Friday, April 18, 2025
49.6 F
Roseville

Activist Donohue started Sarah Jane Brain Foundation

About three years ago, I shared the story of New Yorker Patrick Donohue and his 4-year-old daughter, Sarah Jane. Much has happened since and Donohue’s nonprofit foundation is important, so I telephoned recently asking for updates.

If you remember, for no apparent reason, a hired nurse violently abused Sarah Jane at five days old and broke four of her ribs, her collarbone, and caused a pediatric traumatic brain injury (PTBI). The nurse fully confessed her crime to police. Three years ago, Sarah Jane couldn’t walk, stand, talk intelligibly or eat on her own.

Donohue, who had been an attorney and high-powered political consultant, started the Sarah Jane Brain Foundation to fund and encourage PTBI research. PTBI, which can be caused in part by car accidents, stroke, tumors, falls, sports injuries or gunshots, is the nation’s leading cause of child death and disability. Through the Foundation, Donohue has been developing a seamless, standardized, nationwide, evidence-based system of PTBI care universally accessible for children, adults, and families. He also has been an advocate for expanded government funding of PTBI research.

Lately, Sarah Jane has been improving because of the care of chiropractic neurologist Dr. Victor Pedro, who Donohue met at a Harvard conference. Said 41-year-old Donohue in a telephone interview, “Within five days of (Dr. Pedro) working with her, she was sleeping through the night for the first time in a year and within a month was off all medication. Within three months, we started seeing changes in her behaviors. All her therapists report cognitive gains. These are monumental shifts.”

He added, “(Sarah Jane) now goes to a wonderful school in Manhattan called Standing Tall. She is thriving in the school environment. She can’t speak or walk, but she will. My job as her dad is to change the world for her by advancing new types of treatments and therapies, and raising awareness.”

Donohue has gone global with his Foundation, even promoting his vision in Asian countries. In the U.S., he has been shepherding a $2.9 billion, seven-year initiative through Congress for PTBI research. Donohue said the federal government spends billions annually on HIV/AIDS and autism research, but only $10 million on PTBI even though 755.000 American youths visit hospitals annually with new brain injuries.

He said, “Every day I can say I’m making progress for Sarah Jane is a wonderful day. Keep the prayers coming because they work.”



Coming Up!

Coming Up!

Trending

Can I still be healthy on Spring Break? 6 travel tips from a nutritionist

Sacramento, Calif.- After many weeks of rain and cold in the Sacramento area, it's finally time to start thinking about spring break travel!

Human Genome Project: Personalize your health

Incredibly, years ago, the entire human genome was mapped! You might be thinking, "What is that, and how does it affect me?"

California Window Fashions by Skyline in Roseville

Transform the natural light in your Roseville home with window treatments. Discover Hunter Douglas shades and blinds, shutters and drapery.

2025 Genesis GV80 Coup arrives with dubious name

The new 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe. The luxury division of Hyundai, Genesis officially categorizes the vehicle as a mid-size luxury SUV. Yet there's no denying the sloping roofline is reminiscent of a coupe

Lowest Gas Prices in Folsom, El Dorado Hills, & Orangevale

Folsom, Calif. – In Folsom, gas prices have begun rising along with tariff induced recession fears. Finding the lowest gas prices in Folsom is more important than ever for many local residents.

Topics

Can I still be healthy on Spring Break? 6 travel tips from a nutritionist

Sacramento, Calif.- After many weeks of rain and cold in the Sacramento area, it's finally time to start thinking about spring break travel!

Human Genome Project: Personalize your health

Incredibly, years ago, the entire human genome was mapped! You might be thinking, "What is that, and how does it affect me?"

California Window Fashions by Skyline in Roseville

Transform the natural light in your Roseville home with window treatments. Discover Hunter Douglas shades and blinds, shutters and drapery.

2025 Genesis GV80 Coup arrives with dubious name

The new 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe. The luxury division of Hyundai, Genesis officially categorizes the vehicle as a mid-size luxury SUV. Yet there's no denying the sloping roofline is reminiscent of a coupe

Lowest Gas Prices in Folsom, El Dorado Hills, & Orangevale

Folsom, Calif. – In Folsom, gas prices have begun rising along with tariff induced recession fears. Finding the lowest gas prices in Folsom is more important than ever for many local residents.

New Folsom Lake boating rules begin Monday, April 14th

Folsom, Calif.- Faced with the rapid spread of golden mussels across California waterways, state and federal officials are imposing new measures at Folsom Lake to prevent the invasive species from taking hold. New state-mandated rules go into effect Monday, April 14

SMUD’s Shine program invests $532,000 in local nonprofit projects

Sacramento, Calif. - Twenty-one local nonprofit organizations will benefit from more than $532,000 in funding from SMUD's annual Shine program. The Shine program, now in its 8th year, is supporting nonprofit programs that engage communities

Stanford Jazz Festival summer 2025 lineup schedule

Palo Alto, Calif. - Featuring a stellar roster of the world's greatest jazz artists, the Stanford Jazz Festival 2025 celebrates the depth and diversity of the contemporary jazz scene, building on a half-century legacy of jazz preservation and innovation in the heart of Northern California.

Related Articles

Local Spotlight

Roseville Sheet Metal serving community’s heating and air needs for over 70 years

Roseville, Calif. - At Roseville Sheet Metal, we’re proud of our years of service to the Roseville area and look forward to helping you with your air conditioning and heating needs.

Mobley Pest Services in Roseville serving the community and region for over 20 years

Roseville, Calif.- Fully licensed and bonded, Mobley Pest Services in Roseville has been providing reliable pest control services for well over 20 years. Serving residents and businesses in the greater Placer and Sacramento region, Mobley Pest Services is locally owned and operated in Roseville.

California Recovery Center in Roseville offers treatment for substance abuse and mental health

California Recovery Center (CRC) is a treatment provider for adults with substance abuse and mental health condition, located in Roseville and serving the greater Sacramento region.