HORIZONS
A NEWSLETTER FOR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS OF CROTCHED MOUNTAIN
FALL 2008 - VOLUME 8 - NUMBER 3

A Note On the Benefits of Change
by Don Shumway
President and CEO
THEY SAY that nothing endures but change, and we’ve found that to be very true at Crotched Mountain.
As health care evolves, it becomes necessary to pay attention to and accommodate the inevitable shifts in diagnoses, service
delivery and advances in research and treatment.
This past spring we sat down to look at how our two hospital facilities—the Children’s Specialty Hospital and the Brain
Injury Center—are structured to determine if there wasn’t a different configuration that might better serve our patients.
And there was.
From the outside looking in, one wouldn’t detect much change.
The two hospitals are now joined under one administrative unit known as The Specialty Rehabilitation Hospital, which allows
us to site patient care according to acuity and care needs.
Acute care for both children and adults is now under one roof, allowing us to maximize the use of our medical staff and free
the sub-acute and skilled-nursing facility to better focus on an ever-growing spectrum of rehabilitative programming
appropriate for patients progressing in recovery.
The shift also allows us to utilize our highly-skilled and talented medical team in the best way possible.
Carl Cooley, MD, our former medical director, will spend more time engaged in research and promoting the nationally
recognized Medical Home Model, which benefits everyone we serve by advancing a new paradigm for care for people with complex
medical needs.
Rocco Chiappini, MD, a valued member of our medical staff, now serves as medical director.
With a specialty in physiatry—rehabilitation medicine—his leadership, skills and perspective are an asset to all that we do.
As medical director, he will continue to lead our wound care team and direct the Center for Excellence.
Already the changes are bearing fruit as our staff members build strong, cohesive teams and patients focus on therapies and
treatments that will lead them to recovery and independence.
As always, families are an integral part of this equation, and we are delighted to offer them comfortable and affordable
accommodations right here on campus in the renovated Gregg House.
We are a valued partner for a broad spectrum of skilled care and rehabilitation from referring hospitals across New England
including Boston Children’s, Mass General, Tufts, Dartmouth Hitchcock and other regional facilities.
In the end, it is making change that allows us to endure, which is something we must do to fulfill our mission to serve
people with disabilities for a lifetime.

Redwood’s Great Adventure
Or, how eight kids with disabilities, two parents, eight staff and countless others made the trip of a lifetime possible!
DURING THE COLD, DARK DAYS of February, staff and residents of Redwood Manor, a group residence for eight young men at
Crotched Mountain, were hatching a big plan—a plan to do something none of them had ever done before.
“Several Redwood students are moving on to adult programs in the next year, and we wanted to do something fantastic and
amazing to celebrate their graduation,” said Tanya Grant, lead counselor at Redwood Manor.
So what do you think they came up with?
If you guessed ROAD TRIP, then you’re on the right track—complete with RVs, tents and an exciting destination.
“All the guys like roller coasters,” said Tanya.
“We’ve taken day trips to both of the amusements parks in the region.
And we’ve done overnight camping trips, which naturally led us to consider the roller coaster capital of the universe.”
This would be Cedar Point, Ohio, the biggest amusement park in the US, which boasts 17 roller coasters among its 75 rides.
It was a good thing the group started its planning in February because there was much to do—particularly in the area of
fundraising.
“We ran a bike raffle, a bake sale and sold candy bars, but none of that came close to matching the tremendous support we
received from parents,” recalled Tanya.
After all was said and done, the group raised $10,000.
Combined with significant discounts from the RV supplier, campgrounds and Cedar Point, they were on their way.
The first stop was Niagara Falls, where the staff and residents marveled at the magnificent beauty of the falls.
“I think some of the guys were a little wary at first.
The roar of the falls is incredible.
I don’t think any of us were completely prepared for the awesome power of the experience.”
The trip had its challenges, including rain storms, minor medical issues, RV maintenance learning curves and getting lost,
but they worked through them all with humor, enormous energy, enthusiasm and positive attitudes.
“We could never have done this without the amazing staff and parents who made all of this work,” marveled Tanya, who credits
the staff of eight, which included a nurse, for working tirelessly all week long.
“Every one of them volunteered for the challenge.
They left their homes and families for a week to create an unforgettable experience for eight young men whose disabilities
have kept many of them from embarking on such an adventure.”
Cedar Point itself turned out to be all they hoped.
Everyone had the opportunity to ignore all physical obstacles and live life to the fullest.
“The joy the kids expressed with their delighted smiles needed no words and served to invigorate the hard-working staff,”
said Tanya.
Topped off with nightly campfires, marshmallow roasts, a visit to a safari animal park, and the thrill of the open road,
Redwood’s great adventure did indeed turn out to be the trip of a lifetime.

Meet Lina Gomes
HER CAN-DO SPIRIT + CROTCHED MOUNTAIN = SUCCESS
EVENTS in Lina Gomes’ life have taken her on many journeys—the first from her native Cape Verde to New Bedford,Massachusetts,
twenty-one years ago.
And more recently, on a journey to regain her independence following an accident that dramatically changed her life.
Crotched Mountain was happy to help her along the way.
In April 2007, while crossing the street, Lina was struck by a car.
The impact tossed her 170 feet and severed her legs.
While in the hospital, she sustained a stroke and was in an induced coma for two weeks.
She awoke on May 9, 2007, with no memory of the accident.
Since then, Lina has worked diligently to adapt to her new situation.
In just under a month, she relearned to sit, reach and balance.
And she has resumed management of her household and family.
She cooks sitting on a counter top next to the stove.
She cleans by scooting along on the floor.
She is learning to use prosthetic legs and fully expects to walk again.
Lina’s journey of recovery recently brought her to Crotched Mountain where she took part in our Driver Training Program.
We became aware of Lina through an article in the Boston Herald.
We learned that Lina wanted to drive again and regain her independence.
We knew we could help.
Though she didn’t have funds for the three-day course, we gladly provided a scholarship.
“This was the first time I had been on my own since the accident and it was wonderful.
In my room at Crotched Mountain’s guest house, I was able to manage everything—including the shower—all by myself.
I went to the dining room and I got to driving class all on my own!” Lina marveled.
“My family was so afraid, but I was determined to do it,” said Lina.
“Don Sampson, my driving instructor, had such confidence in me, and we were soon driving three hours a day.”
“Lina took to the mechanical hand controls very easily.
She was extremely focused throughout the training, which is why she did so well,” observed Don.
Lina passed her driver’s test with flying colors and now continues her journey with new-found confidence and independence—
which she will need for the work ahead as she prepares for another surgery and continues to master the use of her prosthetic
legs.
Lina, along with her husband and two daughters, recently started a foundation to raise funds for Lina’s prosthetics and to
purchase an adaptive vehicle.
If Lina’s progress so far is any indication, we predict she’ll be walking and driving again in no time.
“Coming to Crotched Mountain has made me feel that I have the rest of my life back,” said Lina.
“Thanks to you, I’m on my way.”

DRIVER-ED IN ACTION
CROTCHED MOUNTAIN has provided driver evaluation and training for people with disabilities for more than 40 years.
Evaluations determine drivers’ strengths and limitations and make recommendations for vehicle adaptations, modifications and
needed training.
Training is customized to individual needs and includes behind-the-wheel instruction, as well as directed study to prepare
for written exams.
Driving Instructor Don Sampson, one of only 300 Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialists(CDRS) in the country, is uniquely
qualified to evaluate people with disabilities to determine their ability to drive and to recommend necessary modifications
that will allow them to operate the vehicle properly.
Just last year, the program delivered 158 services to clients from every New England state, in addition to drivers from
Tibet and the Philippines.
Don reports that client ages range from 16 to 95, and he works with people with a variety of challenges including spinal
cord injury, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, learning disabilities and Asperger’s.
He notes an increase in older drivers seeking evaluations for response time and other age-related conditions that may
affect driving ability.
The Driver Education Program features a vehicle that enables instructors to work with almost any driver.
The 2005 Honda Element is equipped with mechanical hand controls, a spinner knob steering device, a variable effort steering
system, power lift for wheelchairs and pedal extensions.

REMEMBERING GLORIA WILLEY
EVERYONE who comes to Crotched Mountain arrives with a challenge before them.
Be it academic, rehabilitative or treatment-oriented, the work and the rewards are always there for the taking.
Gloria Willey, who passed away in 2005 at the age of 65, spent three years at Crotched Mountain during the 1950s while
undergoing intermittent rehabilitation for her arthritis.
According to Gloria’s daughter, Cherrie Fergusson, Crotched Mountain held a very special place in her mother’s heart.
As Cherrie tells it, it was at Crotched Mountain on New Year’s Eve in 1957 that her father proposed to her mother.
“The nurse let him stay past visiting hours until midnight.”
She says the family also recalls many pleasant weekend visits where they took picnic lunches to nearby Sunset Lake.
Cherrie remembers her mother as a strong and positive role model to many.
“I cannot put into words the strength and determination my mother had dealing with her disease until her death.
She was truly an inspiration to everyone she touched in her life.
She was living proof to anyone with a disability that life is as beautiful as you make it.”
Gloria’s family knows how important it is to support organizations like Crotched Mountain.
“Crotched Mountain was a tremendous blessing for my mother, whose family of nine was extremely poor,” said Cherrie.
“We will continue to make contributions in my mother’s name to Crotched Mountain, knowing that our gifts will in some way
benefit another family in need like my mother’s.”
Thank you, Cherrie, for sharing these special memories of your mother.
We are proud and happy we could be there for Gloria when she needed us.
And we are deeply grateful for your continued support of our work.
It is through the generosity of people like you that our doors remain open to others who can benefit from our services.
—Editor

THE FACE OF PHILANTHROPY: HOW VOLUNTEERS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
Events Raise Over $125,000
CROTCHED MOUNTAIN’S GALA, GOLF CLASSIC TOURNAMENTS AND HAMPSHIRE 100 MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE are important for many reasons.
They raise money for Crotched Mountain programs and services and they offer volunteers the opportunity for hands-on
involvement.
In fact, none of these events would happen without hours of volunteer commitment, ideas, generosity and energy.
In all, special events netted over $125,000 for our programs and services this year.
We are grateful to the committees of volunteers that work tirelessly to make our special events productive, fun and
rewarding for everyone.
GALA 2008
Tom Bamford, Bonnie Bennett, Janet Brewer, Dede Clark, Karen Clement, Rick Connor, June Edwards, Laura Gingras, Connie
Gosline, Peter Gosline, Patti Hance, Michael Havey, Sadie Jackson, Michelle Marshall, Laura Redmond, Donald Shumway, Amy
Theriault, Susie Vogel, Stephanie Wells, Audrey White, Meredith White, Pat Whitney, Cindy Yuknewicz.
GOLFCLASSIC, JULY
David Barnes, Geoff Garfinkle, Tom Gaul, Charles Giacopelli, Richard Mandeville, John Mintkin, Laura Rauscher, Major
Wheelock, John Young.
GOLFCLASSIC, SEPTEMBER
Carol Stoner, Howard Stoner, Mark Cohen, Anita Sperber, Pat Whitney.

BRIEFLY NOTED
DAY OF CARING IN MAINE
On May 5, over 50 volunteers turned out for the United Way Day of Caring Project at Crotched Mountain’s Forest Avenue
Apartments in Portland, Maine, a 16-unit complex for people with disabilities developed and managed by CM.
Volunteer TLC transformed the gardens and property from post-winter doldrums to picture-perfect summer beauty.
Donated supplies and human energy succeeded in rejuvenating the grounds and painting the fence.
Donated food and beverages kept the energy coming, while other donated items served as tokens of gratitude to volunteers.
“In this difficult economy, it’s wonderful to know that people care and there are businesses willing to invest in their
community and brighten people’s lives,” said Forest Avenue property manager Peter Abate.

SUMMER SOLO SOOTHES THE SOUL
Handbell solo artist Michèle Sharik serenaded students, patients and staff with a presentation of The Golden Dance, a
rich tapestry of story and music that took listeners on a journey from Renaissance England to Crotched Mountain and 
everywhere in between.

NEW DVD CAPTURES HOSPITAL STORY
A new DVD and booklet highlighting Crotched Mountain Specialty Rehabilitation Hospital has already had a positive impact
educating people about our state-of-the-art rehabilitation services.
According to admissions manager Lisa Walsh, one mother, considering Crotched Mountain for her son’s rehabilitation, saw the
DVD and remarked, “I don’t need to look anywhere else.
This is where we’re going.”
The DVD can be viewed at crotchedmountain.org, or copies can be obtained by calling Crotched Mountain,603.547.3311, Ext.1481.

CMS CELEBRATES ACHIEVEMENTS
Crotched Mountain School awarded diplomas and certificates of completion to 16students at the Crotched Mountain School
graduation ceremonies on June 12.
Among the many award recipients, students Joan Hill(pictured) and Nathan St.Jean received the Principal’s Award for
outstanding academic achievement.
A special award was given to Principal Archie Campbell to honor his many years of service to the school.
Carol Stoner (mother of a CMS graduate) and motivational speaker Ann Forts offered messages of wisdom and experience to
students embarking on the next exciting phase of their lives.
Congratulations to all!

WHAT A WAY TO SEE MASSACHUSETTS!
CMS student Graham Gardner and his father, Steven, took on the Pan Mass Challenge bike race to raise funds for the Jimmy 
Fund.
Their 47 mile effort yielded over $15,000 in pledges.

SUMMER at Crotched Mountain was a busy time.
From gardening and lake-side activities, to horseback riding, arts and crafts and trail-building, life on the mountain is
always full of opportunities for recreation, learning, and healing.

HORIZONS
Published by
The Office of Advancement
Editor: Robin Boyd
robin.boyd@crotchedmountain.org
Crotched Mountain Foundation
One Verney Drive
Greenfield, NH 03047
603.547.3311, ext.1490
Please write us at the above address if you wish to have your name removed from fund-raising requests supporting Crotched
Mountain.