Walk It Out Step-a-Thon 2014

From 10 a.m. April 6 to 10 a.m. April 7, Magee Rehabilitation Hospital hosted former and current patients, friends and family members to participate in its second annual "Walk it Out" 24 Hour Step-a-Thon challenge at the Magee Riverfront to benefit those living with paralysis or other disabilities. The event was not only a fundraiser but also a great patient reunion, where patients could participate in a raffle draw to win several prizes and catch up with therapists, staff members and other patients. These 24 hours full of positive energy and fun put a smile on many faces, if not giving them a memory to cherish for a long time. SCI Video Blog would like to thank Magee Rehabilitation Hospital - the therapists, staff members and patients for their support and cooperation in putting this video together. Check it out below:

The goal was 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 were assigned to a 30-60 minute block of time and could bring a friend or family member to help them. "Buddies" were 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.

The Walk It Out 24 Hour Step-a-Thon to benefit people living with paralysis was a HUGE success! As hoped, Magee had people walking on the treadmills for 24 hours straight, all with the goal of raising money for Magee’s Locomotor Training Program and the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. With the help of former patients, their families and friends, and the dedicated Magee staff, Magee was able to raise more than $30,000. All donations and money raised went 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.

References:

http://blog.mageerehab.org/2013/04/08/walk-it-out-recap/

http://blog.mageerehab.org/2013/04/05/join-the-walk-it-out-24-hour-step-a-thon/