Shirley is in need now of donations to allow her to continue to make generous donations to those who request help. Please won't you consider donating, so Shirley will be able to fullfill all the requests for assistance. Please note Voice For Joanie receives it's funding solely from your donations, not from the ALS Association.
As always if you or someone you know with ALS is in need of technology to help better communicate please contact Shirley.
To make a tax-deductible donationPlease send donations to:
Voice For Joanie
5 Glenwood Road
New Milford, CT 06776(860) 350-9034
"BRINGING A VOICE TO THE VOICELESS"
2009 Fundraising Letter
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a devastating auto neuron disease that causes degeneration throughout the brain and spinal chord. It does not discriminate, affecting people from all ethnic backgrounds and all walks of life by afflicting them with weakness and robbing them of their ability to communicate.
Voice for Joanie is dedicated to helping these people. By utilizing a system that can be operated simply by looking at a computer screen, sufferers gain a door to the outside world, and the ability to communicate with loved ones. Voice for Joanie fulfills a critical role in helping to improve the quality of life for these individuals and those with other debilitating diseases. Voice for Joanie has provided the gift of speech to the silent sufferers of Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) and other debilitating diseases for over 19 years.
More than 700 people have received free voice communicators and technical assistance from Voice for Joanie. Assistance is provided for as long as the patient has a need; when a person passes on, the equipment is loaned to another person suffering from a similar affliction.
Voice for Joanie, Inc. is a 501(C)(3) non-profit, all-volunteer organization. Due to tax regulations, it is necessary for VFJ to match 1/3 of the donations received from “foundations” must come from the general public. The assistive technology products needed by our clients are very expensive and we depend on donations from the public to purchase them. Your gift will help us to continue this very important free service. As an all-volunteer organization, 94 to 95% of monies donated go to support these people, principally by enabling us to purchase additional communication equipment.
Please consider a donation to Voice for Joanie. By doing so, you can truly make a difference in someone’s life.
Any assistance you can give is greatly appreciated
Sincerely,
Bobby MurrayVFJ Volunteer
15 Years of Giving the Gift of Speech to Victims of Lou Gehrig's Disease
As Voice For Joanie enters the 16th year of providing voice communicators, free of charge for as long as needed, to people unable to speak, often unable to do more than blink because they have Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS), we continue to meet a very pressing need. Voice for Joanie has assisted over 510 by providing the gift of speech and improved the quality of life to these individuals.
Shirley,I thought of a few things I want to share with you. In parts of 04 and last year I began having problems with depression, after I finally recognized that I needed help.
I went to speak with a psychologist several times during the summer, and then a psychiatrist for the first time. I needed the mic box to speak every word. I was prescribed the proper medication and overcame my depression.
I had an old friend who spent time with me. He was able to work with me on the computer, teaching me how to better use my computer, my software program, found the art software that I now use. I used the mic to communicate every word. This art software has allowed me to continue doing artwork, when using my arms became almost impossible.
The microphone has helped me communicate more with my family, especially all my nieces. It has allowed me a chance to speak a little when several people are in the conversation, or when I'm outdoors. It's very helpful when I'm having a day with throat pain or weakness.
It's very hard when you have a lot to say, and you can't express yourself the way you want to.
Thank you, Tom
Voice for Joanie, Inc. is a 501©3 non-profit, all-volunteer organization, therefore, we depend on donations from the general public to purchase assistive technology. Your gift will help us to continue this very important free service. God bless you and thank you so very much.
Sincerely,
Shirley A. Fredlund, Founder and Volunteer Executive Director