IM ABLE enriches lives through raising awareness about physical fitness possibilities for disabled individuals and encouraging individuals of all abilities to be more active. We get motivated to see people with disabilities Get Up and Move but even more important is the attitudes and interactions with the people around them. When we go out into the community we show able bodied individuals what someone with a disability is capable of to create more understanding between the two. This is especially important to young children who if they’re taught why someone is different but not to judge them because of it, they grow up with that knowledge and are less likely to form stereotypes or pick on someone who is different.

Our organization is packed with people who support us in everyway possible and those people have children who are directly exposed to the good we’re trying to do and get to see first hand the Abilities of someone who is disabled. The above picture was from one of our whiteboards at our facility in Wyomissing, PA and was done by an 8 year old Alyss whose parents work and workout with us. It put a smile on my face to see the positive words that were coming from this young girl’s mind and how she perceives IM ABLE. We’re so proud of all the things we’re doing and the lives we’re changing and by seeing this we know we’re making an impact on those surrounding the ones we’re helping, which is just as important.

On Jan 28th IM ABLE welcomed a new face to our ever increasing list of adaptive equipment grant recipients. Dan Webb received his very own handcycle that we presented to him at a gathering in Warminster, PA that he and his wife put together and it was an incredible day for him but even moreseo for us at IM ABLE because of Dan’s enthusiasm and willingness to pay it forward for the opportunity we had given him to ride . On April 2nd Dan did exactly what he said he would do.

During an evaluation session at Penn Rehab in Philadelphia, where IM ABLE Founder Chris Kaag and Dan are involved in a study for the Ekso exoskeleton, Dan presented Chris with a check for $900. Dan’s brother Jeff and the seniors from Interboro high school basketball team for their senior project held a faculty vs basketball team members to raise money for the IM ABLE Foundation in hopes to help a friend of Dan’s nephew with his disability. It was a great night at interboro high school where the student body and family came out to support a worthy cause for the second year running. The fundraising event will go a long way in helping the next recipient from the IM ABLE foundation and we will be sure to post the details about the person that Dan’s efforts helped to support.

IM ABLE FOUNDATION, GILMORE|HENNE COMMUNITY FUND, AND BERKS YOUTH IN ACTION

TEAM UP TO SUPPORT ADAPTIVE PLAYGROUND PROJECT AT OPPORTUNITY HOUSE

WYOMISSING, Pa., March 13, 2012 – The IM ABLE Foundation, Gilmore|Henne Community Fund and Berks Youth in Action (BYIA) today announced the launch of a joint effort to raise funds to build an adaptive playground across from Opportunity House’s new Second Street Learning and Technology Center in Reading.

Opportunity House opened the doors last year to its new Learning Center, which is the only 24 hour/seven days a week licensed child care center in Pennsylvania.  Offering students access to state-of-the-art technology, the Learning Center is designed to help close the digital divide between inner city children of lower income working parents and better equipped suburban schools.  One thing missing though was a playground, for which Opportunity House didn’t have the funds in the first phase of the project.  That’s where the IM ABLE Foundation, Gilmore|Henne Community Fund and BYIA stepped in.

Chris Kaag, Founder and Executive Director of the Wyomissing-based IM ABLE Foundation, offered to help lead the charge to not only raise funds for a new playground, but one that would be specially designed to accommodate both able-bodied, as well as physically and learning disabled children.  Kaag, a disabled United States Marine, established his foundation to provide disabled individuals with adaptive equipment to help them return to an active lifestyle and achieve the goal of physical and mental well-being.  “This playground, which will be open to the public and is the only one of its kind in this area, represents a unique opportunity for children of all abilities to come and play together as equals,” said Kaag.  “I’ve spent my adult life helping individuals with disabilities redefine their preconceived limitations.  This project will serve as another invaluable tool in that endeavor. I’m honored to be working alongside the Gilmore|Henne Community Fund and proud to have the next generation of community leaders at BYIA involved,” concluded Kaag.

The Gilmore|Henne Community Fund of the Berks County Community Foundation was founded by Wilson High School graduates and NFL players John Gilmore and Chad Henne.  The organization provides grants to revitalize parks and recreational facilities in Berks County. In addition, the fund provides financial support for Berks County students who engage in scholastic sports, who maintain a respectable

G.P.A, and who will continue their education at the collegiate level.  “Chad and I are very pleased to take part in this effort, and we’re particularly impressed with Berks Youth in Action’s determination to raise much of the estimated $100,000 cost of this project” said John Gilmore. “These kids from Wyomissing, Wilson and Berks Catholic High Schools encompass everything that our Fund stands for:  Community rebuilding community. With our programming, IM ABLE’s direction, and BYIA’s energy, this will prove to be our most exciting park project to date,” concluded Gilmore.

The Gilmore|Henne Community Fund is hosting the “Rally for Recreation Celebrity Golf Tournament” at the Berkshire Country Club on May 4, 2012 to support its planned projects this year, including the adaptive playground. In addition, on Saturday, March 31, a Reading Royals warm-up jersey will be auctioned off at 5:30 p.m. prior to the team’s final regular season home game against Trenton. Net proceeds from the pre-game jersey auction will go to the Gilmore|Henne Fund.

Berks Youth in Action, a youth service group founded in 2010, began with 10 high school students from Wyomissing and Berks Catholic schools. Today, BYIA has 26 members and has expanded to include students from the Wilson School District. “Their personalities are as different as their schools, but together they are a force committed to helping out underprivileged kids in Berks County,” said Betsy Finneran, mother to Billy Finneran, one of the group’s founders. Last year, BYIA raised money to purchase 20 new cribs for Mary’s Shelter.  “As the saying goes, ‘you can’t go through life with two catcher’s mitts on, receiving everything. You’ve got to have one hand free to pitch in and give back,’” said Billy Finneran.  “We’re proud to apply our energy to help bring this new playground to life.”  In addition to soliciting donations from businesses throughout the community, BYIA is hosting a “Shamrock N’ Rave” youth dance fundraiser on March 17, 2012 at the VF designer Building.

“We are extremely thankful for the support of the IM ABLE Foundation, Gilmore|Henne Community Fund, and Berks Youth in Action, and honored to host this one-of-a-kind, inclusive playground for all of the kids in our community, both disabled and able bodied,” said Modesto Fiume, President of Opportunity House. “We’re confident that with the help of these great organizations, and the generosity of our local business community, we can meet our collective goal of a groundbreaking this June.”

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]]> http://www.getupandmove.org/blog/?feed=rss2&p=1054 0 http://www.getupandmove.org/blog/?p=1044 http://www.getupandmove.org/blog/?p=1044#comments Mon, 20 Feb 2012 01:27:41 +0000 Chris http://www.getupandmove.org/blog/?p=1044

IM ABLE was joined by an almost sold out crowd at the Reading Royals Hockey game, in Reading, PA on Saturday Feb 18th for an on ice sled hockey demo and grant presentation. The Center-Pedes from Philadelphia, who came out last year for a demo and grant presentation, took to the ice during the 2nd intermission and dazzled the crowd with their skills on the sleds. Accompanying them during the demo was Jeremy Schutt, who just recently started playing sled hockey with the newly forming team in Hershey, PA as part of the semi pro Hershey Bears. After their demo Jeremy was presented a grant of $1600 from IM ABLE right off the ice by Chris Kaag. This money will be used to purchase Jeremy his own skate and all the equipment needed to play.

We are thankful for the over 120 IM ABLE supporters who were on hand at the game and for the crowd who by their applause showed their support of disabled athletes tearing it up on the ice!!!

Gallery of photos from the exciting night

On February 10th Executive Director and Founder Chris Kaag, traveled to Lititz, PA to present a bike attachment to Friendship Community. This adult attachment is very similar to a child’s that attaches to the back of a regular bike and allows the person on the back pedal and help the guide rider. This was the first adaptive grant of this kind that we’ve done and the feeling of the day during the presentation is why we at IM ABLE do what we do. Pure excitement and elation to get out and ride was displayed by the two brothers who will be the primary users of the attachment. Words really cannot describe the feeling of seeing those two smile and joke as they proudly demonstrated their new toy to the crowd that had assembled.

The philosophy of IM ABLE is to promote active lifestyles for individuals living with a disability and empowering them to Get Up and Move. We want to redefine the perceptions of what someone with a disability is capable of achieving by showing what IS possible. The goals of the Friendship Community align perfectly with those of IM ABLE.  Their staff and supporters encourage, promote and motivate their clients.  IM ABLE is honored to be a part of the team helping these two young men exemplify our mission by getting up and moving!!

IM ABLE Founder Chris Kaag, State Representative Bernie O'Neill, Dan Webb (Grant Recipient) and Jake Chalfin, Dan's friend and 2011 IM ABLE Grant Recipient

IM ABLE is proud to announce our first grant recipient of 2012, Dan Webb! On January 28th, IM ABLE presented Dan with his new Intrepid Estrada handcycle during a gathering of Dan’s family and friends in Warminster, PA.  A special guest, State Representative Bernie O’Neill, was also on hand during the event to lend the community’s support to Dan and his close-knit family.  And Jake Chalfin, Dan’s good friend and a December 2011 IM ABLE grant recipient, also joined us during the presentation.

Dan grew up with several brothers and a large extended family.  They are an active family, taking part in any competition available.  He and his brothers even formed a team and participated in the Tough Mudder at Bear Creek in May 2010, the spring before his injury.  With such a tight-knit family so close together, family gatherings are nothing new, but this one was something special!

The extended Webb family and many friends came out to celebrate Dan's new wheels!

Dan was paralyzed just over one year ago when he fell from a tree stand while hunting.  Before his injury, he and his daughters routinely rode their bicycles to a local park, where they could spend time playing games or riding the trails around the park.  While he was in the hospital, the thought that he might not get to ride to that park with his girls again crossed Dan’s mind more than once.  But then Dan met Jake while both men were progressing through their post-injury rehabilitation at Magee Rehab in Philadelphia.  The next spring, Dan and Jake visited an abilities expo in Philadelphia where the duo was able to ‘test drive’ handcycles and try out other adaptive sports equipment.  Dan enjoyed the basketball and rugby chairs, but the handcycle was what really drew his attention. He thought this could be his opportunity to return to the trails with his young daughters, who had already been so strong through his ordeal and recovery.  His wife Missy, a spin instructor at a local fitness center, was very supportive of the idea, and she and Dan contacted the IM ABLE Foundation with his story.

The Webb Family: Dan, Missy and their daughters

After talking with IM ABLE founder Chris Kaag, Dan and Missy made the trip from Warminster, PA to the IM ABLE Foundation headquarters in Wyomissing, PA to meet and work out with Chris, who was immediately impressed by the couple!  Chris recognizes motivation when he sees it, and Dan was upbeat, motivated, and ready to work hard when he got to IM ABLE’s facility.  After an hour-long workout, Dan said it was the most he had sweat in the last year, and how much he loved and missed the feeling of working hard.  Rehab was one thing, but his body was ready for more, and this was just what he needed!

The immediate and extended Webb family opened their arms to the IM ABLE Foundation as soon as they heard about our mission to get everyone, regardless of their disabilities, up and moving again.   Their commitment to family is what impressed IM ABLE the most, and their support of Dan, Missy and the girls has been unwavering since Dan’s accident.  The Webb family embodies the true spirit of IM ABLE by accepting no excuses and continuing to move forward despite challenges and setbacks.

The IM ABLE Foundation is proud of our newest grant recipient, and we look forward to working with Dan and the Webb family for many years to come!

Dan Webb Bio: 42, from Warminster, PA, suffered a fall from a tree stand while hunting and was immediately paralyzed from the waist down.  He fractured the T9-T10 vertebrae and had surgery to repair his spine, but is unable to use his legs.  Prior to his accident, Dan participated in many sports including, golf, softball, baseball and football and loved being outdoors.  He is also a father to two young, active girls.  Dan tested a handcycle at a recreation festival and found it to be a liberating experience!  He is motivated to find a way to participate in sports and outdoor activity with his wife and daughters.  He would eventually like to continue coaching his girls and would consider entering competitions in the future.

This Saturday Jan 28th we will help Dan take the next step to becoming more active when we present him with his new Intrepid Estrada handcycle!!

Details for the presentation if you want to join IM ABLE and be a part of our presentation are as follows:

Where: Community Center Complex 901 Willow Street, Southampton, PA 18966
Time: 12:30PM until about 3:30
Phone number 215.357.7596.

Light snacks & refreshments and special guest who will help to present Dan is State Representative Bernie O’Neill. We’re excited about our start to 2012 and be on the lookout for many more great things to come from Dan Webb joining our IM ABLE Family!!

Christmas Eve had another special meaning this year for everyone involved with IM ABLE. We drew a tremendous crowd with some special guests, Rep. Dante Santoni and Senator Judy Schwank who came out to support us while we presented 11 year old Meaghan Eppenstein and 33 year old Jake Chalfin with their new handcycles. Helping to present these two deserving recipients was our friend, supporter and Got the Nerve? 2012 Title Sponsor, Eric Schippers from Penn National Gaming who presented a check for $8,000 to IM ABLE before the presentation.

Everyone we present an adaptive piece of equipment to comes with their own unique story and creates a special experience for us at IM ABLE to see the reaction of those we are helping. 11 year old Meaghan’s mother Lori, kept the grant approval a secret so Meaghan was unaware she would be getting a brand new handcycle when she cane into IM ABLE on Christmas Eve. This was apparent when we introduced her and let her know the blue Intrepid handcycle that was sitting behind us was hers! She was emotional and her smile lit up the room. She along with our other grant recipient Jake immediately got to work getting outside and taking their new rides for a spin despite the chilly morning. These two recipients represent exactly what IM ABLE wants to promote and will be great role models for others with disabilities to show what IS possible.

Meghan’s mom summed up the excitement that we are so fortunate to experience - “…she had no idea she was getting her handcycle…after she was told she was stunned and went over to her cycle and I knelt beside her and said Merry Christmas Babygirl and she wrapped her arms around me and cried and said thank you mommy…geez never thought I’d have the bike kind of moment as a parent with her condition BUT thanks to IM ABLE Foundation, Chris Kaag and all the wonderful people involved it became a reality ….”

Click here to see news clip on presentation

Please join us in welcoming Meaghan and Jake into our IM ABLE family as we demonstrate our mission to get people Up and Moving through adaptive equipment grants.

Eric Schippers from Penn National Gaming, our title sponsor for Got the Nerve? Triathlon & RU ABLE? Duathlon in 2012, friend and supporter, will be presenting our recipients with their new handcycles.

IM ABLE Is proud to award these two dynamic and deserving individuals the ability to Get Up and Move!

Date: December 24, 2011

Time: 10:00 AM

Location: IM ABLE / Corps Fitness

220 Park Road North

Building 7

Wyomissing, PA 19610

Directions

Meaghan on an IM ABLE handcycle during the RU ABLE? Duathlon

Meaghan Eppenstein, 11 years old, was born with spina bifida, a birth defect that leaves the spinal cord susceptible to damage. Meaghan is paralyzed from the waist down and uses a wheel chair for mobility. Her mother, Lori, is concerned about her sedentary condition and the effects it will have on her emotional well-being and physical health. A handcycle grant will allow Meaghan to participate in activities with her peers and also offer her some freedom and independence.

“When I found Chris Kaag’s website and was able to get her onto a hand cycle for the first time, it was scary for Meaghan and me. You could see the hesitation as she first began to ride the hand cycle, but as she continued you could see the delight and thrill in her face.”

-Quote from Lori Eppenstein

Jake before his injury

Jake Chalfin: (from his grant request) Twelve months ago I was paralyzed in a horse racing accident. I am a C-7 quad blessed with the functional level of T-1,T-2. I have full use of my arms, hands and 2/3s of my core. Before my accident I was an extremely active person. I raced steeplechase horses as an amateur jockey on the weekends during the spring and fall seasons. I also galloped and trained horses 7 days a week year round. In the winter I always made time for at least one big ski trip out west, which always included hiking above the tree line in pursuit of the most extreme terrain and the best powder. To keep fit and cross train for these two sports, I would run 3-4 miles and do pushups 6 days a week. I live in a beautiful, calm country setting, and I eagerly looked forward to my runs every day so that I could clear my head and clean out my lungs.

I plan to use this cycle to exercise and get out of my house on a daily basis. This will improve my health both physically and mentally. Using a hand cycle will put me back in the outdoor environment, which I love so much and could also lead to competitive pursuits in the future.

Learn more about Jake and his foundation Chasin’ for Chalfin

We had a great crew today for our weekly workout with the folks from Acadia Rehab in Lancaster, PA who were joined by students from Lancaster Bible College for their Adaptive PE Course. These students along with Vicki Byler, their instructor and Mike King came to observe the class and the way in which IM ABLE and Corps Fitness have incorporated adaptive workouts for those with disabilities. The students were a great bunch and jumped right in to help facilitate the workout that was laid out for 5 clients. They encouraged, directed and ensured they were utilizing proper techniques as well as giving them a little “push” to motivate them.

This was hopefully a good hands on experience for these students who are already ahead of the game by learning about adaptive fitness techniques before they even get to the job market. Things are looking good with students like this coming into play!