At Kessler Foundation, we celebrate Independence Day through our work that promotes independence for Americans with disabilities at home, in their communities and in the workplace. Thank you artist Ronaldo Byrd for capturing the spirit of the Fourth in this joyous painting.
See more of Ronaldo's work on Facebook at Ronaldo's Art Corner.
The morning of Memorial Day was perfect—cool, with very little wind, and excitement in the air. It was the ideal setting for the kick off the 15th Annual Kessler Foundation Wheelchair 10K, the wheelchair division of the Fred d’Elia Ridgewood Run. Representing the US, Spain, and Costa Rica, 29 racers competed for a total purse of $15,000. The race saw close finishes, new victors, and returning athletes.
Laurens Molina, 36, from Costa Rica, edged crossed the finish line just a second before James Senbeta, 28, from Illinois, to secure the top spot in the Men's Open with a time of 22.11 minutes. Born without bone below the knees, he has been racing since he was 19. "Competing helped me overcome my depression and made
Researchers at Kessler Foundation are conducting a large, multi-site study to develop test norms for a commonly used measure to assess thinking speed, the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT). To be eligible, you must be between the ages of 18 to 74 and medically healthy. You also must not have any past or present diagnosis of a learning disability, alcohol or drug problems, or diagnosis of a significant mental health disorder (e.g., bipolar disorder, psychosis). Please contact Monika Michalec at 973-324-8428 or mmichalec@kesslerfoundation.org to find out more and to see if you are eligible. The study visit should take about one hour and you will be compensated for your time. You must be within commuting distance to West
Kessler Foundation announces the Winter 2015 issue of TBI News & Views (Vol. 6, No. 1), a consumer newsletter of the Northern New Jersey Traumatic Brain Injury System (NNJTBIS). Read the story of Tracy Matos, who expanded her family and returned to work after her injury. Learn the latest discoveries, news, sleep strategies, and the impact of neuroimaging on research. Gain resources to access transportation to independently navigate the community. Caregivers can also learn how a positive attitude and asking for help relieves stress.
TBI News & Views, a semiannual publication,
Register now for the 15th Annual Kessler Foundation WTFUSA National Wheelchair 10K Championship, part of the Fred D’Elia Ridgewood Run, on Memorial Day, May 25, 2015 at Graydon Pool–201 North Maple Avenue in Ridgewood, NJ. This event is one of the largest integrated races in the country, as wheelchair athletes compete on the same course, at the same time, as the runners. Racers compete for cash prizes!
The Wheelchair 10K begins at 8:15am, with registration opening at 7am. Registration is $25 per racer. All participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt. Kessler Foundation will
Our recent TBI research is being featured online at Medical News Today. Please visit these links and give your star rankings for the achievements of our scientists:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/292132.php
Kessler Foundation scientists link emotional processing deficits with white matter damage
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/291134.php
Kessler Foundation scientists test Actual Reality in functional assessment post-TBI
It’s easy to change the lives of people with disabilities - you can do it while you shop on Amazon.
All you have to do is shop on AmazonSmile—identical to Amazon, with the same variety and pricing. But AmazonSmile has one major difference: Each time you shop through smile.amazon.com, the AmazonSmile Foundation donates 0.5% of your eligible purchases to Kessler Foundation.
To add Kessler Foundation as your charitable organization, follow these easy steps:
1. Visit smile.amazon.com
2. Sign in with
February 12, 2015. On July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed into law "the world's first comprehensive declaration of the equality of people with disabilities, and evidence of America's leadership internationally in the cause of human rights." Because of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act, Bush said, "every man woman and child with a disability can now pass through once closed doors, into a bright new era of equality, independence and freedom."
The passage of this important piece of legislation remains an important milestone for people with disabilities and the organizations that support the fullest implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This year, Kessler Foundation will commemorate the ADA’s 25th Anniversary, by releasing
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY for Persons with Pain After SCI: Kessler Foundation researchers are studying how well two different kinds of education programs reduce the extent to which chronic pain interferes with daily life and well being. If you have had SCI for at least 1 year and moderate to severe pain that has lasted at least 3 months, you may be eligible to participate. The study involves a physician visit, questionnaires, 4 weekly classes of 2 hours each at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, and homework assignments for 8 weeks. Participants may receive up to $200 compensation for their time. For more information, contact Ashleigh Quinn at (973) 324-3548 or aquinn@KesslerFoundation
Recent articles on our stroke and MS research are being featured on Medical News Today, the largest independent medical news site on the web. Please visit the links below and submit your star ranking!
Implications of ipsilateral spatial neglect after stroke http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/283493.php
Foot drop stimulator helpful in rehabilitation after stroke http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/282980.php
The benefits of wellness program for people with multiple sclerosis
Recent Kessler Foundation articles on MS, SCI and brain injury are being featured on Medical News Today, the largest independent medical news site on the web. Please visit each page and submit your star ranking!
The impact of cultural diversity in brain injury research http://tinyurl.com/nrc4fpx
First study of brain activation in multiple sclerosis using fNIRS http://tinyurl.com/nofdw2t
Variation in self-care and mobility outcomes by race and ethnicity in those with complete spinal cord injury http://tinyurl.com/q6drf7c
Join us on Sunday, September 21, at Verona Park for Kessler Foundation's 13th Annual Stroll 'N Roll! Enjoy a stroll or roll around the beautiful lake in the park in Verona, NJ. You'll also love the carnival games, magic acts, balloon art, delicious food and desserts, live music acts, and a talented DJ group. It's the perfect day for adults and children of all ages and abilities. Even your family dog can sport a Stroll 'N Roll commemmorative t-shirt while snacking, strolling, and playing.
Every dollar raised supports rehabilitation research and employment initiatives that change
Kessler Foundation mourns the recent passing of dedicated trustee Louis Lipschitz, CPA. Elected to the Foundation Board in September 2007, Lipschitz served as executive vice chair, chaired the Audit Committee, and contributed his expertise in finance to the Finance and Research Committees. “Lou was a smart and caring trustee. He was instrumental in supporting the creation of the Neuroimaging Center at Kessler Foundation, a unique facility dedicated to rehabilitation research of disorders of the brain and spinal cord,” said Rodger DeRose, president and chief executive officer of Kessler Foundation. Lou always carefully prepared for meetings, which made him a keen participant in all major actions of the Board. It will be very hard to replace Lou, given his unique skills and his warmth in
Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, was interviewed on July 31 about traumatic brain injuries (TBI) on ‘Speaking of Health with Dr. B’s special radio program for the beginning of the new school year. “The Conundrum of Childhood Concussions” addressed what constitutes a concussion, how to recognize subtle symptoms of TBI, the role of helmets in prevention, current research studies, and the most effective treatments. Dr. Chiaravalloti is director of Neuropsychology & Neuroscience and Traumatic Brain Injury Research at Kessler Foundation in West Orange, NJ. She serves as project director of the Northern New Jersey TBI Model System. The show may be accessed by date at Dr. David Borenstein
Kessler Foundation recently hosted members and staff of the New Jersey Metro Chapter of the National MS Society for an update on the Foundation’s research studies funded by the Society. Pictured from left to right are John DeLuca, PhD, the Foundation’s senior VP of Research & Training, Jim Roberts, chapter president and Jonathan Staunch, senior director, Donor Relations, National MS Society. Our visitors toured the Neuroimaging Center at Kessler Foundation and heard presentations by Drs. Chiaravalloti, DeLuca, Genova, Goverover, Wylie and Yao.