I will be running in the Chicago Marathon with Camp One Step by Children’s Oncology Services Inc (COSI), a group that offers children and families, an inclusive and accessible experience to allow ALL the ability to participate in activities they love. Andrew was able to have multiple different experiences that allowed him to feel “normal”.
This exposure to adaptive activities would be one of the two reasons I would seek out my now career as a Physical Therapist.
Throughout my brother’s journey, he received physical therapy. The doctors wanted to encourage normalcy. My family and I were really fortunate enough to have a PT named Carolyn Nugent. Carolyn worked relentlessly to return as much function as she could despite medication and surgical side effects.
Approximately 9 years ago Carolyn Nugent ran the Chicago Marathon on the Lurie Children’s Team in honor of my brother. The day that marathon training began, Carolyn herself was diagnosed with Stage 2B breast cancer. Despite her setback, Carolyn continued to train and ended up completing the marathon in honor of my brother.
Carolyn was the other reason I also became a Physical Therapist. Carolyn’s courage and determination inspired me. I too realized i could do hard things.