VALENCIA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
National Stroke Association, stroke survivor Erik Cherdak and Bioness today announced the formation of the Cherdak-Bioness Grant, a philanthropic fund which will provide the Bioness L300 to 30 individuals through the National Stroke Associations Stroke Center Network of rehabilitation facilities. Bioness L300 Foot Drop System is designed to help individuals who suffer from foot drop, a condition which causes difficulty walking due to an impaired ability to lift the foot, and is commonly a result of stroke.
Each year nearly 800,000 people suffer strokes and it is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States. Many survivors are left with paralysis and balance problems that can significantly affect their mobility, said Jim Baranski, CEO of National Stroke Association. Our mission at National Stroke Association is to reduce the incidence and impact of stroke, and giving survivors an opportunity to regain some independence through this grant is a huge step forward in this mission.
Funding for Cherdak-Bioness Grant is made possible by Erik Cherdak, who was motivated to take action following his personal experience with stroke, and after learning of the success the Bioness technology has offered in improving the quality of life for other survivors.
As a stroke survivor, I know first-hand how important independence is and how difficult it can be for survivors to accomplish even the most mundane, everyday activities on their own. Before my stroke, I was an avid runner and it took years of intense rehabilitation and hard work to be able to consider myself physically active again," said Cherdak.I am thrilled to be able to help other stroke survivors gain access to the Bioness device to help them regain their mobility and independence.
The program, administrated by National Stroke Association, will provide network facilities the opportunity to apply for a Bioness L300 on behalf of an eligible patient. To qualify, the patient must be evaluated by a physical therapist to ensure that they will benefit from the device, receive a prescription for therapy from their physician and have no insurance coverage. The fund began accepting applications from all member rehabilitation facilities on June 1 and the 30 Bioness Foot Drop Systems will be delivered to eligible patients by December 31, 2013.
At Bioness, we understand the impact neurological conditions like stroke have on our patients, their caregivers and families, so we have always been driven to increase access to our devices for those in need, said Thomas G. Fogarty, President & CEO of Bioness. We applaud Mr. Cherdaks dedication to the stroke community, and we welcome the opportunity to team with him and National Stroke Association to increase the reach of this important technology.
The L300 is worn on the leg and has three main parts: a small wireless sensor in the shoe, a sport brace-like leg cuff worn just below the knee and a hand-held remote control. The three components use wireless communication to "talk" to each other. When an individual initiates a step, the L300 sends low-level electrical stimulation to the nerves in the lower leg which control the muscles responsible for lifting the foot. By lifting the foot at the appropriate time, patients may walk with increased confidence, improved speed and reduced fatigue. The L300 Foot Drop Systems main use is by patients in the community. It can also be used for gait rehabilitation in inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation settings to potentially realize a variety of clinical benefits including improved mobility, maintaining or increasing range of motion, re-educating muscles, the prevention or slowing of muscle loss and increased local blood flow.
About National Stroke Association
National Stroke Association was formed in 1984 and is the only national non-profit healthcare organization focusing 100 percent of its resources and attention on stroke. Based in Englewood, Colo., the National Stroke Association has become a leading national resource on stroke and the driving force behind efforts to improve stroke prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.
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Grant Established by Bioness and Stroke Survivor Will Provide Bioness L300® Foot Drop Systems to Stroke Patients in Need