The Joseph Robert Shaw Foundation, Inc. d/b/a Joey’s Foundation
“Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” — Mother Teresa
Children with disabilities yearn for a sense of belonging, friendship with their peers, and hope for improvement.
Joey’s Foundation funds research, innovation, and education for children suffering from brain injury — so that potential, not prognosis, gets the final word.
A severe diagnosis is not a ceiling on a child’s future.
Why we exist
In October 2015, a 20-month-old boy named Joey went into cardiac arrest. He received CPR for 41 minutes.
He survived. The oxygen deprivation left him with a severe brain injury. His family chose to see what was still possible — and built an organization to fund the people who could help get Joey, and children like him, to achieve their full potential.
What we have learned with Joey is to presume competence. He is resilient, quick to learn, energetic, motivated and has profound inner strength.
— Joey’s grandfather
Where the funding goes
Three ways we back children’s recovery
01 · Research
Funding the science of recovery
We support Kennedy Krieger Institute affiliated research into rehabilitation approaches for children with movement disorders, in partnership with Amy Bastian, PhD, Chief Science Officer, NAS.
Zero G 3D
A study to determine the therapeutic benefit of an at-home Zero G 3D bodyweight support system on function and participation for individuals with Cerebral Palsy.
02 · Innovation
Funding the tools that make therapy work
From Johns Hopkins engineering students to Kennedy Krieger Institute, we back devices like PediaCORE and ADAPT that turn repetitive therapy into engaging play.
BFit power based exercise program
BFit, in partnership with the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, D.C., was so successful during its first two years that the program was expanded to two different locations and three sessions per year.
03 · Education
Funding a classroom that adapts to the child
When COVID-19 remote schools left students with disabilities behind, our ALPS program provided them small-group, therapist-supported academics.
Notes from Joey’s therapy & the classroom
Joey’s story, classroom updates, and notes from speech, occupational, physical, and music therapy.
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