Voice For Joanie Benefit Magic Show

NEW MILFORD — Voice for Joanie, Inc, a nonprofit organization that provides assistive technology to people suffering with Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) and other debilitating conditions, is hosting a benefit pizza party and magic show. This special fundraising event will be held at the Holiday Restaurant in Veteran’s Plaza, Saturday, May 16, from 6 to 10 pm. The party will feature the skills of “Magic” Marty Steinberg and RNM DJ entertainment. Tickets to help the organization continue “bringing a voice to the voiceless” are $20 for adults and $10 for children.

For the last 19 years, in Connecticut and throughout the United States, Voice for Joanie has provided assistive technology, free of charge, to more than 700 people with ALS and other debilitating conditions who can no longer speak. If these individuals can blink an eye or raise an eyebrow or barely move a finger, Voice for Joanie has equipment that can overcome communication difficulties.

As ALS progresses, Voice for Joanie replaces equipment with different technology that better meets an individual’s needs. Clients can once again express their needs, thoughts and emotions, speak with their family, friends and caregivers, and maintain some control over their environment.

One client recently wrote about the life-changing assistance provided by Voice for Joanie:

“I now sit at my computer an average of 35 hours per week! I absolutely love it. I can’t utter one intelligible word, so I find great solace in knowing that I have some way to communicate. Without my computer, I would probably go crazy because I have the insatiable desire to be understood. I write letters, poems and articles. I have freedom and creativity with this computer. I use it to converse with my family and guests. I’m having fun. If you ever wonder what good you are doing just read my letter over and over and over again! I couldn’t live without [Voice for Joanie].”

Voice for Joanie, Inc, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, was founded in 1990. It is named for the late Joan Margaitis of Morris, a victim of ALS.

As the disease progressed, Ms Margaitis became totally paralyzed. Her mind remained clear and active; she could only express her thoughts by blinking.

Ms Margaitis’s lifelong friend Shirley Fredlund obtained a speech synthesizer and an IBM-donated computer system to help her friend communicate. Even though Ms Margaitis died only days before the technology was made available, her struggle inspired a movement that today — through the tireless efforts of an all-volunteer staff — gives many like her the gift of speech.