NOVEMBER 2020 • LONGISLANDPRESS.COM 25
DON’T LIVE
WITH PAIN.
OUR AWARD-WINNING TEAM
GETS YOU BACK IN THE GAME
DON’T LIVE
WITH PAIN.
ENJOY AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE AND
ALL THE THINGS YOU LOVE TO DO
Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine are leaders in
Long Island based orthopedic care. We are experts at
“Getting You Back to You” no matter what your activities
or source o f pain.
Whether you have a sports injury such as a simple sprain,
an age-related ailment such as the need for joint
replacement, or something far more complex, our
award-winning orthopedic team can e‚ectively diagnose,
treat and stabilize most injuries immediately.
We o‚er several convenient locations across Long Island
with on-site MRIs and other state-of-the-art equipment
readily available.
Total Orthopedics routinely ranks as Best Orthopedist on
Long Island. Our practice is also a†liated with some of
Long Island’s top hospitals to get you the finest care
possible.
Take the next step on the road to recovery and make
your appointment today.
G E T T I N G YO U B AC K TO YO U
As a leader in Long Island-based orthopedic care, Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
are the experts at “Getting You Back to You” no matter what your sport or source of pain.
Whether you have a sports injury such as a simple sprain, an age-related ailment such
as the need for joint replacement, or something far more complex, our award-winning
orthopedic team can effectively diagnose, treat and stabilize most injuries immediately
with on-site MRIs and other state-of-the-art equipment readily available.
Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine routinely ranks as Best Orthopedist on
Long Island and has several Top Doctors on staff. Our practice is also affiliated with
some of Long Island’s top hospitals and leading health care systems to get you the
finest care possible. We offer several convenient locations across Long Island.
Getting You Back To You
MASSAPEQUA • EAST MEADOW • SYOSSET • DEER PARK
SYOSSET • MASSAPEQUA • EAST MEADOW • DEER PARK
855-321-6784 • TOTALORTHOSPORTSMED.COM
855-321-6784 • TOTALORTHOSPORTSMED.COM
PRESS BUSINESS
SALUTING INDEPENDENCE,
VETERANS
BY MAIA VINES
Canine Companions
for
Independence,
a
nonprofit
t h a t
provides
assistance
dogs to
people with
disabilities, is turning
its annual Veterans Day
ceremony into a virtual event due to the
coronavirus pandemic.
The event on Nov. 11, titled Saluting
Independence, will recognize those
who have served in World War II,
Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and
the War Against Terrorism. Saluting
Independence raises money for initiatives
that provide assistance dogs
to veterans with disabilities.
“As we draw closer to Veterans Day
we celebrate the service that America’s
men and women have dedicated
to the country,” said Debra Dougherty,
executive director of the group,
who is located at the organization’s
Medford-based northeast region
training center. “This also is a time
to champion the companions that assist
the veterans who have returned
with combat injuries and need a little
extra support in their lives.”
Two years ago, the organization created
a Veterans Initiative program,
placing service dogs with military
veterans suffering from post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD). The
dogs are not only trained for basic
tasks like item retrieval and turning
on lights but also help in situations
that may cause anxiety, such as night
interruptions or crowded public
spaces. More fundraising efforts
will be made to expand the program
this year.
“The service dogs create new opportunities
and new possibilities
for people that lead to increased
independence
and confidence,” Dougherty said.
Serving people who have varying
mental and physical challenges, the
nonprofit has gained international
recognition and support from all
over Long Island and beyond. Kevin
Schmidt from Islip Terrace says that
his service dog, Kip, makes his life
better.
“It’s been tough, and he gives me a
smile every day. It’s called Canine
Companions, but the companion part
is what really fulfills me,” Schmidt
said.
At the Saluting Independence ceremony,
Capt. Victor Prato of East
Marion and his service dog, Barbossa,
will be honored. Prato, a Purple
Heart recipient who was wounded
three years ago while serving in
Afghanistan, is the president of the
PenFed Foundation, helping veterans
and military service members with
housing, financial, and caregiving
opportunities.
“I knew that a perfect fit for me
would be to get a dog that could be
my companion and be with me as I
navigate the world now,” Prato said.
“Barbossa is my rock.”
Registration is required to receive access
to the event. Register at cci.org/
salutingindependence. Suggested
donation is $75. Canine Companions
can be reached at 1-800-572-BARK
(2275).
CANINE COMPANIONS
A Canine Companion for hearing
quietly lies and awaits any task
she may need to perform (Getty
Images)
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