LAS VEGAS, Nev. — The theme of last night’s American Association for Homecare Standup fundraiser for Homecare event was “giving back,” as the association made it a point to highlight efforts benefitting patients and the communities the industry serves.

“HME is all about a sense of community and taking care of patients,” said AAHomecare President and CEO Tom Ryan, speaking before more than 200 attendees gathered at the reception held at Mandalay Bay Convention Center. “That’s why we’re here.”

The reception raised more than $50,000 to help promote a positive image of HME and raise public awareness of homecare’s benefits. Funds from Stand Up for Homecare go to consumer advocacy groups such as the American Association of People with Disabilities, the United Spinal Association, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the National Council on Independent Living, as well as consumer-facing initiatives run by AAHomecare, such as Save My Medical Supplies.

Disability advocate and paralympian Bert Burns spoke to the event attendee’s to share his story as someone who suffered a spinal injury, and how he has worked to help others with spinal chord injuries (SCIs), as well as his support of AAHomecare’s Save My Medical Supplies campaign. At the age of 20, Burns was hit by a drunk driver. The resulting C6 injury, ultimately led him to work at the Shepherd Center helping others with SCI, and founding the Life After Spinal Cord Injury (LASCI) organization.

Burns also helped to build a successful business, UroMed, which he eventually sold last year. During that time, he married and had two children. He also competed as a wheelchair racer in three paralympics and completed 87 full marathons in an Invacare Top End racing wheelchair.

“You can go home and say ‘life sucks’ and it will,” Burns said. “But life is not over, it’s just different.”

Medtrade Educational Awards

The event also took time to highlight the recipients of the  Medtrade Educational Advisory Board (EAB) awards. These awards were given to EAB members who provided service and leadership in organizing and steering Medtrade’s educational content.

Kevin Gaffney, group show director for Medtrade and Medtrade Spring honored the following with special awards in recognition for their service:

• Mary Ellen Conway, president, Capital Healthcare Group.
• Bob Fary, vice president of sales, Inogen Corporation.
• Miriam Lieber, president, Lieber Consulting.
• Mark Schmeler, director, continuing education program, University of Pittsburg Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology.
• Jay Williams, national sales manager, HME QS/1 Data Systems.

“The EAB award winners represent excellence in our profession, and their contributions are the cornerstones of Medtrade’s success,” Ryan said. “AAHomecare and Medtrade thank them for their tireless service, counsel and leadership.”