SCI Nursing Journal

Karen L. Klemme, RN, BSN, CRRN, CNLCP

During the 2005 Annual Conference, the AASCIN Board of Directors took the initiative to organize our first “silent auction.” The purpose was to raise funds for AASCIN activities by soliciting donations of baskets from members and then auctioning the baskets at the conference. We also thought our attendees might have fun. As this was our first effort, we only hoped for a few donations, so we were pleasantly surprised, and thrilled, when 19 baskets were presented.

During the Welcome Reception on September 5, the baskets were displayed at the AASCIN booth, filling almost the entire space. Many of the members and even some of the exhibitors stopped by to “shop” and bid for their favorite basket, and the booth was a popular hub of activity. There were unique items such as dichroic jewelry, California items, Pittsburgh items, goodies from Michigan, another basket from the Program Committee with items to help one “survive” the conference, Hawaii treats, bath and body relaxation items, goodies to pamper yourself, essential items for aging and a beautiful cross stitch nurse pillow. One of the speakers donated a special basket of items related to her presentation.

At the conclusion of the Welcome Reception, the highest bidders were given their baskets. The total amount raised was $1,435 and this money will be used to fund AASCIN activities. The Board of Directors sends a big “Thank You!” to everyone who so generously donated a basket and to all successful bidders. Because of the success of this project, we hope to repeat this event next year during the Welcome Reception.

AASCIN Past President Billie Massie RN, C, brought red hats with her as part of the Aging Committee’s basket. Those hats were worn during the Welcome Reception to highlight the work of the newly formed Aging Committee and to coincide with the silent auction. There were lots of laughs as the red hats were modeled in the booth during the auction but, in the background, there was a quiet discussion about Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf Coast Region and its affect on the lives of people with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D). Our attitude turned more solemn.

Massie suggested that we “pass the [red] hat” in an effort to raise funds for SCI survivors. She, herself was a victim of a natural disaster and was in need of assistance herself after her home and farm were destroyed by a tornado in 2002. She commented how she was overwhelmed by the kindness and assistance provided to her family and how even strangers assisted her and her family after that disaster. She felt that, in a way, this was her chance to return the favor by helping the victims of the Hurricane Katrina.

After discussing the idea with Gerald Kelly, executive director of United Spinal Association, and Dr. Vivian Beyda, associate executive director, we got the “thumbs up.” The plan was discussed with Program Committee Chair, Mary Ann Reilly MS, RN, CRRN and Massie organized the effort, which continued during the conference meetings.

The fundraising drive was in full circle during the conference. Members were asked to donate whatever they could, even the smallest amount. A red hat was passed around during each meeting, the monies were gathered and, to our amazement, there were many twenty-dollar bills donated. This effort continued during all meetings of the three associations: the American Association of Spinal Cord Injury Nurses, the American Paraplegia Society, the American Association of Psychologists and Social Workers and the North American Neurological Congress.

The total amount raised was $3,795. I wish to acknowledge all of you who were so kind and generous.

These funds were used to provide much-needed quality of life assistance to all individuals with SCI/D affected by Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi. In addition to monetary donations, funding was, and will be, used to provide equipment such as wheelchairs, mobility devices, and supplies. If you know of someone who is in need of relief, or requires emotional or psychosocial support, please call the United Spinal Association, toll free, at 1-800-404-2898 or visit the Association’s Web site at http://www.unitedspinal.org. On behalf of AASCIN, I do thank you for your kindness, your support, and your donations!

With the transition to an electronic journal, we also have a transition of editors. Lisa A. Merenda MSN, RN, CRRN, has resigned; our new editor is Deanna Persaud MSN, RN. My thanks to Lisa Merenda for her professionalism, dedication, and her passion; all of her talents have contributed immensely to SCI Nursing. Under her leadership, SCI Nursing has grown and diversified and has assisted SCI nurses in all areas of clinical practice. Lisa will remain on the Editorial Board as editor of the Pediatric Perspectives column.

We welcome Deanna Persaud as the new editor of SCI Nursing as it transitions to an open access, online electronic journal. Deanna’s past contributions to AASCIN have been numerous, from her work as past president in 2001, her efforts for the Board of Directors, and her service as chair of the Professional Issues Committee. Deanna brings her own unique style, leadership, and energy to the editor position. Please join me in welcoming Deanna as SCI Nursing evolves.

Karen L. Klemme, RN, BSN, CRRN, CNLCP, is a rehabilitation nurse consultant, private practice, Captain Cook, Hawaii. kklemme@hawaii.rr.com

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This entry was posted on Monday, May 1st, 2006 at 1:11 pm and is filed under SCI Nursing, SCI Research, President's Message. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.