Kadlec Neurological Resource Center (KNRC) began when a passionate group of individuals came together with a vision to provide resources for those living with epilepsy. Through their dedicated efforts and community support, the Battelle/Kadlec Epilepsy Center was created in 1981. Over the decades, the center grew and evolved a rich tradition of providing compassion, education, and support to individuals affected by a wide range of neurological disorders and those caring for them.
The center began expanding not long after its founding, adding assistance and resources for a wider range of neurological disorders. In the 1980s, the center’s expansion included a name change and the creation of the Kadlec Neurological Resource Center Library. KNRC moved to the Kadlec Healthplex in 2014 and became part of the newly formed Kadlec Community Health department in 2017. These changes allowed expansion of many of the programs to reach more people.
Throughout its history, KNRC has offered a wide range of free services and resources. The library was a treasure trove of articles, books, and research materials on various neurological disorders. Support groups provided a safe space for individuals to share their experiences and find comfort in knowing they are not alone. The center also hosted classes and events that covered wellness, living with health conditions, treatments, and caregiving.
The center's mission has always been to ensure that no one faces the challenges of a neurological disorder alone. As the center prepares to sunset this summer, KNRC’s most important legacy remains the people it has helped.
“I think the most beautiful thing was that people could just walk in,” said Karen Hayes, senior Community Health Investment manager. “They would share their story, and we would listen to them, connect them with resources, give them information, and help them. Our goal was always for people to leave with tools to make their lives easier. There is so much need.”
Much of its heritage will continue. Its Healthy Ages program, which includes Medicare education, Mall Walkers, End of Life, Vial of Life, and monthly wellness programs, is transitioning to Senior Life Resources Northwest. Kadlec is continuing mental health and suicide awareness and prevention programs and support groups.
“Although this change is necessary due to the financial pressures we are facing in health care, it is not a reflection of the incredible value the KNRC Library and affected Community Health programs have provided to so many,” said Reza Kaleel, chief executive of the Southeast Washington Service Area.
“Most people came in when they were at the end of their ropes as caregivers, or were dealing with a new diagnosis,” said Sue Linn, senior program support assistant. “And we were able to send them home with support and resources. Part of our value was we were able to spend more than 15 minutes with people to listen and answer their questions.”
Many of the people who volunteered or were employed at the center became long-timers, staying a decade or more. That tradition began with the people who conceived of the center in 1981 and continued throughout KNRC’s history.
“There was a group of dedicated people who felt that the (Neurological Resource Center) was necessary,” Linn said, who worked at the center for 16 years. “In the early days, we used to fundraise to help pay our expenses.”
Between 2002 through 2015, they held an annual fundraiser dinner and auction called Varieté as a source of funding for programs. The Kadlec Foundation later raised money for the center.
Megan Fullmer started as a volunteer at a single event in 2010 and loved it so much she became a full-time volunteer, and then an employee in 2019.
“It was the connection, the people, that kept me coming back,” she said. “It has always been something I’ve really enjoyed, and a great way to connect with the community. I loved the outreach. I did so many things over the years.”
Neurological issues are particularly difficult for both the patient and the family, KNRC staff said. Patients and family members who have used the library, support groups and programs over the years often have expressed their gratitude for the difference the KNRC made in their lives.
“We have been such a great team,” Hayes said. “So many amazing programs. So many amazing memories.”
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