CONTACT: STEPHANIE LAJAM
PHONE: (201) 644-7567
EMAIL: slajam@pushtowalknj.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 18, 2017
Push to Walk Addresses Needs of Paralysis Community; Offers Financial Assistance to Veterans, First Responders, and Others
Oakland, NJ – Push to Walk (PTW), a nonprofit that provides individualized workouts and resources to people with spinal cord injuries and other forms of paralysis, hosted leading educators and researchers from Seton Hall University and Montclair State University together with NJ-based physical therapists and representatives of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation and Community Hope on May 17 at a special open house designed to foster dialogue about how to effectively support the paralysis community.
During the event, PTW announced the expansion of its scholarship program, which helps those in financial need to benefit from the specialized, activity-based training offered at PTW. As part of its 10- year anniversary celebration, the organization is offering veterans and first responders a special price for its services and is expanding the scholarships it makes available to others affected by various forms of paralysis.
“According to research conducted by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, 1 in 50 people are living with paralysis in the United States,” emphasizes PTW Executive Director, David Font. “Push to Walk is committed to fostering dialogue and promoting research that addresses the needs of these individuals.”
PTW began serving the spinal cord injury population in January 2007 when it first opened its doors in Bloomingdale, New Jersey. The non-profit has since grown to serve those with multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injuries, cerebral palsy, and other forms of paralysis, as well as those recovering from strokes. In October 2016, Push to Walk moved to a larger 7,435 square foot location in Oakland, New Jersey where it continues to offer individualized training in its specially equipped gym.
“Commercial gyms rarely offer the accessibility necessary for an individual who uses a wheelchair to have unassisted access to all equipment,” points out Font. “We bridge the gap between traditional therapy and local gyms by providing one-on-one personalized training with staff who have the knowledge necessary to help our clients improve their overall health and quality of life.”
With client fees covering only a portion of operating expenses, PTW relies on grants, fundraising events, and the generous support of its donors to keep its cost to clients low. The scholarship program is another opportunity for the organization to remove barriers that could prevent any individual with a spinal cord injury or other form of paralysis from benefiting from its services.
PTW will be holding Open Houses every month during its 10th anniversary year. The next two Open House events will be held on Tuesday, May 23rd and Thursday, June 22nd from 11 am-1pm.
For more information about PTW’s program and scholarships or to schedule a visit, please contact Stephanie Lajam at (201) 644-7567 or slajam@pushtowalknj.org. Donation opportunities are available on the Push to Walk website: www.pushtowalknj.org
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About Push to Walk
Founded in 2007, Push to Walk is an organization that provides individualized workouts and resources to people with spinal cord injuries and other forms of paralysis to optimize current quality of life and to prepare for future medical advancements. It is the only program of its kind in the New York- New Jersey area. Push to Walk’s rigorous one-on-one workout approach challenges clients to reach their personal goals and achieve maximum independence, leading to greater success and fulfillment in their personal and professional lives. A 501(C)3 non-profit, Push to Walk is located in Oakland, New Jersey. Visit www.pushtowalknj.org to learn more.
