CHICAGO, IL, April 26, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Dr. Helen Gelly of HyperbaRXs in Marietta, Georgia and Dr. David Schwegman from Hyperbaric Physicians of Georgia announced today they would join the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund's (GGAF) medical program that provides millions of dollars in donated medical care and treatment to retired NFL players in dire need. Gridiron Greats is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose purpose is to provide financial aid and medical assistance to former NFL players and their families. GGAF's medical program is a humanitarian initiative and intended to provide a wide variety of medical treatments to retired NFL players with little or no means to pay for medical care and treatment.
HyperbaRXs and Hyperbaric Physicians of Georgia join a growing portfolio of facilities offering pro bono surgical and medical services to GGAF members in need. "By enlisting the support of partners like HyperbaRXs and Hyperbaric Physicians of Georgia, GGAF is able to provide no-cost, quality healthcare and treatments to these men who have nowhere else to turn", said Shannon Jordan, Gridiron Greats President. "Because of their generosity, lives will be changed and we are truly grateful. Our collective goal is to get these great men and their families back on their feet."
"Every day on the news there is talk about medical issues many retired NFL players face due to the game and the lack of post career healthcare or affordable insurance," said Gridiron Greats Chairman Mike Ditka. "Many of these men are forced into dire situations and need treatments from trusted facilities. We're very appreciative to Dr. Gelly and Dr. Schwegman for their generosity in helping these retired players and welcome them with open arms to our team."
According to Dr. Gelly, "There is a growing acceptance of the utilization of hyperbaric oxygen in the treatment of traumatic brain injury. Anecdotal reports of marked improvement are now being substantiated by scientific studies. Repetitive head injuries can be devastating to the long-term health and wellbeing of athletes, and affects their quality of life." Dr. Schwegman added, "It is our honor to be able to offer these affected athletes another treatment modality in the armamentarium of therapeutic options available to them."
"As a former NFL player, I came to the Gridiron Greats to ask for medical assistance and to seek answers regarding my condition," said former fullback of the Houston Texans. "Gridiron Greats introduced me to HyperbaRXs and Hyperbaric Physicians of Georgia for treatment of a Traumatic Brain Injury I had been diagnosed with as a result of repeated concussions I received during my playing days. Not only did the treatments I received make a dramatic impact on my recovery, but also the physicians and staff were exceptionally knowledgeable, compassionate and provided me with extraordinary care throughout the entire course of my regimen. I strongly recommend HyperbaRXs and Hyperbaric Physicians of Georgia to anyone looking for a highly effective treatment administered by a staff of amazing professionals. I also have deep gratitude to the Gridiron Greats for treating me like family."
Retired NFL players can apply to the program by contacting GGAF offices (773) 867-8160 or by visiting www.gridirongreats.org for an application. Other facilities interested in joining the medical program please contact the GGAF office.
About Both Facilities - HyperbaRXs treatment centers are UHMS accredited facilities providing Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Wound Care. Hyperbaric Physicians of Georgia is a group of physicians who are certified wound care specialists and sub-specialty certified in Undersea & Hyperbaric Medicine.
About Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund
The GGAF's mission is to assist dire need retired NFL players who were pioneers of the game and who have greatly contributed to the NFL's status as the most popular sport in America. GGAF provides hands-on assistance to help retired players and their families deal with hardships they face after football. The services include medical assistance, transportation costs for medical evaluations and surgeries, dental assistance, housing assistance, financial assistance for utilities, medication, and coordination of services for food, automotive payments and childcare.
Website: www.gridirongreats.org
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