Multiple Sclerosis Patient Has a Lock on Giving Spirit
By Jane Anderson-Paul
Valleynews.com <http://Valleynews.com>
Usually hair donations to Locks of Love come from girls, boys or women. But one of the organization's most recent contributions came from a unique source—a 56-year-old man with multiple sclerosis.
In June 2005, Don F., father of two girls and a patient residing at Chatsworth Park Health Care Center started growing his hair to donate to Locks of Love, which creates wigs using human hair for children who have lost their heir because of chemotherapy.
Don’s brother, Michael, had died of cancer two years earlier, and Don had seen him lose his hair. Later, Don saw a TV program about children undergoing chemo and was particularly moved when girls faced the difficulty of losing their hair.
After some research and with help from the nursing home staff, Don found Locks of Love and began growing his donation. Most men in their 50s would be happy to have enough hair to grow even an inch. Don said he was lucky to have inherited his thick hair from his mother’s side of the family. He chose Valentine’s Day 2008 as his target date because it is a day to give love. Don, who is in a wheelchair and needs assistance with everyday activities, admits it didn't come a day too soon. "It was getting in my eyes," he said, though he usually kept it pulled back in a ponytail. On the big day, Don's 12-inch blond ponytail was carefully cut by Ellen Johnson, a local hairdresser, who donated her time to make Don's dream a reality.
The facility buzzed in support of Don. Staff and residents were dressed in red flowers and candies were delivered and photos were snapped. The event was inspiring because we all learned that no matter how little you think you have to give, there is always enough love to share.
I would like to thank you for the great care my mother, Donna S. received at Chatsworth Park Care Center. She was there for over three months recovering from a fractured knee. She was in station 2 and the staff was wonderful the way they treated her. I was there at the Care Center once a day and sometimes two. I had first had experience of your staff. That includes the front office, nurses, housekeeping, CNAs who were there at my mother's beckoned call she enjoyed the food and the service with the food staff. My mother also received great physical therapy five times a week. From the admission by Jonathan C. to Mary D. arranging home health for her upon her release, EVERYONE was wonderful. Donna is now at home walking independently as she did before her knee fracture.
As you probably heard, my mother was practically in tears when I came to pick her up on Friday, July 27th 3pm because she did NOT want to leave! She loved being at your Center because of the care and the other residents there. So to accommodate my mother, I returned at 8:30pm to pick her up. She left reluctantly. I have told other people this story including the home health provider and they have never heard of someone that wanted to stay at the rehabilitation center!
Ms. Anderson-Paul, thank you for the great rehabilitation my mother received at your Center. You provided great care for my mother and assurance for me that she was being well cared for.
Sincerely,
Barbara S., daughter
The purpose of this brief letter is to convey to you how happy and proud I am to work with a facility, which under your expert leadership and extensive experience, is considered to be one of the top facilities in the area. As you know, I have attended to several rehab facilities in our area and I can assure you that the nursing care and positive atmosphere are a direct result of your hard work, knowledge and expertise in your field. Your vast experience has made Chatsworth Park Care Center a unique and wonderful place in which family members would gain and benefit greatly from the placement of a loved one. You have a close and strong relationship with the case managers at West Hills Hospital, where I am active, and remain confident that our relationship with the hospital will continue at the same level that it has been. I appreciate your continued support and friendship through the years and I commend your accomplishments.
Sincerely,
Ben B. D.i, M.D.
Dear Ms. Anderson-Paul,
I just wanted to take the opportunity to compliment all the wonderful staff at Chatsworth Park Care Center. They have all been extremely helpful to my sister and I as we've gone through the process of getting my mother, Audrey Howington, admitted into the facility as a long-term patient.
I would particularly like to compliment Musiness Office Manager Jonathan Ching who has been available to us for all financial questions and needs. Going through the medical insurance maze is indeed a daunting process, but Mr. Ching has guided us well, and the process has been smoothly accomplished. Mr. Ching goes the "extra mile" to accommodate, and it has been greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Jana H.
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