Children living with limb loss receive free running blades from local foundation

May 28, 2024

Dave McGillivray’s Finish Strong Foundation welcomes patients from Shriners Children’s for play and practice with new prostheses

BOSTON, Mass. /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – As part of their Running Is A Right program, the Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation hosted a private event for patients of Shriners Children’s living with limb loss on May 18 at the TRACK at New Balance, where specialists from Shriners Children’s Pediatric Orthotics and Prosthetics Services (POPS) helped them reach their running potential. 21 children took part in the event and 13 were fitted for new running blades, provided at no cost by the foundation, and had a chance to experience running and other activities on recreational prosthetics.

The star-studded event allowed children with limb loss to make connections with other children who share their experiences, and be inspired by outstanding adults living with limb loss and famous athletes.

Participants were treated to other free gifts, snacks, and refreshments during the event. They engaged with local sports celebrities and inspiring individuals who also live with limb loss including:

• Dave McGillivray, President of the Finish Strong Foundation and Boston running legend
• Zdeno Chára, former Boston Bruin
• Marko Cheseto, world record holder for a marathon by a double amputee
• Miguel Baez, first full-duty amputee firefighter in the state

The event was sponsored by the Boston Bruins Foundation, Barrault and Associates, LLC and UniCare/Wellpoint.

“Running is a sport that comes naturally to all children – they crawl, they walk, they run! These inspiring young people have overcome great obstacles as they live with limb loss, and we want to make sure that they have the chance to experience the transformative power of running and other sports,” said McGillivray. “Our Running is a Right program is a point of pride for our organization, and we thank Shriners Children’s and our sponsors for their help in bringing this to our hometown of Boston.”

To date, McGillivray’s foundation has provided more than 40 running blades to children living with limb loss. Events have previously taken place in Beaverton, Ore. and Salt Lake City, Utah.

For more information on the Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation, visit www.davemcgillivrayfoundation.org and follow the foundation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

ABOUT THE DAVE MCGILLIVRAY FINISH STRONG FOUNDATION

The Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation seeks to inspire and empower youth across New England and beyond to increase physical activity, expand literacy, and build community and self-esteem through running, reading, and performing acts of kindness. Their vision is rooted in a belief that discovering a passion for physical activity, reading, and acts of kindness at a young age gives individuals self-confidence and self-respect, which empowers them to move forward—one step at a time. For over eighteen years, the foundation has remained committed to preparing individuals for future success and building vibrant communities. For more information on the Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation, visit www.davemcgillivrayfoundation.org and follow the foundation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

ABOUT SHRINERS CHILDREN’S

Shriners Children’s improves the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, conducting innovative research, and offering outstanding education programs for medical professionals. Children with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care, regardless of the families’ ability to pay, and receive all care and services in a compassionate, family-centered environment. For more information, please visit shrinerschildrens.org.

Photos Available Here

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MEDIA CONTACT

Meg Treat, APR

meg@treatpublicrelations.com

805.766.1500