Race for Rehab is Still Running Strong after Twenty-One Years
New York Medical College’s (NYMC) Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) students in the School of Health Sciences and Practice hosted the 21st Annual Race for Rehab on the Valhalla campus on October 13.
The certified 5K race, which has been organized by D.P.T. students since 1999, raised more than $6,000 this year for Achilles International, a worldwide non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire individuals with all types of disabilities to participate in mainstream running and athletic events.
“With a total of 153 total participants, which included 60 Achilles athletes and guides, and 12 handcyclists from Achilles and Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, the D.P.T. students’ work with Race for Rehab helps to highlight the needs of athletes with disabilities to our surrounding community,” said Janet P. Dolot, M.S., D.P.T., Dr.P.H. ’14, PT, OCS, assistant professor of physical therapy and faculty advisor for the Race for Rehab. “It is quite remarkable that we have raised nearly $145,000 for Achilles International over the course of 21 years.”
“The Race for Rehab is important to the physical therapy students because it connects them with their future work early on in their education,” said Anthony M. Sozzo, M.S. Ed., M.A., associate dean for student affairs and director of student financial planning and student activities, who has helped organize the event since its founding year.
Mina M. Belfert, D.P.T. Class of 2021, called the Race for Rehab a highlight of her time spent at NYMC and something that she will never forget as she goes on to pursue her career in physical therapy. “New York Medical College has developed such a strong relationship with Achilles International and I wanted to help reinforce that bond and be a part of something bigger than myself,” Ms. Belfert said. “The most rewarding part of organizing Race for Rehab was not being able to contribute monetarily, but was seeing how excited and happy all of the Achilles athletes and handcyclists were to be there and participate.”
