IM ABLE Foundation – Get Up and Move

At our 3rd Annual Duathlon/5k on Sunday Sept 9th we will start the day with our morning announcements at 8am by presenting adaptive equipment to 3 deserving recipients. Each will be receiving a hand cycle and one of them will be using his new ride in the duathlon!

The mission of IM ABLE to get out to expose and empower people with disabilities to be more active and it is with great pleasure that we can show our supporters the impact we’re having on the lives of those we help. Without their support we would not be able to complete that mission so thank you to ALL who believe in IM ABLE.

Cindy on her 1st handcycle ride at IM ABLE

CINDY LEVAN:
Cindy is from Lancaster, PA, and came to IM ABLE through a recommendation from her physical therapist.  Cindy contracted polio as an infant and has always walked with leg braces and forearm or underarm crutches.  Until recently, Cindy was able to walk to stay active.
In the past few years, Cindy’s polio symptoms have worsened, and she has endured four surgeries to her hands and back.  She and her husband began researching fitness options, but none seemed to be a good fit.  Cindy came to us and tested a handcycle and was amazed at what a great workout it was.  She is really excited to be able to ride a bike with her husband for the first time ever!  We are proud to present Cindy with an Intrepid handcycle.

CHRIS UTZ:

At the age of 25, Chris Utz from Pasadena, MD,  was involved in a car accident which left him paralyzed from the waist down.  Prior to his accident, Chris was active in biking, boating, and other water sports and led a busy life running his own business.  Chris’s medical bills forced him to sell everything including his business to cover the costs.  Chris contacted the foundation earlier this year about obtaining a handcycle that would help him improve both his physical and mental well-being.  He will be participating in the duathlon with a team and is very excited to receive his new Top End Force handcycle!

Tim using the Ekso trainer at Good Shepherd in Philly

TIM MCVAN:

Tim is a complete T-11 paraplegic as a result of a car accident when he was 17.  Tim, who is from Yardley, PA, has maintained an active lifestyle through boating, quad riding and skiing, but he had always wanted to add a handcycle to his activities.  Due to the medical costs not only for Tim, but also for his twin daughters who were born prematurely, he approached the foundation after meeting Chris at Magee Rehab in Philadelphia during the Ekso training process.  We are excited to present a handcycle to Tim and know he will use it to stay active with his young daughters