COMMACK, N.Y., July 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Debbie Donald, at the age of 17, became a C1-2 quadriplegic as a result of a diving accident. In 1973, after living for over a year in an intensive care unit tethered to a mechanical ventilator, she became one of the first patients ever to be implanted with a breathing pacemaker. A breathing pacemaker is an implanted phrenic nerve stimulator which can breathe for patients and provide an improved quality of life at a far lower operating cost.
Using her breathing pacemaker, Debbie proved she was able to live independently and eventually had her tracheostomy removed. She was an accomplished mouth-painter -- one of her paintings is proudly displayed in our office. In 1985, Debbie was nominated by New York City mayor Edward I. Koch for the “Young Woman of Distinction Award” in appreciation of her work in the community. Debbie was an early adopter of assistive technology. She was computer literate, and even operated a sailboat using a “Sip-N-Puff” control. Debbie became a lifelong advocate for the disabled, appearing on many local and national television programs as well as speaking at schools and other civic organizations. Sadly, she lost her battle with breast cancer in November, 2005.
Because of her generous will and indominatable spirit, ABD has decided to establish The Debbie Donald Memorial Foundation, Inc. to donate breathing pacemaker equipment and supplies to those patients in need of financial assistance. Monetary donations can be sent to:
Debbie Donald Memorial Foundation, Inc. c/o Avery Biomedical Devices, Inc. 61 Mall Drive Commack, New York 11725 Attention: Linda Towler, CPA
The Debbie Donald Memorial Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization and all donations are tax deductible. For further information, visit http://www.debbiesfund.org.
CONTACT: Kenneth Aron, V. P. Sales & Marketing
(631) 864-1600
Avery Biomedical Devices, Inc.
CONTACT: Kenneth Aron, V. P. Sales & Marketing of Avery BiomedicalDevices, Inc., +1-631-864-1600
