Washington State’s only intensive exercise therapy center focused on regaining function in those who are paralyzed is the beneficiary of the month long fundraising effort “Walk a Mile in My Shoes” by On the Move Training and its partners.
Walk a Mile in My Shoes is a month-long walkathon in which participants from all over the nation have registered to walk, run, and hike while tallying their miles. This event focuses on encouraging people who are able to be active to do so, because there are many in our community who have lost their ability to walk. Miles can be sponsored, with prizes at the end of the event for participants who logged the most miles in the month.
Lara Buchan, owner of On The Move Training and coordinator of Walk a Mile in My Shoes started this fundraiser in 2010. As a personal trainer, she “constantly hears moans and groans, complaints about moving and working out. After visiting Pushing Boundaries I was so moved to help everyone I know not only appreciate that they had so much to be thankful for, but I wanted to spread awareness that there was a place for those who thought that movement had come to an end.”
There will be a celebration to culminate the event from 11am-1pm on Sunday, August 28, 2011 at Downtown Bellevue Park in the grassy lawn area. Participants will walk the last mile together around the park, and there will be music, food, inflatable for kids, and other organizations from the community that support movement. Pushing Boundaries clients and staff will also be in attendance. The public is welcome to this event regardless of whether or not they participated in the month-long walkathon.
All funds raised during Walk a Mile in My Shoes benefits all of Pushing Boundaries’ programs and services that provide support to people with paralysis due to spinal cord injury, stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, traumatic brain injuries and other neurological injuries or illnesses.
Programs include client subsidy assistance, Lokomat robotic gait training therapy, care giver support and expansion of local outreach services.
Pushing Boundaries is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization formed in 2005 to improve the lives and health of people with paralysis through creative exercise therapy programs. The organization is supported by numerous volunteers and relies on continued involvement from the community. The public is welcome to this fundraiser. The “Final Mile Celebration” is free to attend and is open to the public.