In August, I will begin studying to be a Doctor of Physical Therapy. As a DPT, my career will be dedicated to guiding patients through rehabilitation. For this reason, I am thankful for the work that the Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA) accomplishes. I am challenging myself to raise money for their organization and represent them when I run in the 2015 Chicago Marathon on October 11, 2015.

I would like to give special mention to Andrea Gilman, an occupational therapist and my co-worker, who notified me of and educated me about the work that GLASA does. GLASA serves nearly 560 youth, adults, and injured military veterans with physical or visual disabilities each year. GLASA promotes and supports the optimal development and well-being of disabled youth and adults through the provision of inclusive recreational, fitness and competitive sports activities. GLASA also offers opportunities for empowerment through education, leadership and training in collaboration with community-based organizations.

My father is, both, a veteran and recently handicapped; he had a below-knee amputation in 2014. My father's health history and my therapy career goal are two fundamental reasons for raising money for GLASA. GLASA has influenced over 1,500 individuals, like my dad, with their efforts to facilitate and maintain abilities to be active. Through this fundraiser, I not only hope to raise funds for GLASA, but also an awareness of this organization that provides adaptive support to people with disabilities, so that they may become more active.

National guidelines encourage children to be active for 60 minutes per day, and adults to engage in 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week.  GLASA offers programs 250 days each years, which offers the opportunity for members to meet and surpass these physical activity guidelines!

GLASA offers over 25 different sport programs, including: cycling, swimming, golf, kayaking, soccer, softball, hockey, scuba diving, snow and water skiing, tennis, wheelchair basketball and football, weight lifting, and yoga. Each of these programs features customized adaptive equipment and specialized coaching to allow all individuals to participate and succeed.

GLASA offers education and outreach to schools, medical professionals, and community groups to ensure that anyone that could benefit from services is aware of their existence. Although GLASA is based in Lake County, programs extend to Cook County and Southern Wisconsin, so that they, too, may access GLASA’s innovative services. Additionally, GLASA is committed to never turning away an individual due to an inability to pay program registration fees. Over 63% of GLASA athletes receive free or reduced-fee programs.

Please contribute to my effort toward upholding GLASA’s motto: “Let No One Sit on the Sidelines”.

Here is what your donation can do for GLASA members:

• 95% of program participants increase overall health and well-being
• 93% of program participants increase self-confidence
• 85% of program participants reduce their social isolation
• 89% of program participants engage in nationally recommended amounts of physical activity
• 91% of program participants improve overall strength and endurance
• 91% of program participants increase their desire to participate in adapted sport programs
• 63% of program participants improve their knowledge of nutrition and make better food choices

93 cents of every dollar raised goes directly into GLASA programs!

Thank you for your support!