Information: www.embracedatlanta.org
Once an aspiring doctor, Lauren O’Brien worked in for-profit and non-profit clinics and noticed a need that could be solved by a little compassion. “After people were done with their therapies or recoveries, perfectly good equipment would be given back and not used,” said O’Brien. “And on the other side, there were people who couldn’t afford to buy crutches, walkers, wheelchairs or similar items to help them with mobility.”
She started a collection drive to gather unused equipment and give it to those who are underinsured or uninsured. What started as a project grew into Embraced, a nonprofit that provides assistive mobility devices and prosthetic devices to individuals in need both locally and globally. “It grew so fast and it became an opportunity to give people an opportunity at a meaningful life,” added O’Brien.
One of these people is four-year-old Sebastian “Bash” Dimpleton who was born with Arthogryposis Multiplex Congenita, a rare disease that disables him from lifting his arms. On Saturday, Oct. 18, Embraced hosted Battle of the Burgers, its biggest fundraiser, at John Howell Park in Virginia-Highland. With over 5,000 attendees and participation of 20 restaurants in Atlanta, the fundraiser raised money for the organization and its programs. This year, it also raised money for prosthetic arms for Dimpleton, which he refers to as “magic arms”.
“It’s been overwhelming to see the support the community has for Embraced and helping people like Bash,” said Christina Hagelin, Bash’s mother.
Helping Embraced fulfill its mission is a need that O’Brien calls on the community for. There are over 60 collection bins around Atlanta where people can donate their old and unused equipment, “or people can start their own collection drive or sponsor a collection bin,” said O’Brien. People can also pick up donations, help sort medical equipment and distribute them to people in need.
“So many children and people who don’t have the same resources and Embraced is helping them get through one hurdle and like Bash, empowering them to have a full life,” added Hagelin.
In other news: Peach State Federal Credit Union has donated $1,000 from the 19th Annual Northeast Georgia Chapter of Credit Unions golf tournament to the Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry, Inc. The donation will help the food bank and financial support group advance their initiative to help members of the community become self-sufficient.
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