American Lung Association Preparing for 42nd Annual Corporate Cup April 16

The American Lung Association invites you to join thousands of Nebraskans on April 16 for a legendary Nebraska tradition, the Corporate Cup. This is your opportunity to challenge yourself, impact your community and be a part of Omaha history. The Corporate Cup is a professionally-timed 10K and 5K run, and an untimed 5K and one-mile walk.

The 42nd annual Corporate Cup, powered by Green Plains, is returning to Aksarben Village. It features one-of-a-kind views of spring in Elmwood Park and the University of Nebraska at Omaha. It’s the perfect setting for a day of fun, challenge and camaraderie.

Hundreds of thousands of participants and more than 400 companies have participated in the past to raise nearly $1.8 million in support of the mission of the Lung Association. This year, you can join the challenge and raise money to help provide life-saving lung health research, patient education and public policy efforts. The routes may vary in their distances, but each offers an opportunity for teams and individuals to challenge themselves.

For more information about the Corporate Cup, visit OmahaCorporateCup.com.

The American Lung Association saves lives right here in Nebraska through research, education and advocacy. They provide support and education for those living with asthma, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and fighting threats to lung health such as tobacco, air pollution and more. To learn more, go to lung.org.

MethodistJennieEdmundsonRecognizes VolunteersduringNationalVolunteerWeek

During the month of April, Methodist Jennie Edmundson (MJE) gives special recognition to their many volunteers at Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital for all they do every day throughout the year.

During National Volunteer Week, April 16 – 22, many organizations give tribute to these wonderful individuals. At MJE, they are no exception and proudly honor them for all they do. They thank their volunteers for their kind and caring manor and for being loyal to what they do as a Jennie volunteer.

MJE Volunteers add to the quality of services they provide to their patients, their families and the community. Every day, volunteers help improve a patient’s stay at the hospital, whether helping doctors and nurses, delivering newspapers and flowers, working in the gift shop or information desks.

Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital welcomes new volunteers to join this incredibly compassionate team who are the heart and soul of the hospital. As a volunteer you can choose days, evenings or weekends to fit into your schedule. There are also opportunities to volunteer at special events and fundraisers.

Find out more about MJE’s volunteer program by visiting jehfoundation. org and follow the ‘Get Involved’ tab, or call (712) 396-6040.

The Jennie Edmundson Foundation works to build a bridge between the community and the hospital to enhance the resources that support Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital in meeting the health care needs of the community. Their team believes in the power of philanthropy to save lives. For more information, go to jehfoundation.org.

AAP and MMI World Autism Day Celebration to be Held April 2

Autism Action Partnership (AAP) and Munroe-Meyer Institute (MMI) ask you to join in celebrating World Autism Day on April 2 from noon to 2 p.m. at Omaha’s Gene Leahy Mall.

The community celebration will include food trucks and face painting, as well as yard games and booths featuring community partners, friends and other champions for autism. The Rose, Special Olympics, The Omaha Children’s Museum and Why Arts are among the groups offering booths with fun activities. The Omaha Police Department’s mounted patrol will also make an appearance. GottaBeMe’s Heartlight Choir will perform at 12:30 p.m. on the stage.

The event is the kickoff for Autism Acceptance Month, and AAP and MMI also are collaborating on a billboard campaign, with this year’s theme being “Uniqueness Unites Us.”

The monthlong campaign to spread autism awareness and acceptance also will include an online toolbox, developed by MMI and hosted on the AAP website, for businesses, organizations and anyone who would like to learn more, promote and celebrate Autism Awareness Month. Autism Action Partnership aims to improve the quality of life of persons on the Autism Spectrum and their families though education, advocacy and support, thereby enabling them to be an integral part of the community. For more information, visit www.autismaction.org.

BrainInjuryAllianceof NebraskaOffersFree ResourceFacilitationProgram

The Brain Injury Alliance of Nebraska offers a free service that assists individuals with a brain injury, families and caregivers through its Resource Facilitation program. Resource facilitators serve as points of contact for individuals and families across the state seeking help with brain injury.

Additionally, resource facilitators network with community providers and service systems to educate others about the unique needs of people with brain injuries. Providing this education and awareness can then increase the support systems available for people living with brain injuries and reduce the stigma about brain injuries.

Brain injuries are often labeled an “invisible injury.” Often, it is the most extreme physical symptoms such as seizures, weakness and paralysis that tend to be associated with brain injuries. However, there are far more subtle symptoms that affect individuals who have experienced a brain injury.

Symptoms such as memory and reasoning impairments, social agitation, impulsiveness and lack of initiative often cause problems with completing daily tasks and maintaining productive employment and relationships. Without proper recognition and help in developing strategies to manage these symptoms, livelihoods and families are often negatively impacted.

To learn how you can partner with the Brain Injury Alliance of Nebraska’s Resource Facilitation program, visit biane.org/partner-with-us.

The Brain Injury Alliance of Nebraska was founded in 2009 to create better futures for all Nebraskans through brain injury prevention, education, advocacy and support. For more information, contact Peggy Reisher, MSW, executive director, at peggy@biane.org or (402) 890-0606.