Cora Fletcher was recently the recipient of the PEI Lung Association's 100th sleep apnea machine, given out through the Sleep Apnea Refurbishment Program.
The year-old program works to collect sleep apnea machines that are no longer in use and refurbish them to be given out to those in need. Sleep apnea machines can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $8,000, and many Islanders do not have private insurance and cannot afford the cost of machine.
Untreated sleep apnea can cause other major health issues like high blood pressure heart arrythmia, stroke, diabetes, depression and more. Fletcher, who has had sleep apnea for ten years, and recently needed the new machine, recounts the positive impacts she felt after starting sleep apnea therapy. Without the therapy Fletcher says she suffered constant headaches, was sore all over and was constantly tired, no matter how long she slept. Being able to receive therapy for her sleep apnea has changed her life, Fletcher says, describing the increased amount of energy she now has along with the elimination of her headaches and pain.
Cora Fletcher is just one of 100 Islanders who have been able to live a better life thanks to the provisions of our Sleep Apnea Refurbishment Program. As our program continues to operate, we hope to help more Islanders get the treatment they need to live a healthier and happier life.
Learn more about the program here.
Volunteer to Support our Sleep Apnea Refurbishment Program
The success of this program would not be possible without our partnership with organizations such as local sleep apnea machine providers, Lions Clubs, Dalhousie University Respiratory Therapy Program and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital who work together to collect, refurbish and distribute these life-altering machines to Islanders in need.
We are currently looking for support to expand our program, allowing us to refurbish and collect more machines, with the goal of decreasing wait times and increasing machine availability for Islanders in need. If you or your organization are interested in volunteering or partnering with our program, please contact us by email or phone.
Email: peilungassociation@gmail.com Phone: 902-892-5957