 gifts totaling over $83,000!
Stay tuned for additional information on Ability Day 2023 –celebrated September 20, 2023.
Sheltering Arms Foundation is committed to maximizing our community impact by participating in Birdies for Charity presented by TowneBank. Every gift we received through Birdies for Charity was bonused by 10%. All gifts received supported our Annual Fund which provides such things as advanced rehab technology, program support, and other projects advancing physical rehabilitative care in our community.
Over a hundred nonprofit organizations in our community participated last year. Thank you for helping us place 28th on the leaderboard.
We are excited to share through the generosity of 29 donors, we received over $14,000 in gifts including the 10% matching bonus from Birdies for Charity!
The month of January is named for the Roman god, Janus, usually depicted looking back and forward. As the Foundation team looks back, we are humbled and filled with gratitude for your support of the Sheltering Arms mission. In 2022, we exceeded our $25 million Campaign for Convergence public goal by over $1.2 million and set a record year in Annual Giving. You, our loyal donor community, have made amazing stories possible. You will read about real people and their families in these pages. These are but a few stories. Since SAI opened in June 2020, over 6000 people from across the Mid-Atlantic region have received advanced rehab care in the walls you help build. 32% have come from beyond 60 miles. As we look forward, we are advancing the science of rehab medicine, teaching future generations, improving outcomes, and improving access to care with growth plans on the Goochland campus and across the Richmond metro area. None of this can happen without you! Our teams are working hard to make you, our donors, proud to be on this journey with us. Please take a few minutes to savor these stories of courage, perseverance, and generosity.
Thank you,
John “Mac” L. McElroy III President of Sheltering Arms FoundationFor additional information or to honor a caregiver, please contact Sheltering Arms Foundation, foundation@shelteringarms.com or (804) 3424141.
March 1
Brain Injury Awareness Month
March 2531
National Physician’s Week
March 29 • 69 p.m.
Power to Overcome Celebration
April 1
National Occupational Therapy Month
May 612
Nurse’s Week
June 2
Bal du Bois
August 2127
National Speech Language Pathologist Week
September 1
Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month
September 1824
National Rehabilitation Awareness Week
September 20
Ability Day
140 Eastshore Drive, Suite 200
Glen Allen, VA 23059
804.342.4141
shelteringarms.com/foundation
