The Need...

The goal of the race event is twofold. First, it helps shed light on both the needs and the abilities of physically challenged athletes. Second, the event helps to raise much needed money for many athletes who are without the resources necessary to participate in an event like Race for Rehab.

What Is Achilles International?

AI Participant The Department of Physical Therapy in the School of Health Sciences and Practice at New York Medical College coordinates an annual fundraising event called the Race for Rehab to support Achilles International. Achilles is a worldwide non-profit organization with over 3,000 members in the New York City metropolitan area. There are also members in forty-six cities nationwide, and over seventy countries. Their main objective is to bring hope, inspiration and the joys of achievement to people with disabilities.

Dick Traum, the founder of Achilles International, was the first amputee to run the NYC Marathon. Now, this organization boasts athletes with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, paraplegia, multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis, visual impairments, cancer, traumatic brain injury, as well as wounded war veterans. Their goals include developing athletic programs for children with disabilities, fostering relationships between disabled and able-bodied runners, and creating international chapters for its athletes. Without Achilles, the lives of many people would not be as they are today.