Restoring abilities, independence and lives - Allina Health

Dear Friend of the Foundation
I know firsthand of the exceptional care that Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute (SKRI)
provides within our community because, 10 years ago, I was the beneficiary of those services. I
experienced a hemorrhagic (“bleeding”) stroke that caused partial paralysis on my right side and
severe aphasia which significantly limited my ability to communicate. Through extensive inpatient
and outpatient therapies, I have recovered many of my abilities and continue to benefit — as many
do — from the programs, services and research of the Institute.
Over time, my relationship with SKRI has evolved from patient to Foundation board member to
board chairman. In my roles, I have personally experienced and witnessed life transformations that are
indicators that SKRI is the leading provider of medical rehabilitation services in the upper Midwest.
As the chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, it is my privilege to share with you a
few of the ways that your generous support of the Foundation has contributed to SKRI’s success.
• Innovative, patient-centered rehabilitative research thrives within the Sister
Kenny Research Center. In 2010, the Foundation committed $315,000 to
support the Research Center’s initiatives to enhance the care and outcomes
of persons living with disability. The benefits of the Foundation’s continued
investment in research will soon impact persons with disabilities — locally and
globally.
• At the forefront of novel and effective treatment, the Sister Kenny Cancer
Rehabilitation and Lymphedema Program is SKRI’s newest program, providing
optimal care to persons living with or surviving cancer. This program provides
seamless care in partnership with the Virginia Piper Cancer Institute. These
efforts are furthered by research conducted within the Research Center,
as clinician scientists develop rehabilitation technologies with the goal of
providing the highest-quality and most comprehensive care to cancer patients and survivors.
• Honoring the legacy of SKRI’s founder Sister Elizabeth Kenny, nearly 400 guests, including
many polio survivors, celebrated at the Sister Kenny Children’s Gala. Sister Kenny’s Children,
a play produced by Dorie Baizley, showcased Sister Kenny’s groundbreaking contributions to
the field of rehabilitation. More than 5,000 people attended Sister Kenny’s Children during its
four-week run at St. Paul’s History Theatre.
Within this report, you will learn about the impact of your philanthropic investment on
SKRI’s innovative programs and services, inventive research, patient-focused education and
clinical professional development.
You have wisely entrusted the Sister Kenny Foundation to be a good steward of your
contribution. Through this annual report, I hope that we demonstrate to you that your gift is a
valuable investment in the lives of those with disabilities.
Edward J. Pluimer
Chairman, Board of Directors
Sister Kenny Foundation
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