Push to Walk Marks 15 Years of Service to Paralysis Community
(Oakland, NJ January 6, 2022) – On Saturday, January 15, Push to Walk, a 7,400 sq. ft. exercise facility in Oakland, New Jersey designed for individuals with spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and other forms of paralysis, will kick off its 15th anniversary celebration with a week of special activities. The nonprofit facility was founded by Cynthia Templeton and her son Darren in 2007 after Darren sustained a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed.
“Fifteen years ago, there were virtually no options in northern New Jersey for individuals like Darren to work out. Physicians urged him to lead a healthy life and stay fit, but once he had completed his physical therapy, we were left with figuring out the best way to do this. Darren, a high school athlete at the time, wanted to work out in a gym with other people like himself – people who faced similar challenges and would motivate one another,” explains Templeton. “We had seen models of such gyms in other states and our dream was to open a facility in New Jersey.”
“We are excited that our dream not only became a reality but has resulted in the creation of a thriving facility serving an expanding group of individuals whose unique training needs are often overlooked,” adds Templeton. “We are steadfast in our commitment to help these individuals optimize their current quality of life and prepare for future medical advancements.”
PTW offers training and camaraderie
Fifteen years ago on opening day, a handful of people used the new gym. Today, over 70 people train at the gym each month, taking advantage of the specialized equipment and benefitting from the expertise of certified trainers and experienced aides. And Push to Walk has become more than a gym for its clients– it is a resource center for paralyzed individuals and their families, a place to share stories of successes and setbacks, a place to set and achieve new goals, and a place to acquire information on everything from managing daily household tasks to participating in adaptive sports.
One of the most important messages Ms. Templeton wants to communicate throughout the year to the paralysis and spinal cord injury communities is “You are not alone.”
Clients pay an hourly fee for training sessions. Scholarships are available for those with demonstrated financial need.
PTW open houses
During the anniversary year, PTW has scheduled monthly open houses. The next open houses are January 18, February 17, and March 15. Individuals can register to attend an open house or schedule an individual tour by calling the PTW offices at 201-644-7567. The complete schedule for open houses is available on the PTW website (www.pushtowalk.org)
In addition, PTW will be holding client and family events, including a “family fun day” in August for PTW current and past clients, staff members, board members, and donors. An Anniversary Gala will be held September 29 at the Indian Trail Club in Franklin Lakes to recognize the many people who have contributed to making PTW a thriving community.
Redefining Possibilities for the Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis Community. Located in Bergen County, NJ. Specializing in neuro-activity based exercise for individuals with Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Traumatic Brain Injury, Stroke, Paralysis and More.
