Dear Friends,
We are excited to chair Evening of Hope, Saturday, September 9th, 2023, supporting Andee's Army. Proceeds from this important - and fun - event will support SPINE, BRAIN and Brain Buddies, Andee's Army initiatives at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Our honoree this year is Anna-Lisa Tarabicos, Nurse Practitioner and Manager of APP for Physiatry at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
It is hard to navigate the ever-changing city of Atlanta, and most cities these days. Imagine doing that as a teenager with disabilities. The SPINE and BRAIN programs at CHOA are crafted to help progress overall independence and wellness for young persons living with spinal cord injury. The program puts participants in real-world settings - grocery stores, MARTA, the airport - teaching participants how to function independently. Brain Buddies helps brain injury patients through a mix of peer support, outings, and shared resources. They make friends and learn to navigate their new normal. The goal of both programs is to support these adolescents as they integrate back into the community and transition to adulthood.
As the medical leader for the Day Rehabilitation program at CHOA, our honoree, Anna- Lisa Tarabicos, plays an integral role in the medical and social well-being of her patients. Affectionately known as "Mama Lisa, she knows what it takes to help these patients live as fully as possible. She has witnessed the transformation in her patients that participate in the SPINE, BRAIN and Brain Buddies programs, and knows they will have lasting real-world applications.
The patients Andee's Army serves have experienced life-altering injuries, and work hard to recover many of the basic life functions we take for granted. Inspired by one young girl, it has grown to support many others with spinal cord and brain injuries. Insurance does not cover many of the medical and related items needed for the patients to achieve the highest level of functioning and independence possible. In partnership with Shepherd Center and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Andee's Army provides personalized grants, technologies, and programs.
Our theme this year is the "Wonder of Hope" and we have a fun night planned at Flourish! Experience all the wonder of childhood delights with a grown-up twist! Papa Sol will have everyone on the dance floor and Tony Conway has delectable gourmet delights lined up. It will be an enjoyable evening as we support this important cause.
Together, we can give these patients the tools to hope that they can one day live independently and have better quality lives. We look forward to seeing you on September 9th!
Sincerely,
Ansley Brown Bowman and Morgan Sandlin

