Spinal Cord Injuries Australia needs heroes to help its national rehabilitation program NeuroMoves.
For the month of September, people can set a physical challenge to clock up as many kilometres or reps as they can to raise money for life changing equipment.
NeuroMoves Penrith Team Leader and Accredited Exercise Physiologist, George Paneras, said anyone can take part in the challenge.
“Therapists, clients, family members, support workers and anyone else willing to get involved can ‘Go The Distance’ to fundraise for our program,” he said.
“Each person will set a distance goal to complete over the month and can achieve it through a range of exercises such as running, walking, cycling, arm cranking, sit-ups and wheelchair pushing.”
Working with people with spinal cord injuries and a range of neurological conditions to increase their quality of life, Mr Paneras said raising funds is vital to improve the service.
“More funds are crucial to ensure we are providing the best possible therapy in an ever-changing world of technology,” he said.
“There are always new pieces of equipment being released that our clients could benefit from, to help them improve their function and achieve their individual goals.”
NeuroMoves participant Kevin Roe knows first-hand how beneficial the program is.
The St Clair resident said the centre has helped him since he was diagnosed with Primary Progressive MS.
“Eight years ago, I spent seven weeks walking around in Europe to now being totally wheelchair-bound, so I went downhill quickly but have been stable the last couple of years,” Mr Roe said.
“The centre has helped me be able to stand up for a maximum of a minute so I can be independent moving from places like chairs or in the shower, to move my feet and to keep my muscles intact.”
Mr Roe said everyone should get involved and give support if they can.
“The team do so much good, I see the love and passion they have to drive us towards achieving our goals,” he said.
“NeuroMoves caters to so many people in the community that have a disability and they deserve all the support they can get to continue their amazing work.”
Visit http://www.beahero2020.everydayhero.com/au/neuromoves-penrith.
Emily Feszczuk
A graduate of Western Sydney University, Emily covers Local, State and Federal politics for the Weekender, as well as crime and general news.