ATI Foundation Raises More than $86,000 at Annual Gala

CHICAGO, Nov. 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The ATI Foundation raised more than $86,000 at its most recent gala on Saturday, Nov. 14 at Navy Pier to further its mission of giving help and hope to children with physical impairments. The ATI Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization founded by ATI Physical Therapy. The families of four local children were honored at this year's gala as special guests, sharing their inspiring stories and the difference the ATI Foundation has made in their lives. 

• Lee Rivera, Berwyn, IL: Lee is wheelchair-bound due to a genetic disorder known as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, which affects his ability to walk, talk and breathe normally. The progressive condition of this disease has required him to be dependent on his family and his wheelchair. The ATI Foundation granted Lee's family $3,000 toward the construction of a new bedroom and bathroom in his home, to allow him more independence.
• Alexandra Toma, Kenosha, WI: Alex was born with a rare condition known as Arthrogryposis, meaning curved (fixed) joints in multiple areas of the body. Alex has limited movement in her arms and jaw, and little to no movement in her legs. The Foundation provided funding to help support Alex and her travels to medical specialists throughout the country that assist with her care.
• Madeline Haubert, Plainfield, IL: Maddie was born with Sturge-Weber Syndrome, a rare neurological and skin disorder. Her condition has left her with numerous physical challenges.  The ATI Foundation provided Maddie with an adaptive bicycle, allowing her to play and ride a bike for the first time, something that was not thought possible because of her condition.
• Manny "SuperManny" Bueno, Romeoville, IL: SuperManny has Cerebral Palsy, which was caused by lack of oxygen during birth. Initially, his family was told he wouldn't live past three days. He has benefitted from costly hyperbaric oxygen chamber treatments that are healing his brain, and helping him function beyond what was ever thought possible. Unfortunately, these treatments are not covered by insurance. The ATI Foundation provided partial funding toward the purchase of a hyperbaric oxygen chamber for the family's home so SuperManny can receive treatments conveniently and consistently.

"The kids and families we honored at this year's ATI Foundation Gala are the true champions," said Terry Williams, director of the ATI Foundation. "The courage and determination they show every day is an inspiration to us all. We are grateful that the Foundation is able to make a positive impact in their lives and those of their family members."  

In 2015, the ATI Foundation has assisted more than 25 Chicagoland children, providing financial support for medical expenses, assistive equipment and devices. Through a partnership with Preston's March for Energy, the Foundation has presented adaptive bicycles to several local children, allowing them to ride a bike for the first time.

In 2016, the Foundation will partner with another great organization, strengthening its fundraising efforts and expanding the ability to help more children in need. Together with the Healing SuperManny organization, it will be co-hosting the SuperManny Mission 5K & SuperKids Miler. The event will take place on Sunday, May 1 at the Romeoville Recreation Department in Romeoville, IL. The SuperKids Miler will begin at 8 a.m., followed by the 5K at 9 a.m. For more information, or to register, please visit healingsupermanny.com or atifoundation.com.

Additional information or to donate to the ATI Foundation can be found at www.atifoundation.com .

About the ATI Foundation

Founded by ATI Physical Therapy in 2003, the ATI Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization that gives help and hope to children with physical impairments. The ATI Foundation has raised more than $2.25 million, giving hope and help to over 1,000 children in our communities. Often, beneficiary families have mounting debt, and are overcome by financial and physical obstacles. Through the work of ATI's clinical and corporate team members, funds are raised to purchase medical equipment, pay bills, and even remodel families' homes to accommodate their child's special needs. But more importantly, the ATI Foundation gives families hope by offering a better quality of life for their child. www.atifoundation.com

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SOURCE The ATI Foundation