Loma Linda University Health PossAbilities was presented with a check on Jan. 28 for $1 million from its new title sponsor, Quest Diagnostics, one of the world’s leading providers of diagnostic testing, information and services.
“Today, we begin our partnership with Quest Diagnostics, an organization that shares the same passion as Loma Linda University Health ‘to make man whole,’” said Lyndon Edwards, MBA, MHS, senior vice president of Loma Linda University Medical Center East Campus, Surgical Hospital, Highland Springs Medical Plaza and the Behavioral Medicine Center, during the check presentation.
Leadership of Loma Linda University Health and Quest Diagnostics, Loma Linda University Health patients and members of PossAbilities were all in attendance at the event.
The sponsorship agreement, which officially began Jan. 1, 2015, calls for Quest Diagnostics to contribute $1 million over the next three years to the PossAbilities program — the free, non-profit community outreach program for individuals with permanent physical disabilities.
Jean-Marc Halbout, regional vice president of Quest Diagnostics, said he is looking forward to a very fruitful relationship with PossAbilities.
“We are honored and privileged to support this program,” Halbout said. “Our mission is evolving, and we are focusing on actions that will make a difference in health care, transforming the lives of the patients we serve.”
The care Loma Linda University Health provides is driven by its motto, “to make man whole,” and this treatment does not end when a patient is discharged from the hospital. PossAbilities gives patients with permanent physical disabilities the opportunity to continue growing stronger both physically and mentally through various projects and activities.
Edwards went on to add, “PossAbilities does a wonderful job of getting patients to an optimal state after an injuring experience.”
2016 Paralympic hopeful Greg Crouse, an army veteran who lost his left leg while serving overseas in 1988, has been a part of PossAbilities since 2008. Crouse expressed his gratitude to both organizations during the event, saying, “I’m honored to be a part of PossAbilities. Thank you for making my dreams a reality.”
The money from the Quest contribution will be used to fund the diverse activities hosted by PossAbilities, including the Road to Rio program for Paralympic hopefuls, the annual triathlon (coming April 26), youth camps and mentorships, the Redlands Bicycle Classic Para-Cycling Race Series and the Inland Empire Disabilities Collaborative Expo and Conference.
Pedro Payne, PhD, director of PossAbilities, expressed his gratitude by saying, “We could not do all these things without partners like Quest.”
Additionally, the funds will underwrite the annual grant and scholarship program that awards more than $50,000 per year in adaptive equipment, accessibility projects, sporting activities and educational scholarships for PossAbilities members.
For more information about PossAbilities, visit www.teampossabilities.org.