Health & Fitness
After Near Fatal Accident, Local Teen is Honored at ATI Foundation Metal Walk
Samantha Garcia of Montgomery, IL is named honorary beneficiary and race starter for the ATI Foundation Metal Walk
On July 1, 2012, it was uncertain whether 17-year-old Samantha Garcia would wake up from her coma after a car accident near her Montgomery, IL home. Almost a year later, following severe head trauma and bone-crushing injuries, she is ready to walk on her own two feet to lead a celebratory event in honor of other children with physical impairments, as well as individuals who have overcome joint replacement surgeries and other orthopedic implant procedures.
Samantha has been named the Honorary Beneficiary for the ATI Foundation Metal Walk, scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 8 at Harrah’s Casino in downtown Joliet. She will not only lead the way for hundreds of participants, but she will also be celebrating her own triumphs. She has spent the last 11 months learning how to walk again, which displays the meaning of the foundation’s Metal Walk event, “Celebrating Movement.” In addition, she qualifies as a Metal Walk participant for having an orthopedic implant - a titanium plate and six screws in her right wrist as the result of her accident.
“In addition to being an ATI Foundation beneficiary for her physical impairments caused by her brain injury, this makes Samantha a perfect example of the people we are celebrating at our Metal Walk,” said Terry Williams, ATI Foundation Director. Funds from the foundation will assist Samantha in her continued recovery.
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This year, the ATI Foundation will host its second annual Metal Walk in conjunction with its 11th Annual 5K Run, Walk & Roll. The Metal Walk is a 1K or 3K walk for those with joint replacements and their supporting family and friends. The USATF certified and chip-timed 5K Run is open to all competitive runners, leisurely joggers and walkers.
Each of the run/walk courses have the same start and finish line, and they both serve the same purpose: To help children with physical impairments in need of medical resources and funding.
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“To be the race starter for the Metal Walk means so much, I’m so excited,” said Samantha. “I have way more ahead of me . . . slowly but surely, we’re getting there.”
To see Samantha's inspiring story, click here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKWtEf-ueVQ
To participate in this year’s Metal Walk and 5K to help children like Samantha, visit www.ATIFoundation.com. Donation is $25 for early registration and $35 for same day registration.
Onsite registration starts at 9 a.m., and the race begins at 10:15 a.m. All participants will receive a t-shirt, entrance to the post-event celebration, door prize ticket and food/beverage voucher.
The Metal Walk and 5K Run, Walk and Roll is sponsored by Harrah’s Casino Joliet, Hinsdale Orthopaedics, and ATI Physical Therapy. Proceeds benefit the ATI Foundation.
