Muskie’s Bridge was founded by Jackie Horvath in memory of her late husband, Andy “Muskie” Horvath. Andy’s journey highlighted the critical role family caregivers play in supporting loved ones through illness and navigating healthcare challenges. Today, Muskie’s Bridge exists to ensure that no family caregiver feels alone in their journey.
Muskie’s Bridge equips family caregivers with the knowledge and confidence to support their loved ones.
The BRIDGE framework represents the qualities of an effective caregiver.
Beautiful:
A compassionate heart dedicated to helping others.
Respectful:
Honoring patient wishes and the healthcare team’s expertise.
Involved & Invested:
Being an active voice in patient care.
Dependable:
Providing stability and comfort to your loved one.
Gracious:
Leading with kindness and patience in difficult times.
Engaged:
Participating emotionally, mentally, and physically in care.
Muskies Bridge is proud to partner with the SNT Bank Corporation “caregiver support group” as we organized a focused group to gather additional data for developing the Muskies Bridge App, helping it stay personal by identifying users' real needs.
Thank you S&T Bank!
Mrs. Muskie
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Last Saturday, Muskies Bridge returned to Saint Vincent College for its second filming session, an exciting step toward expanding our reach through Meta. Our goal is to give caregivers everywhere the same connection, guidance, and support as those nearby. Dr. Nevin Baker, Medical Director of Cardiology, emphasized that caregivers are the center the core to patient care. Muskies Bridge equips them with the knowledge and confidence to advocate effectively. The session also highlighted physical therapy across the hospital, rehabilitation, and home settings. Mobility is medicine, and proper instruction helps caregivers assist safely while protecting themselves from injury. These videos will be available on Meta and on our app, so you can learn alongside us.
Thank you for supporting Muskies Bridge. Together, we are closing gaps in care, equipping caregivers with practical knowledge, building confidence, and affirming their essential role at the center of care.
Warmly,
Jackie
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My best friend, who has been a caregiver for his wife since joining the pilot program of Muskies Bridge, an educational program that guides you on how to take care of your loved one, has made my home a happier place.
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Thank you, Dr. Cait, professor of marketing at Saint Vincent College’s School of Business, and your students for giving Muskie’s Bridge the opportunity to be featured on social media/Meta.
I’m thoroughly enjoying learning alongside all of you, especially since I graduated in 1981!
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Thank you to everyone who joined the second annual Muskies Bridge Awareness Walk. This year’s event highlighted healthcare providers and featured RN Dawn Klejka clinical supervisor at Westmoreland Hospital, who launched pilot programs to demonstrate Muskies Bridge’s value and gather data and survey feedback. Dawn, we are grateful for your insight and dedication to this important initiative. Muskies Bridge connects healthcare providers, patients, and caregivers, reminding us that we can no longer work in isolation—we must work together to improve patient health. Next year’s event will be held on September 11 and will focus on caregiver support, especially burnout and injury prevention. It will include demonstrations of grounding exercises, breathing techniques, and meditation. Please save the date and join us.
A special blessing and thank you to:
Stacey Brodak for sharing your photography talents.
Dawn E. Klejka, DNP, RN, for the honor of serving as our guest speaker.
Ligonier Mayor Tom, Marlyn, granddaughter Nina, and BPW president Carol Wolford for placing the time capsules.
Unity Memory, for going above and beyond to unseal Muskie’s bench and reseal it with the time capsules in place until 2051.
And Bob, our bench neighbor, who has graciously stepped up to maintain the grounds around our beloved Muskie’s memorial bench.
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Many family caregivers face unique challenges—your story can inspire change. Muskie’s Bridge welcomes personal experiences and feedback to improve family caregiver advocacy.
Engage with fellow family caregivers in our support networks.
Contact us to explore partnership options.
