Saved from Surgery

Saved from Surgery

Eight-year-old girls are supposed to spend their time enjoying games, watching TV, reading books and playing with their friends; not worrying about seizures, sinus headaches and bone-eating infections. Unfortunately for Rachel, her life’s journey over the past six months has been much different than most kids her age.

In December 2013, mere days before Christmas, Rachel wasn’t feeling well. She was taken to the doctor and diagnosed with the flu and an ear infection. A few days later, Rachel’s mom called the doctor because she had become so sick that she wasn’t able to keep her meds down. Her prescriptions were changed but it didn’t help. Rachel became so sick that she couldn’t even go to her grandma’s house for Christmas.

On December 27th Rachel went back to the doctor where she was diagnosed with Acute Sinusitis. This condition causes the cavities around the nasal passages to become inflamed and swollen. This interferes with drainage and causes mucus to build up. Acute Sinusitis can be caused by the common cold, allergies, bacterial and fungal infections.

Two nights later, Rachel’s family was sitting around the table playing board games. All of a sudden, Rachel’s speech became slurred and no one could make out what she was saying. She then began to stare into space and not talk. It took 20 minutes before they finally were able to get her to respond. Rachel had trouble sleeping that night so her mom held her in a recliner chair downstairs. A few hours later she suddenly threw up, became unresponsive and started convulsing.

Rachel was rushed to the emergency room as she continued to seize. Her right eye, cheek and arm were twitching and jerking and saliva was starting to run out of the side of her mouth. Her seizure lasted over 2 hours. Rachel was transferred to Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis. They learned that there was fluid on her brain and an infection between her skull and brain called an Epidural Abscess. Within twelve hours Rachel was having surgery to clean out all of her sinus cavities in hopes that the infection would begin to subside. Rachel spent the next week in the hospital to see if the antibiotics were having an affect on the infection.

Doctors tried several antibiotics. Nothing seemed to work. On March 20, 2014, Rachel had a second surgery to clean out her sinus cavities once again. An MRI uncovered an infection in the front follicle bone that had started eating part of her bone. Doctors tried several additional antibiotics with no success. The family was told that if they didn’t see significant change on the next MRI on April 29th, Rachel would need to have a major surgery to remove her front follicle bone and replace it with a cement-like bone with a metal plate on top for protection. Rachel’s family immediately began praying for healing so that this surgery would not be necessary.

Their answer to prayer came when someone they attend church with asked if they had ever heard of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and encouraged them to call Sara’s Garden for more information.

Rachel arrived at Sara’s Garden five days before the impending April 29th MRI. After receiving five treatments, Rachel’s family noticed that she was no longer complaining about experiencing the painful sinus headaches that she had been dealing with over the past few months. Encouraged by this revelation, the family returned to Indianapolis for Rachel’s next round of testing. The results showed a slight improvement in the infection level. Their doctor encouraged them to continue receiving HBOT and suggested they postpone the surgery. She and her family returned to Sara’s Garden with renewed hope that they would be able to fight this infection with HBOT and keep Rachel from needing to undergo a major surgery.

After Rachel’s 29th treatment, the family headed back to Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital for yet another CT Scan. When they met to learn the results of the test later that day, the infectious disease doctor just kept repeating over and over again how shocked and amazed she was. Rachel’s front follicle bone was completely healed. There was no longer any trace of an infection anywhere. The doctor had read the report over three times before meeting with the family to be sure she hadn’t read it wrong and commented that she would have had a hard time believing the results if it hadn’t been read by her most trusted radiologist.

They were overjoyed to learn that major surgery would not be needed. However, because of all of the damage to Rachel’s sinuses, there was still a chance that Rachel would have to undergo another surgery to clean out the sinus cavities again. The doctor encouraged them to continue on with HBOT and see what would happen.

Upon completing 40 HBOT treatments, Rachel’s family met with the neurosurgeon one last time. When the family was ready to leave, he commented to the student doctor who was shadowing him, “We tried everything on this little girl and nothing helped until they went and did Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy! That saved them so much heartache and a major surgery! I can’t tell you how thrilled I am for them!” Additionally, Rachel’s Ear, Nose, Throat Specialist (ENT) was so pleased with the results of Rachel’s treatments that he said it would not be necessary to undergo the surgery to clear out her sinus cavities.

The past six, long months had been extremely hard on Rachel’s family. At times it seemed like they had more questions than answers. It was so painful seeing Rachel suffer from the effects of this ravaging infection. Rachel’s family knows that their faith and the continuous prayers from countless supporters helped carry them through this difficult time.

HBOT was able to do what months of antibiotics couldn’t in fighting a serious, bone-eating infection. Thanks to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at Sara’s Garden, Rachel was saved from having to undergo multiple surgeries and was finally able to experience healing. No matter what you’ve been told, there is hope… for this and many other conditions. HBOT is treatment without drugs… without surgery… without pain.

Summer Camp 2014 Update

Summer Camp 2014 Update

It is so hard to believe that July is nearly over. This has been an exciting month here at Sara’s Garden!

The 2014 summer camp got off to an exciting start on July 7th. A total of 38 students from 9 states across the country arrived with their parents in anticipation of many positive gains. The children were able to participate in one of three programs or a combination of the three programs. Families are offered Autism Interventions, Sensory Integration, and Conductive Education services. Some families also choose to take part in Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy treatments.

This amounts to a long, full day for these little warriors. They are working so hard!

The children have faced new challenges and high expectations. Along with new challenges and high expectations come struggles for these children. Needless to say, the first few days were difficult for them, but by the end of the first week we were already seeing significant changes and gains. The children began to trust the teachers, aides, and conductors and appeared to realize that these people really will help them to reach their independent potential.

Thus, we have children who are taking steps for the first time, increasing head control or sitting independently. One child walked with a walker by herself for the first time in her life. Another student took 50 steps without support from anyone. There has been less stemming, better focus, and the ability of some students to control negative behaviors.

Another significant component of this year’s camp has been the positive relationship building which is taking place between students. Friendships are being established which is huge for our students and parents. Without a doubt, the first half of summer camp has been so uplifting for all of us.

We can’t wait to see what the children are able to accomplish by the end of camp on August 1st.

New Horizons Academy Expansion Update

New Horizons Academy Expansion Update

It’s overwhelming and humbling to consider the growth and success that we’ve experienced at New Horizons Academy at Sara’s Garden over the past two years. It’s so hard to believe that we are getting ready to begin the school’s 3rd year of operation.

As we mentioned in last month’s newsletter, we’ve received an overwhelming demand for enrollment in the school. We currently have 62 students from 16 different school districts across Northwest Ohio enrolled for the 2014/15 school year. To be able to continue to provide the students with small, intimate classroom settings where they can develop and excel, it became clear that we needed more space.

By the time that financing was secured through State Bank, we had only 4 months to complete a 9,200 square foot expansion project to add more classrooms, sensory rooms and Conductive Education intervention space.

We feel so fortunate to have such an amazing team of contractors working on this project for us. They know the importance of this space and what it means to the kids that we serve. They have been tirelessly working around the clock to ensure that the building is completed and ready to use by the start of school in August. We can’t begin to thank them enough for all of their hard work and dedication.

We feel so honored and privileged to have the opportunity to work with and serve such an amazing group of kids and can’t wait to see what the next school year has in store.

Matt Rychener CEO / Executive Director

Parents From all Over the Country Bring Their Children to Summer Camp at Sara’s Garden

Parents From all Over the Country Bring Their Children to Summer Camp at Sara’s Garden

Article published Friday, July 11, 2014 by the Defiance Crescent

By TIM McDONOUGH @cnmcdonough

WAUSEON — Now in its fourth year, Sara’s Garden summer camp in Wauseon has been helping children from all over the country that have autism, cerebral palsy, brain trauma or other disabilities by offering autism intervention, conductive education, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and sensory integration.

The goal of the summer camp, according to camp administrator and New Horizons Academy principal Dave Burkholder, is to help children improve their lives in several areas.

“The concept of the camp from the beginning was to provide conductive education for the families, but it was two years ago that we also began offering autism intervention, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and sensory integration,” stated Burkholder. “When we started this four years ago, we had three kids, now we have 39, and the growth of this camp came from the successes the parents saw in their children. It’s because of those parents spreading the word, that we’ve reached families all over the country.

“Our conductive ed program helps children improve their fine gross motor communication skills,” continued Burkholder. “The goal is to create independence for the kids so they can walk, talk and feed themselves independently. Our autism intervention and sensory integration are for kids on the autism spectrum. They go through individualized programs that enable them to also create independence. Also, about half of the children in camp go through HBOT (hyperbaric oxygen therapy), where the oxygen, in addition to the work the kids put in, helps them make those strides.”

Tiffany Hicks of Leroy, Ala., and Lisa Boylan of Tigard, Ore., are two mothers who have traveled thousands of miles to bring their children to the summer camp. Hicks’ son, Cole, suffered brain trauma when he nearly drowned at 20 months, while Boylan’s daughter, Molly, was born with cerebral palsy. Both Hicks and Boylan have their kids in the camp for the second straight year because they have seen the improvement in their children, and because they don’t have these types of services where they live.

“My husband (Randy) and I were online searching to find what might work for Molly, we found the camp last year, we asked for help from family members, and we were able to get here,” said Boylan. “Molly is 9, she has cerebral palsy and is non-verbal. I can usually figure out what she wants to say, and after being camp last year, we knew she wanted to came back. She loves it here, she doesn’t know she’s working, and because of that, she’s is having a blast and making progress.”

Said Hicks: “Cole wasn’t supposed to be able to do anything, he was supposed to be a vegetable. But I see him being pushed to reach new heights, and it’s amazing. I’ve done the research, we tried different therapies, but what he’s achieved here so far … I’m just amazed, and our family is amazed too.”

Despite the fact the camp costs $35 per hour, runs four hours, five-days a week, and lasts for four weeks, the two mothers couldn’t be happier or more excited about the improvement they’ve seen in their children.

“I’ve seen so many gains since Cole started here, huge gains,” Hicks said. “I’m amazed at what the people here do with the kids, they’re pushed to reach their highest potential. It’s a miracle place, it is.”

Said Boylan: “This camp was very different than anything we’ve done with Molly,” Boylan said. “We had done a lot of physical therapy, but what she does here is fun for her, and I can see her trying hard because she’s enjoying it. We found she has more control of her body, but the biggest thing was her hands relaxing. She had always had her hands clenched, but at the end of last summer, that wasn’t the case, and it was the first time that has ever happened. We saw the potential, that’s why we’re back.”

After enrolling Cole in the camp last year, Hicks liked the program so much that she and Cole moved to Wauseon so that he could be enrolled at New Horizon’s Academy in the fall for the school year. Meanwhile, the Boylan family has also discussed moving to Wauseon to send Molly to New Horizons.

“When I saw what was happening here last year at camp, my husband and I made the decision that Cole and I would move here … we want to do everything we can for our child,” said Hicks, whose husband, Robert, still lives in Alabama. “It wasn’t easy moving 14 hours away from home, but this place is a dream come true. I can’t express enough how happy Cole is here and how much he’s improved.”

Concluded Boylan: “In Oregon there’s physical therapy and there’s school, but we don’t have anything like what’s here. My husband and I have had conversations about moving to this area and having Molly attend New Horizons. We see the benefits of it, but we both have jobs and family back home … let’s just say it’s something we’re talking about and who knows what will happen in the future?”

Plans are Forming for a Unique Playground

Plans are Forming for a Unique Playground

Article published Tuesday, May 20, 2014 by the Defiance Crescent

By TARYN LAWSON @cntarynlawson

WAUSEON — Early planning has begun on a project that would bring a unique playground tailor-made for children with special needs to Wauseon.

At a Monday meeting of the Wauseon City Council, city leaders were joined by Kevin Stamm, development director at Wauseon’s Sara’s Garden, 620 W. Leggett St.

Sara’s Garden is a non-profit organization specializing in hyperbaric oxygen therapy, autism intervention, conductive education and sensory integration.

Stamm presented the group with plans for a community-built playground – to be located east of the expansion at the organization’s Hope Center – that is not only handicap-accessible, but also what he called “handicap-inclusive.”

A lot of playgrounds have rams – that’s accessible,” Stamm said. “But there’s nothing for the kids who are in wheelchairs to do.”

Stamm provided the council with three quotes he obtained for handicap-inclusive playgrounds, ranging from $122,000 (plus an additional $75-80,000 for mandatory rubber surfacing) at the low end, to $387,000 (plus $250,000 for rubber surfacing).

Stamm, who expressed a desire to keep the cost “as low as possible,” said he plans for the playground to be open to the public.

To fund the project, Stamm discussed with council the possibility of obtaining money in the form of a grant from the city’s revolving loan fund (RLF), and added that he is currently working with the Fulton County Commissioners, the Rotary Foundation, and Rotary International to find funding as well.

Sara’s Garden will work to raise funds on its end too, Stamm said, with a golf outing, raffle, and upcoming casino night.

Councilman Kathy Huner called the fledgling endeavor by Sara’s Garden “an amazing gesture.”

Autism: Disorder Misunderstood, but Local Help Available

Autism: Disorder Misunderstood, but Local Help Available

Article published Tuesday, April 8, 2014 by the Fulton County Expositor
By David J. Coehrs, Expositor Features Editor

In the past it was often a misdiagnosed disorder, and even today medical experts can’t pinpoint its exact origins. Sadly, the mystery enveloping autism still leads to misunderstanding, and an attached stigma health professionals consider unfair.

But continued research and study has uncovered some unknowns about the disorder, allowing for improved, more accurate treatments that offer those within the umbrella of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) more fulfilling lives.

Dr. Christopher Meyer, a pediatrician with the Fulton County Health Center who treats autistic children, said because the direct cause of autism hasn’t been found, a lot of misleading information circulates. He said the disorder is “a very complex array of what is kind of seen as a behavioral type thing. It’s almost like a constellation of symptoms. This is a spectrum, not a specific diagnosis.”

While genetics do seem to play a part, and brain activity seems to differ in the autistic, Dr. Meyer said the disorder does not derive from a pinpoint genetic mutation.

“When genetic testing is done there are hot spots. When you put that many hot spots on a chromosome analysis, it’s very hard to determine,” he said. “I feel like we still have a lot to figure out about it.”

Symptoms within children can be so mild they go unnoticed, or can be very extreme. Dr. Meyer said because autism affects different people differently, it is treated on an individual basis like a chronic illness. Specialists can provide a regular maintenance of care.

“The best approach is that we see a multiple team approach. You’re talking about something that crosses the line of several specialties,” he said.

As in the past, when it was sometimes mistaken for a form of cerebral palsy, the uncertainties of autism can still cause misdiagnoses. What some research has shown is that approximately one in every 1,000 people is affected by autism, with a male to female ratio of about four to one.

Because autism was so often misdiagnosed in years past, Dr. Meyer questions whether it is actually more prevalent now, as some studies and media reports suggest.

And he tries to fight the stigma attached to the disorder, saying, “People are scared of what they don’t know. What I tell people is, learn about it.”

Locally, the Fulton County Board of Developmental Disabilities provides tax-funded early intervention services for children under three years old. The agency specifically employs the Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters (PLAY) Project, a national developmental intervention program developed in 2001 by Dr. Richard Solomon, a physician in Ann Arbor, Mich. The program is conducted in the child’s home by a trained consultant.

Two trained Board of DD consultants provide the service locally. PLAY Project works with parents and caregivers by helping them assist children who have ASD. Among the more common problems dealt with are social inadequacies, lack of eye contact, and an adversity to touching others.

The staff members videotape their home visits with the children, then review the tapes to teach the adult guardian how to better connect with the child.

“We assist them at home so they can function outside the home,” Board Superintendent Beth Friess said of the children. “We’ve had some extremely happy parents after (the staff members) left.”

At any given time five or less children are participating in PLAY Project through the board.

Friess said as recently as 15 years ago the agency didn’t see children diagnosed with ASD until the age of four or five. “I just don’t think it was as recognized,” she said.

Over recent years, experts have characterized autism as a spectrum disorder rather than dividing it into categories including Asperger’s Syndrome, which affects language and behavior, and Rett Syndrome, a rare autism disorder found only in girls.

Unfortunately, the 1988 film “Rain Man,” starring Dustin Hoffman as an autistic adult, may have misled the general population with its portrayal of someone with the disorder, Friess said. Not everyone with autism displays the extreme behavior and quirks of the title character.

“Consequently, there are people who are getting diagnoses who are not Rain Man. There are people who are not immediately visible as having any kind of disability,” she said.

The Board of DD uses a tool called ADETT to screen for autism. If the evaluation reveals familiar characteristics of the disorder the board will recommend the child be seen by a physician to determine a diagnosis.

The board also provides autism programs for adults with the disorder. The agency helps them to function outside the home, and can assist them with independent living and finding employment. Those receiving residential services are often covered by Medicaid waivers and 40 percent matching funding from the board.

“We have a lot of people working in the community,” Friess said.

She said there are currently no preventative measures for ASD because no one knows the cause, adding “At this point there are a lot of thoughts out there as to what might be causing it, but there are too many pieces to decide what it could be.”

Sara’s Garden, a non-profit organization at 620 W. Leggett St. in Wauseon, treats autism through four services:

  • Autism intervention, which attempts to lessen deficits and abnormal behavior and increase the quality of life
  • Conductive education, a holistic approach to education that combines physical activity and cognitive tasks
  • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which uses pure oxygen and pressure to counteract the detrimental effects of low oxygen in body tissues
  • Sensory integration, which reduces stress and improves concentration, eye-hand coordination, and motor function

The facility’s most prominently displayed service is two hyperbaric chambers, each of which can hold up to 10 people. One of the chambers, donated by the U.S. Navy, is being refurbished.

Director Matt Rychener said following hyperbaric treatments autistic clients have experienced increased verbalization, social and emotional skills, and better behavior and cognition.

After a client enters the $250,000 chamber it is pressurized to equate the feeling of scuba diving 17 feet under water. Then 100 percent oxygen is administered to shrink oxygen molecules in the client’s body tissues. A round of 1 1/2-hour treatments help rebuild nerves and blood vessels, stimulates stem cell growth eight times faster than the body can, and cleans away impurities.

One hour of hyberbaric treatment costs $110, and is not covered by health insurance.

Everyone who has come for autism has seen benefits,” Rychener said. “We have never had anybody have adverse effects from the treatment.”

He cited the case of an autistic child from New York City who, before hyperbaric therapy, could not walk, talk, or feed himself. Following a summer of treatments he returned home with all of those capabilities.

Sara’s Garden also operates New Horizons Academy in the adjacent Hope Center for children with developmental disabilities. Students diagnosed with ASD receive instruction in autism intervention, conductive education, and sensory integration. An hour of autism intervention costs $35.

“We’ve had fantastic results in both the hyperbaric center and the New Horizons Academy,” Rychener said of the facilities’ treatments for autism. Together, they comprise the only single location in North America to offer all the services.

Enrollment is in such demand that Sara’s Garden is currently adding a classroom addition onto the Hope Center.

Dr. Meyer advised parents who suspect their child may be autistic that the earliest possible intervention has a significant impact.

“We always aim to optimize what we’re doing. When we catch these kids early I have a lot more optimism about how they’ll do,” he said.

And treatment always includes healthy doses of empathy and compassion for both the child and their family members, all of whom struggle, Dr. Meyer said.

“Dealing with it is a good challenge, and rewarding when you do it well,” he said.

Turtle Comes Out of His Shell

Education and friendship can play a huge role in the life of any child, but they may be even more vital for a child with Autism.

Autistic children differ in the way they perceive things and respond to the world around them. They often have great difficulty making sense of the world as other children see it. Too often, children with Autism are not the preferred partners of typical children. In the worst of cases, they may be bullied because they look, act or sound different than their typical peers. Children with Autism require caring, individualized attention from teachers and intervention specialists. They may also need extra help interpreting friendships, non-verbal communication, using school equipment, paying attention in class or controlling their behaviors.

For Glen (Turtle as his mother affectionately calls him), the first two weeks of school at New Horizons Academy at Sara’s Garden were extremely rough. It represented yet another change in his life. He had struggled in his previous school placements, often acting out and exhibiting behaviors that made it nearly impossible for teachers to control and teach him or peers to get to know and befriend him.

For weeks, Glen’s mother would literally pry him from the car each morning and carry him into the school. Glen would be hitting, screaming, kicking and biting her the entire way into the building. Each morning, the NHA staff would immediately take Glen into the multi-sensory room when he arrived and spend time with him, helping to calm him down and get him ready for the school day ahead. Many times, he would need to be restrained so he would not hurt himself. His sole focus was on his mother. He desperately wanted to stay with her, fearing that she was leaving him at school forever. However, after spending time in the multi-sensory room Glen would calm down and eventually go to his classroom with his peers.

When Glen started school at NHA, we were told that he had Selective Mutism (SM), an anxiety disorder in which a person who is normally capable of speech does not speak in specific situations or to specific people. We learned that Glen had been teased because of his speech impediment at previous schools and had therefore stopped speaking in public. He lacked self-confidence and was terrified to try new things. Glen had no friends. In fact, according to Glen’s mom, he had never had friends before in his life because other children were afraid of him due to his negative behaviors.

While each morning was difficult for Glen those first weeks, the staff began to notice significant changes.

Every morning, Glen’s outbursts became less severe and shorter in duration. Then, during the third week of school an amazing event took place. Glen came rushing into school, not waiting for his mother to bring him! He appeared to be very excited. Our school administrator, Mr. Burkholder, asked his mother what brought about the change. She stated that she had taken him to Wal-Mart to purchase a special toy… not for himself, but for the new friend that he had made at New Horizons Academy. He could not wait to come to school to give his new friend this toy. This began a new pattern. Glen loves coming to school each day and no longer has negative behaviors.

What has developed from this one friendship is a young boy who quickly began developing self-confidence and trust. He began to excel in his academics and the teachers watched him blossom into a special leader. He continually wants more academic challenges. The teachers realized that despite what was written in all of the reports they had received on Glen, he had so much ability and potential. It was not long into the first grading period that Glen had already mastered the goals that had been written on his IEP.

Now, six months later, he has become his classroom’s “Chatty Cathy”. He loves interacting with his classmates and completing his classwork. Learning how to do simple addition has just clicked in Glen’s brain. It was like watching a light bulb come on. He picked up the concept and is exceeding his yearly goal. Now he wants to do his math work first. Reading continues to be difficult for Glen due to his speech impediment, but that doesn’t stop him from trying. He reads with his classmates at his ability level and is always willing to attempt reading new words, which includes weekly spelling words. He has also shown significant improvement when writing letters with the proper formation and always turns in his homework. Once Glen is assigned a task or classroom chore he doesn’t stop. He is the one student that can be given a task and you know it will get done with no supervision. He takes on the responsibility of teaching his classmates how to complete a task or chore with pride.

Glen is now able to receive individualized and differentiated educational instruction. Combined with NHA’s diversity of intervention tools such as Conductive Education, Autism Intervention and Sensory Integration, delivered by a specialized staff that is able to give Glen the necessary focused attention, he continues to excel. He now has many friends. He loves to come to school and you can see him walking around NHA with a smile on his face. When you look at Glen now, as compared to September 2013, you will find a boy full of self-confidence, pride, and happiness.

New Horizons Academy provided Glen with a safe, nurturing environment where he could feel accepted and loved. Once the behaviors were overcome, the teachers no longer have to address bad behaviors, and can focus on his education. Thanks to New Horizons Academy at Sara’s Garden, Turtle has come out of his shell. Glen’s mom gets to see her son’s emerging potential and has renewed dreams for his future.

No matter what you have been told, there is hope. Hope for a child to emerge into the responsible adults we as parents pray for. There is hope for those who were told they would not learn, or walk, or talk. That hope, is rekindled through the work that is happening at New Horizons Academy. The loving, caring and true compassion that is shown to each and every student, no matter how difficult their condition, disability, or behavior might be, is where the success story starts. Come join us and you’ll see what is possible for a child who has been labeled as “different”. New Horizons Academy at Sara’s Garden… Where kids come first!

2014 Sara’s Garden / NOVFA Fireman’s Raffle

2014 Sara’s Garden / NOVFA Fireman’s Raffle

On June 21, 2014 Sara’s Garden and the Northwest Ohio Volunteer Firemen’s Association (NOVFA) will be conducting a raffle drawing. Tickets are only $10.00 for a chance to win $1,000 cash. Proceeds from the raffle will go to support both Sara’s Garden and the participating fire stations of the NOVFA.

Event Date: Saturday, June 21, 2014
Location: NOVFA Annual Convention, Northwood, Ohio
Ticket Cost: $10.00
Prize List:
Winning Ticket Holder: $1,000.00 Cash The individual or business who’s ticket is drawn will receive a cash prize.
Winning Fire Station:  $8,000.00 Cash The fire station listed on the winning ticket will receive a cash prize.
Fire Station Bonus:  $1,000.00 Cash A bonus cash prize will be given to the fire station that sells the most tickets.
Rules & Notes: Must be 18 years of age to win Need not be present to win Winner is responsible for taxes and fees associated with cash prize

Tickets may be purchased at the Sara’s Garden main office or at the following participating NOVFA fire stations:

  • Archbold: (419) 445-9506
  • Brady Township: (419) 924-2345
  • Bryan City: (419) 633-6080
  • Central Joint Township: (419) 686-4545
  • Delta: (419) 822-4626
  • Fayette: (419) 237-2716
  • Hoytville: (419) 278-2222
  • Lyons: (419) 923-2841
  • Marseilles Township: (614) 499-2848
  • Metamora: (419) 644-3121
  • Ridgeville Corners: (419) 267-3344
  • Swanton: (419) 826-7206
  • Wauseon: (419) 335-7831
  • Whitehouse: (419) 877-0363

For additional information regarding the 2014 Sara’s Garden Fireman’s Raffle please call Matt Rychener at 419.335.7272.

Sara’s Garden appreciates the unwavering dedication and often perilous service rendered by the fire fighters who daily place their lives in harms way to protect their communities. It is an honor for Sara’s Garden to serve these heroes in return. As part of our partnership with the NOVFA, Sara’s Garden is offering free Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy treatments to any fire fighter from these participating stations who is injured in the line of duty.

Did you know?:

  • The exertion levels of fire fighters may be so great and, hence the requirements for oxygen to the heart so great, that during fire fighting incidences, even moderate or low levels of CO may allow Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) to rise to dangerous levels within minutes.
  • Even though fire fighters are trained to understand the dangers of CO poisoning and recognize the signs and symptoms of this killer, it can go unrecognized and untreated when signs and symptoms are nonspecific or vague, leading to short and long term health complications.
  • Cyanide is a fast acting and deadly chemical. It has a smell of bitter almonds or may be completely odorless. On a daily basis cyanide poisoning most often affects on-duty fire fighters responding to fire situations.
  • As combustion of plastics, textiles and other synthetic materials produces smoke, a highly toxic and/or fatal mixture of cyanide and carbon monoxide is formed. Inhaling even a small amount of fire smoke could prove fatal.
  • When ignited, synthetic materials burn hotter and faster than natural products, causing fires to flashover more quickly. The fire fighter is not only at risk during the fire but also in its aftermath.
  • The potential traumas recognized as being the most common occupationally related injuries for firefighters are burns, falls, drowning, motor vehicle (and apparatus) accidents and asphyxiation.
  • In recent studies, 5.9% of all on-duty fire fighter deaths were attributed to falls. 4.5% of injuries in line of duty fire fighters resulted in fractures and broken bones. 41.8% of line of duty fire fighter injuries resulted in sprains and strains. Lacerations and contusions in line of duty fire fighters totaled 23.9%.
  • The emergency treatment of smoke inhalation via HBOT is crucial in order to save the lives of firefighters and other fire victims. Oxygen and sodium thiosulfate are the most widely accepted cyanide antidotes.
  • HBOT does not require the red blood cell to deliver oxygen. HBOT shrinks the oxygen and dissolves it in the blood stream. The blood stream now holds the oxygen carrying capacity and can deliver oxygen to all tissue for complete perfusion.
  • CO has a greater affinity for the red blood cell than does oxygen and clings to the red blood cell essentially suffocating tissue. HBOT causes the CO to loose its attraction to the red blood cell and effectively breaks the bond.
  • Oxygen is very essential to wound healing. HBOT can help burn patients heal faster with fewer complications and less scarring. HBOT has been shown to limit the progression of the burn injury, reducing swelling, and diminishing lung damage. In some cases, HBOT reduces the need for surgical intervention and shortens the time of hospitalization.

Everyday fire fighters in the United States place their lives in danger to protect those in the communities in which they live. Our hope is to be a valuable resource to these brave men and women in helping them heal and recover faster if they are injured while responding to a call.

Casino Night Gala 2014

Casino Night Gala 2014

On Saturday, November 8, 2014, Don’s Automotive Group will be hosting a Casino Night Gala at Founder’s Hall in Archbold, Ohio from 5:30-11:00 p.m. All proceeds from this event are being donated to Sara’s Garden’s handicap accessible playground project!

Casino Night will feature appetizers, a delicious dinner, dancing, prizes and silent auctions. The casino will be conducted with authentic “Las Vegas” style casino tables, casino chips, and slot machine tokens. Come enjoy a variety of games including Black Jack, Roulette, Craps, War, and token slot machines. Professional and friendly dealers will see that you have an exciting and entertaining experience! You need not be a serious gambler to enjoy Casino Night.

We’re betting you’ll have a great time at Casino Night! We look forward to seeing you there.

Save the Date!
Event Date:Saturday, November 8, 2014
Event Location:Founder’s Hall, Sauder Village, Archbold, Ohio
Event Time:5:30-11:00 p.m.
Event Cost:$75 per Plate ($550 for an Entire Table of 8)
 Dress Attire:Semi-Formal

Sara’s Garden is a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is the only facility in the United States to offer Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Conductive Education, Autism Intervention and Sensory Integration services.

Dinner Ticket Includes:

  • Appetizers
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Alcoholic Beverages (Qty. 2)*
  • Soda & Water
  • Chips for Casino Activity**
Time
Schedule of Events
5:30 p.m.
Appetizers
Silent Auction Opens
6:15 p.m.
Dinner
7:00 p.m.
Program
7:30 p.m.
Casino Floor Opens
10:00 p.m.
Silent Auction Closes
10:30 p.m.
Prizes & Drawings

*A cash bar with beer, wine and liquor will also be available for purchase.
**A donation is requested for additional chips.

Corporate Partnership Opportunities:
Platinum Title Partner – $4,800
  • Includes one table, event promotion, platinum title partner signage and program recognition.
Gold Table Partner – $1,200
  • Includes gold table partner activity signage and program recognition.
Silver Prize Partner – $720
  • Includes silver prize partner signage and program recognition.
Bronze Meal Partner – $360
  • Includes bronze meal partner signage and program recognition.

For additional information regarding corporate partnership or dinner ticket reservations, please contact Becky Coopshaw at 419.337.3010 or via email at b.coopshaw@donsautogroup.com. Please join us for a fun-filled casino experience.

NHA Expansion in Progress

NHA Expansion in Progress

If you have driven by the Hope Center at New Horizons Academy, you probably have noticed the activity at the east end of the building. The students, staff, administration and board of directors are excited to announce that we’ve broken ground on a new addition.

New Horizons Academy was started during the fall of 2012 with 2 students attending. This grew to 6 students during the second semester for the 2012-13 school year. At the beginning of this school year, the attendance of New Horizons Academy had grown to 27 students. For second semester, an additional 13 students enrolled bringing the total enrollment for the 2013-14 school year to 40 students. For the 2014-15 school year, there are presently 52 students registered.

We have always felt that the Hope Center could accommodate 30 students, thus we have moved 10 of our current older students into the new addition of the hyperbaric center. As you can see, we have outgrown our present facility quickly. Thus, in January, the board of directors had extensive discussions about the future of New Horizons Academy. A decision had to be made. The choices were to add onto the Hope Center or reduce enrollment by telling some families their children could not return for the 2014-15 school year.

After much prayer and reflection it became obvious that God was directing us to meet the needs of the children. The decision of the board of directors was unanimous that we, by faith, begin the process to secure a large loan to double the size of the Hope Center. This entire process has been completed. Our expectations are that by the time the new school year begins, we will have 9 more classrooms, a second, larger sensory room, and a specially designed Conductive Education room. The facility will have special lighting along with rooms that have walls designed to absorb sound. This will help all of our students that have sensory disorders.

We would like to thank the parents of our students for giving us the opportunity to work with their children. We also would like to thank the community for their continued support of Sara’s Garden and New Horizons Academy. Most importantly, we would like to thank God for his continued blessings and provision.