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Thanks to this energetic, talented and committed team—Caritas Health Group is able to reach out to people facing the daunting challenges of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis—also known as Lou Gherig's disease.
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The seeds of this team were sewn in 2005 by Dr. Mark Heule and Dr. Wendy Johnston who looked to the Misericordia for a solution to the complex challenges faced by this group of patients. In the spirit of our Misericordia and Grey Nuns foundresses, the team pioneered an innovative and holistic program—offering ALS patients breathing support, physio and occupational therapy, nutrition support, speech-language pathology, social work and spiritual care.
Though ALS is a terminal illness—this collaborative team makes a measurable difference in the lives of patients and their families. The bilevel non-invasive ventilation assistance—a cornerstone of this holistic program—provides increased comfort, reducing laboured breathing and fatigue and offering better sleep and quality of life for ALS patients. "This treatment made my husband both comfortable and able to die with his family present," notes the spouse of a former patient.
The team has become a source of empowerment and hope for the ALS community, fostering vastly improved quality of life for patients when time is most precious. "They are a modern day continuation of our founders—using modern day innovation and creativity to improve quality of life and foster hope," lauds Cliff Seville, Manager of Therapeutics at the Misericordia Community Hospital.
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