Dive For A Cause 2009 - Recipient Charity

 

Judy Dan Wound Care Centre

 

Last years participants have chosen Judy Dan Wound Care Centre as our 2009 event recipient charity . The Centre provides Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for patients with chronic Diabetic non-healing wounds. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) can expedite the healing of certain types of chronic, non-healing wounds. It also reduces patient suffering, disability and prevents unnecessary hospitalizations and amputations.The Judy Dan Wound Care Centre also is conducting a Level One, prospective, randomized, double blind, controlled research study. Knowledge gained in the role of oxygen in healing wounds, and its effect on stem cells and biochemical factors, could have far reaching implications beyond diabetic wound care.

The following summary is taken directly from the Ontario Wound Care website which provides the funding for The Judy Dan centre. If you would like to read this in entirety, please go to http://www.ontariowoundcare.com

In Canada, laws prohibit patients from paying for "essential medical treatment" themselves, leaving most diabetic patients no choice other than to undergo amputation when standard wound care fails. Most patients with diabetic wounds have been disabled for considerable time and do not have the health or financial resources to obtain this treatment in other countries. Ontario Wound Care Inc. needs donations to help cover the treatment costs and conduct ongoing research. They do not charge the patients for treatment.

CHRONIC-DIABETIC WOUNDS – The Cause: Diabetes Mellitus damages the nerves in the feet resulting in a loss of sensation. Minor skin abrasions and cuts on the feet can occur without pain or without the patient’s awareness. Diabetes also damages and blocks blood vessels, particularly small vessels in the feet, resulting in poor circulation and reduced oxygen supply. Without adequate blood supply and oxygenation, the cells that repair wounds and fight infection cannot function. Minor abrasions and cuts can become chronic, infected wounds. Once infection reaches bone, amputation of the limb often results.

Diabetes Mellitus – The Human Cost

• Approximately 2 million Canadians have Diabetes Mellitus (almost 7% of the general population).
• 10 to 15% of patients with Diabetes Mellitus will develop leg or foot ulcers in their lifetime as a consequence of their disease. In Toronto, this translates to approximately 10,000 people.
• 10% of diabetics suffering from chronic wounds will require amputation, approximately 1,000 leg amputations per year.
• Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic, lower extremity amputations in Canada.
• Of those who have an amputation, there is a 50% chance of requiring amputation of the other leg within 5 years.

Frequently, patients who lose a limb become permanently wheelchair bound or bedridden. Many require considerable social services and long, costly hospitalizations. Less than half of senior amputees ever become fully rehabilitated.