Did you know nearly 1 in 50 people are living with paralysis—that comes down to almost 6 million people worldwide! From 10 a.m. April 6 to 10 a.m. April 7, Magee Rehabilitation Hospital will host former and current patients, friends and family members to participate in the first ever “Walk it Out” 24 Hour Step-a-Thon challenge at the Magee Riverfront to benefit those living with paralysis or other disabilities.
Our goal is to have current and former patients walking (with assistance as needed) on a treadmill in the Locomotor Training Clinic for 24 hours straight! Like a dance marathon, but WAY cooler. Participants will be assigned to a 30-60 minute block of time and can bring a friend or family member to help them. “Buddies” will be assigned to those patients who need a partner to walk with. Participants have obtained sponsors for each minute walked or total stepping time on the treadmill.
All donations and money raised will go towards the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation’s NeuroRecovery Network and Magee’s Locomotor Training Program to continue progressing treatment and research for people with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities.
Want to help? Here’s how:
- Volunteer Saturday or Sunday at the event
- Make a monetary donation OR donating gift certificates or items that can be used as part of raffles
- Donate supplies to keep the walkers/steppers going throughout the day and night. Water, snacks, cups, plates, and napkins would be greatly appreciated!
To make a donation, visit the Walk It Out Donor Pages, or contact Alice Kennedy at akennedy@mageerehab.org. For more information about the event, check out our Facebook page.
Click here for more information on the NeuroRecovery Network (NRN) and Locomotor training, and check out the video below to see LT in action!
