BRIGHTON – Children with limb loss received brand new running prosthetics for free at the New Balance track in Brighton on Saturday.
The Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation, in partnership with Shriners Children’s Pediatric Orthotics and Prosthetics Services, created the Running Is A Right program to help people of all ages reach their running potential.
15 new prosthetics for children
Mahlia Schneck is one of the many people who received a new running knife and she was able to experience this and more in one of the recreational prosthetics.
“I’m so excited for this day. I’ve been telling everyone I meet, ‘I’m getting my running legs this weekend!’ It means a lot to me. It means that maybe now I can run a little bit, because I normally can’t run in my regular prosthetics, so it gives me a little bit more freedom,” Schneck said.
Running Is A Right distributed 15 prosthetic blades to children and young adults so they could experience the joy of running, build confidence and just have fun.
“We believe there should be recreational prosthetics offered that are not currently offered by health insurance, so we are filling that gap. We are providing the equipment and training to use them,” said founder Brooke Raasch.
“It means a lot to me”
Many children, including twelve-year-old Luke Dewitt, are grateful that the program exists.
“It means a lot to me because I can find kids that relate to me. I’ve met a lot of people,” Dewitt said.
Dave McGillivray said his foundation is purchasing the knife so children have a better chance at the best life possible.
“The main thing is making them feel good about themselves,” he said.
McGillivray’s foundation is working with Shriners to identify other children in need of prosthetic blades.
