MIKE DITKA & GRIDIRON GREATS LAUNCH MEDICAL PROGRAM
RETIRED NFL PLAYERS IN DIRE NEED OF MEDICAL CARE TO RECEIVE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN COMPREHENSIVE DONATED MEDICAL SERVICES
PROGRAM FACT SHEET PROGRAM PROTOCOL OAA Treaments SSHAZ Treamtments
CHICAGO (May 13, 2008) – The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, a not-for-profit organization that provides assistance to retired NFL players in dire need, today announced a groundbreaking medical program that will provide millions of dollars in donated medical care to former NFL players.
The program is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of many former NFL players who suffer due to their inability to; care for their football-related injuries or secure affordable medical insurance which is largely due to the inadequate disability and pension plan provided by the NFLPA and NFL.
This unprecedented program will be facilitated by the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund and is being made possible through a new partnership between a group and doctors at two prestigious medical centers: the Surgical Specialty Hospital of Arizona in Phoenix and the OAA Orthopedic Specialists in Allentown, Pa.
Dr. Robert Palumbo who spearheaded the participation of OAA in the Gridiron Greats Medical program is a second opinion doctor for the NFLPA. He had offered similar services to the union in 2005, before he moved his practice from Orlando to Allentown. Once relocated, they never responded.
"We never received a call back from them," said Palumbo. "It became a situation where we were putting in all the effort to stay in contact. So we got in touch with the Gridiron Greats. We got very excited when they were receptive to the program. They now have a screening program in place which takes the burden off our staff. We get the easy part, practicing medicine." We all have busy practices," Palumbo says. "The reason we are doing this is because we want to help."
Dr Terry Simpson a partner in Surgical Specialilty Hospital of Arizona met Mike Ditka at a Gridiron Greats Super Bowl event and was so inspired he offered to donate the facilities and a team of specialists to provide services through thee GGAF medical program. SSHAZ services include spine surgery, joint replacement, pain management, obesity counseling and physical therapy.
"I heard story after story about the guys I watched on TV when I was growing up who are now destitute because of injuries," says Simpson. "I saw guys who couldn't walk and I thought it was disgraceful how these guys have been abandoned”. “I want to change the way the NFL looks at medicine, Team doctors, are more worried about getting hurt players back on the field than treating injuries”.
The Gridiron Greats also announced the formation of a Medical Advisory Board. Many of the physicians form both facilities will oversee that initiative. For the announcement, Ditka was joined at by former Chicago Bear, Andy Livingston, Mercury Morris (Miami Dolphins), JD Hill (Detroit Lions/Buffalo Bills) and Brian Demarco (Jacksonville Jaguars, Cincinnati Bengals). All suffer from severe football-related medical issues and are unable to afford costly treatments and procedures. These former players will be some of the first to be evaluated for the program.
“There’s been a lot of talk in recent years about the medical issues many retired players face due to the game and the lack of post career healthcare or affordable insurance”, said Mike Ditka. Ditka is a Board Member of the GGAF. “This has resulted in many players being forced into dire situations. There’s been too much talk, in fact, and not enough action. We’re pleased to announce today the start of the Gridiron Greats Medical Program. Due to the generosity of a group of medical specialists and their facilities, players who qualify will be able to get the medical care they need without incurring any cost. And it will happen fast.''
“Both the administrations and physicians at these institutions understand the problem and wanted to offer their help. When they contacted us and we started putting this program together it was just amazing, the level of compassion that these physicians have”, said Jennifer Smith, Gridiron Greats Executive Director. “Because of their generosity, the lives of many retired players will be transformed and a quality of life restored.”
The medical initiative will be facilitated through the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund. Retired NFL players can apply to the program by contacting the Gridiron Greats Administrative offices 1-800-708-1078. Detailed information about the program is available at www.gridiongreats.org including an outline of the programs protocol and fact sheet.
