22,600,000 Steps And Counting, Mark Your Calendar For The 10th Annual Lakewood Hospital Ambulance Chase
Celebrate 10 years of running, walking, wellness, community spirit and support of Lakewood Hospital at the Ambulance Chase on Sunday, May 1.
“This is a fabulous event, not to be missed,” says Ken Haber, Lakewood Hospital Foundation President. “The Ambulance Chase is for all, from the youngest among us in the Children’s Chase, to participants well into their eighties. And the bonus is the difference that has been made in patient care at Lakewood Hospital due to the funds raised through the event.”
The rehabilitation program at Lakewood Hospital gave me my life back,” states Bill Forester, stroke survivor and 2011 Race Committee member. On August 17, 2009, Bill's life changed forever; he suffered a massive, debilitating stroke that affected his speech and the use of his arm and leg on his right side. “I ate healthy, didn’t smoke and was very active...it made no sense. It just goes to show that this can happen to anyone.”
Bill credits his successful journey from stroke victim to stroke survivor to Lakewood Hospital’s Rehab Services program. “For the past year and a half, I have had the great fortune of intensely focusing on my physical, occupational and speech therapy. The hospital therapists and members of the stroke support group have become my community.”
As part of his therapy, Bill began a serious running regime, something he had done very little of before the stroke. Through his hard work and endurance, and the dedication and encouragement of his therapists, he is now running half-marathons. “My first race was last year’s Ambulance Chase, and I am running again this year-- with an improved stride and a sense of great pride in giving back to Lakewood Hospital, because it gave me my life back,” says Bill.
Since its inception in 2002, the Ambulance Chase has raised nearly $300,000 for a myriad of programs and services at Lakewood Hospital, ranging from Senior Care Services to the Teen Health Center to the emergency department. In keeping with Lakewood Hospital’s Vision for Tomorrow, this year’s race will benefit patients in need of post-acute rehabilitation and outpatient physical, occupational, and speech therapy services, as well as several other initiatives.
“Walk or run, 5K or 1.5 miles, volunteer or participant… it doesn’t matter what you do, just come join us on May 1!” exclaims Jan Murphy, president, Lakewood and Fairview hospitals. “And help to support patient care at our community hospital-- Lakewood Hospital.”
Presented by Donald Martens & Sons Ambulance Services, event festivities are at Lakewood Park and registration begins at 7:30 AM. For more information, call 216-529-7009 or visit lakewoodhospital.org/foundation. To register online visit hermescleveland.com