LOUISA, Ky.—Tina Jackson and her husband, Mark, live in Louisa. Tina was born with Cerebral Palsy and paralysis on the left side of her body. In her 20s, she suffered a stroke which resulted in swallowing difficulties and an inability to speak. Fast forward 20 years and Tina’s condition deteriorated to the point of no longer being able to eat without breathing and digestion complications. In 2000, feeding tube placement became necessary because of concerns of pneumonia. Tina’s left side paralysis made it nearly impossible for her to successfully feed herself.

Tina’s husband, Mark, knew she wished to remain independent, so he constructed a device – the Jackson Peg Tube Stand – that would enable her to feed herself with only one hand. The device Mark created was portable, practical and convenient and, most importantly, it enabled his wife to maintain her sense of independence. For this reason, they believed other feeding tube users and caregivers could also benefit from the Jackson Peg Tube Stand.

This is when Mark & Tina Jackson first requested services from Morehead State University’s Ashland Small Business Development Center. They initially met with the Center’s management consultant, Kim Jenkins, in March 2001. They inquired about how to protect their medical device with a patent. Jenkins provided them with business start-up advice and guidance and encouraged them to pursue their dream. She then referred them to a local patent attorney who worked with the couple for the next nine years to submit drawings, prototypes, and applications to the U.S. Patent Office in Washington, D.C.

In August 2010, the device was officially issued a patent, and they are now ready to begin marketing and promoting their product to the medical industry and to feeding tube users and caregivers. The Jacksons recently returned from the Oley Foundation’s annual conference in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. This Foundation provides information and support to feeding tube users and caregivers as well as medical professionals who work with tube-fed patients and suppliers of feeding tube equipment. The Foundation invited them to participate in the annual conference and to display the Jackson Peg Tube Stand. This opportunity enabled them to meet with potential customers and suppliers.

They are now working to become a Medicare insurance provider and are registering with various other insurance companies to receive payments for the sale of their medical device. The Jackson Peg Tube Stand has many different features that make it an ideal choice for feeding tube patients and caregivers. The stand is fully collapsible, and its lightweight design allows for easy transport and portability. The device features varied height capabilities and can be easily positioned for use with only one hand. A Jackson Peg Tube Stand can be purchased for $250 and includes free shipping and handling for a limited time.

For additional information about the Jackson Peg Tube Stand, call (606) 638-3234, e-mail them at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or visit their Web site: http://www.jacksonpegtubestands.com