Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York’s Post

Why It Matters

In recent years, there have been a number of new drugs approved for #ALS, and Muscular Dystrophy Association funding has been involved either directly or indirectly in most of those. One example is QALSODY® (tofersen), which is a drug for a genetic form of ALS, and MDA funded the first clinical trial for the predecessor to that drug. One of the key areas of #ALSresearch that we think is very important is the ability to diagnose people earlier. Most people have symptoms of ALS for a year to six months before they're actually diagnosed, so if we could back up that time and start drugs and clinical trials earlier, we feel like that would have a great impact across different types of therapies in ALS. #ALSawarenessMonth #EndALSwithMDA  

“What can we do to serve those that serve us that are less fortunate than us, and give back?” -Robert Irvine ___ Robert’s “service above self” mentality stems from his upbringing and background as a cook in the British Royal Navy.⚓️ Check out this clip, and don’t forget to view the full episode at the 🔗link in our bio. #GivingLegendsPodcast #GivingIsLegendary #RobertIrvine #GiveBack #ServiceAboveSelf #Vetrans #RoyalNavy ZOA Energy

When a photo says 1,000 words. This photo was shared by my sweet friend, Jenny Lynne Stroup & it hasn’t left my mind since seeing her original post. Pictured is the USS DWIGHT D EISENHOWER CVN 69 with its lights off & at rest after returning home recently from a very long, extended deployment… …& then extended again. Directly next to it is the USS Harry S. Truman with its lights on & ready to roll out. Here’s the thing - Deployment’s don’t stop. This is an example of only 2 US Navy aircraft carriers swapping out on mission. At this moment, the U.S. has over 200,000 military personnel deployed. 200,000 service members away from their family, friends, & loved ones. 200,000 service members families “holding down the fort” & just waiting for the day their service member comes home. When one unit comes home, another unit heads out. Rinse & repeat. *Deployments don’t stop.* Support for our service members can’t stop. Resources MUST be constantly fueled & on the ready. Nonprofits & organizations supporting the service members that keep us sleeping peacefully at night are constantly needed. If you ever needed a sign or red flag stating WHY military support organizations are NEEDED…this is it. 🚩 Because deployments don’t stop. **I encourage you to pop over to Cassidy Norman’s posts & read a bit more into what the Ike’s deployment looked like for its crew. Hint - “…the most intense & sustained combat at sea since World War II.” Believe me, you’ll want to read the rest. #operationgratitude #supportourtroops #nonprofit #socialimpact #giveback #volunteer #remembereveryonedeployed Operation Gratitude

Helping veterans find jobs at military ready companies is crucial. Lots of companies claim to be military friendly but don't have the systems in place to onboard and retain these talented employees. Love that Military Connected not only helps veterans find jobs but also teach companies become military-ready through a proprietary four-phase consultancy and engagement program. #veteranemployment #hiringveterans #humanresources

Local Hero, National Bravery: The Story of Hiram W. Purcell and the Medal of Honor Growing up in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Civil War history wasn't just in textbooks; it was woven into the fabric of our community. Monuments dotted the landscape, silent testaments to the sacrifices made generations before. One name that resonated with me was Hiram W. Purcell, a local boy who earned the highest military honor – the Medal of Honor. Hiram, born in 1837 in Upper Black Eddy, wasn't just a name on a plaque. He was a young man, not much older than I was when I first learned about him, who volunteered with the 104th Pennsylvania Infantry during the Civil War. In 1862, at the Battle of Fair Oaks, Virginia, Hiram found himself in the midst of a fierce battle. As his regiment retreated, entrusted with carrying the colors, he displayed courage that transcended the chaos. Facing the advancing enemy, a decision had to be made in a split second. Hiram, instead of continuing the retreat, turned back into the fray. His singular focus – to save the other regimental flag from capture. This act of selfless bravery, under heavy fire, stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication to duty and his comrades. Hiram's heroism wasn't recognized immediately. It wasn't until 1894, over 30 years later, that he received the Medal of Honor. Though delayed, the recognition solidified his place among the nation's bravest. Hiram W. Purcell's story is a reminder that heroism can emerge from the most ordinary people. It's a call to courage that echoes through the ages, inspiring us to stand tall in the face of adversity. #HiramWPurcell #MedalofHonor #CivilWarHero #BucksCounty #LocalHistory #AmericanValor

In preparation for our upcoming Board of Directors meeting, we asked our Veteran Director, Tim Hickey, to update us on Veteran Homelessness. "...the actual numbers for homeless veterans has increased more than the 7% in that article was recently shared. They changed the definition of 'homeless' and made it more restrictive - and the numbers STILL went up." We must do better. Nobody Should Freeze to Death in America. Nobody. Especially not our veterans. #dobetter #vets #veterans #marines #usmc #army #navy #airforce #coastguard #homelessness #military #brotherhood #suicideprevention #charity #codeofvets #donate #instagood #veterans #homeless #supportourveterans #veteransupport #usveterans #veteranshelpingveterans #veteransuicideawareness #veteransusa #philanthropy #nonprofitleadership #veteransadministration #veteransforveterans #subzeromission #sub0mission #nobodyshouldfreezetodeathinamerica

In response to my original post, I received an excellent question from Michael Pihosh. “𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐯𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐝?” Here is my answer: 🇺🇸 Participate in a Memorial Day event today like a parade, ceremony, or other event dedicated to honoring veterans. Your simple presence shows support and respect for these heroes. 🇺🇸 Donate to a veteran organization that provides services and support to veterans, such as the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, the Wounded Warrior Project, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and The American Legion. It doesn’t need to be a tremendous amount. It all adds up! 🇺🇸 Volunteer Your Time at a veteran hospital, care facility, or local event. Even a small amount of time makes a big difference. Don’t feel like this has to be a huge time commitment! 🇺🇸 Reach out to a veteran today if you happen to know one personally. A simple call or message to “check in” and express your gratitude means a lot to them. This can be a really short call. Don’t let the potential time commitment overwhelm you. 🇺🇸 Support and/or patronize a veteran-owned businesses. This helps them thrive in their post-service careers. 🇺🇸 Quickly educate yourself today on the history and significance of Memorial Day and share this knowledge with someone else to foster an appreciation of this holiday weekend. 🇺🇸 Advocate for veteran issues by using your voice toward policies and initiatives that benefit veterans, whether it’s through social media, writing your legislator, or participating in an advocacy group. 🇺🇸 Fly the flag at your home or business to honor those who have served and sacrificed. You can still do this today!

🌟 Day 16/100: The Spirit of Service - Extending Beyond the Uniform 🌟 Day 16 of our journey brings us to a core value that defines military life and enriches our civilian communities: the Spirit of Service. Service in the military goes beyond the call of duty; it’s a deep-seated commitment to supporting one another, upholding shared values, and contributing to the greater good. This ingrained sense of service doesn’t end with the uniform; it extends into every aspect of a veteran’s life, inspiring involvement in community initiatives, volunteer work, and public service. The transition to civilian life provides a broad platform for veterans to apply this spirit of service, making meaningful impacts in their communities and beyond. Whether it’s through leadership in local organizations, volunteering, or mentoring, the contributions of veterans are invaluable. “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.” - Muhammad Ali. This quote encapsulates the essence of the spirit of service, emphasizing that giving back is a fundamental aspect of a fulfilling life. #SpiritOfService #VeteranCommunity #GiveBack #VeteransInService #Day16of100 📌 16/100: Today, let’s celebrate the ongoing contributions of veterans in our communities and reflect on how we can each embody the spirit of service in our daily lives. It’s about making a difference, one act of service at a time.

Honouring Our Heroes: 80 Years Since D-Day. Today marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings; and I'd like us to pause and reflect on the courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment of the brave men and women who stormed the beaches of Normandy on that fateful day in 1944. Allied Forces Unite: Troops from the UK, the USA, Canada, and France joined forces to launch the largest seaborne invasion in history. Their collective determination turned the tide of World War II, laying the foundation for an Allied victory. From Portsmouth to Normandy: On June 6, 1944, these heroes faced unimaginable challenges as they waded through the cold waters, dodging bullets and artillery fire. Their sacrifice and resilience paved the way for freedom and peace. Remembering Our Veterans: Today, we stand on the shoulders of giants—those who risked everything for our liberty. Let us remember their valour, their sacrifice, and their unwavering commitment to a better world. Supporting Our Veterans: Supporting veterans isn’t just about remembering the past; it’s about ensuring their well-being today. You can support this by advocating for mental health services, employment opportunities, and a strong support network for those who served. Learning from History: The lessons of D-Day resonate across generations. We must teach our children about the importance of unity, peace, and freedom. Their testimony serves as a timeless reminder that we must never take these precious values for granted. https://lnkd.in/eSuBiMy6 #DDay80 #RememberingHeroes Tim O'Keefe (FIRP) Nick Garland CDW UK Mark Murphy