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Special Needs Walk-a-Thon Raises Funds for Pediatric Spinal Research
(Jul 15, 2010)
This spring, some 85 people participated in the two-mile Special Needs Walk-A-Thon raising more than $5,000 for the Pediatric Orthopaedic Research Fund at Columbia University Medical Center. Children with special needs, along with their families and friends, gathered in Ramsey, New Jersey, to help raise awareness and funds to benefit pediatric spinal research for children.
"This was our first time trying such an event, and everyone who participated said they wanted to do it again next year," noted event organizer Jean Rice. The two-mile route through quiet neighborhood streets gave participants -- especially those children with special needs -- a safe and pleasant environment to walk. A party with local band, "Mary's Basement" welcomed participants at the end of the route.
Ms. Rice was grateful for the leadership skills of Mahwah teen, Olivia Matteis, who enthusiastically secured food donations, encouraged participants, and solicited donations.
"We are very grateful for the generosity shown here," said David P. Roye, Jr., MD, Chief of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian/Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital. "The research we do allows us to find new treatments and techniques specifically for the pediatric population, and focus on improving the quality of life of all children with musculoskeletal disorders."
Scoliosis, or curvature of the spine, is prevalent among children with developmental disorders, often impacting other complications. The research performed by the Pediatric Orthopaedic Research team at Columbia University has advanced the number of treatment options available and developed surgical guidelines for use worldwide. Their specific focus on quality of life in children has been published in leading medical journals and presented throughout the world.
