When clients are able to receive the care they need to stay safely at home, miracles truly
happen! Recently, two medically-fragile home care recipients were able to make their dreams
come true by throwing out the First Pitch at their respective local MLB affiliate games—and
drum up public awareness and support for home care at the same time!
Home Care Recipient Emily Brong throws First Pitch at Iron Pigs game—standing up!
This is not the first time that Palmerton, PA resident Emily Brong and her beloved nurse Tamie
threw out the First Pitch at a Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs game. They did so in 2017, which was just
two years after a car accident left Emily with a traumatic brain injury (TBI), unable to stand or
communicate verbally. Tamie has been working diligently with Emily and her care team to help
Emily beat the odds and learn to walk again. This includes regular sessions at Good Shephard
Rehabilitation, where Emily has been relearning how to stand and take steps.
That’s why this First Pitch was so special: Emily and Tamie were able to return a few years after
their original First Pitch and do this one out of Emily’s wheelchair! Tamie and Emily’s hard work
has been paying off, and dozens of home care employees, Emily’s loved ones, and onlookers
cheered the duo on.
The BAYADA office director that oversees Emily’s case, Logan Wilkins, said, “Tamie has been
an incredible nurse to Emily, and a tremendous inspiration to our staff. Emily’s team of amazing
nurses not only help Emily with her skilled care needs, but they truly shows Emily that her
physical disabilities do not limit her life. Emily’s nurses take Emily to Harrisburg to take part in
advocacy, regularly go to concerts and community events, and more.”
Emily’s First Pitch was covered by WFMZ 69.
Nursing Care Beneficiary Mikey Ash throws First Pitch at RailRiders game
19-year-old Mikey Ash recently celebrated his graduation from high school and was thrilled to
be able to throw out the First Pitch at the Scranton Wilkes-Barre RailRiders game. His mom,
Nicki, is a home care nurse and is able to provide Mikey’s daily care needs. Mikey also has a
team of overnight nurses—one of which, Tatiana, accompanied him during his First Pitch
adventure.
Fox 56 featured Mikey’s story and incorporated mom’s message about the importance of home
care, and why it’s imperative that Pennsylvania State Medicaid funding for home care is
adequate—so that enough nurses and caregivers are attracted to the home care industry.
In addition to Mikey, Nicki, and Tatiana—many home care advocates and supporters were able
to attend this game to cheer on Mikey.
The BAYADA office director that oversees Mikey’s case, Marian Lehman, shared, “It was an
extraordinary opportunity to share the importance of home care with the community. And most
of all, it was an incredible night for Mikey and his mom. Seeing our impact on clients’ lives is the
most rewarding aspect of what we do, and we must continue to share our voices to show the
wider community what home care means to these families.”
Continued Advocacy for our Clients and Caregivers
Stories like these would not be possible without the incredible work frontline nurses, aides, and
other caregivers do to ensure that thousands of medically-fragile children, adults, and seniors
are able to stay safe and healthy at home. Without proper State supports and funding, home
care is not possible. When aides and nurses are attracted to better-paying jobs elsewhere,
home care providers struggle to ensure there are enough caregivers to meet clients’ and
families’ needs.
That’s why Hearts for Home Care (H4HC) seeks to create a nationwide network of home care
advocates: To share stories of home care’s impact with the public and legislators, and influence
public policy that allows for home care to be better funded, and better accessed by those that
need it most. To learn more and to join the movement, visit heartsforhomecare.com/advocate-form or
follow Hearts for Home Care on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
