Mobility & Recovery: Closing the St. Louis Orthope

True healthcare extends far beyond the walls of a clinic—it includes ensuring patients have the tools they need to heal safely at home.

When a patient undergoes a major orthopedic surgery or suffers a traumatic bone injury, their physical rehabilitation relies entirely on durable medical equipment (DME)—essential devices like wheelchairs, pediatric crutches, specialized braces, and steerable knee scooters.

Unfortunately, thousands of local patients hit a hidden financial bottleneck. Commercial insurance and Medicare frequently label these vital recovery tools as "non-essential" or deny coverage entirely, leaving low-income and underinsured St. Louis families to pay hundreds of dollars out-of-pocket. When a family cannot afford this gear, a patient’s physical rehab stalls, heavily risking long-term joint damage, chronic pain, or permanent mobility loss.

We are stepping in to bridge this gap.

For this year's Give STL Day, I am leading a targeted 4-week campaign to raise $10,000 for the St. Louis Health Equipment Lending Program (STLHELP). Every dollar raised goes directly toward purchasing and refurbishing high-demand orthopedic recovery equipment, which is then distributed completely free of charge to any regional resident in need—with zero income or insurance restrictions.

By donating today, you aren't just giving money; you are directly giving a neighbor their independence, safety, and path to healing back. Thank you for helping us keep St. Louis moving!