Making Dreams Come True
How can you help put a smile on the face of a child facing mental or physical challenges? By making a dream come true!
Southwest General's Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Team is committed to fulfilling the dreams of pediatric patients who have significant physical or mental challenges through two special programs:
- C.O.O.L. ( Children Overcoming Obstacles in Life) Kids Race
- "Fulfill a Dream" Program
Both programs were developed by PM&R staff members who volunteer their time to help special needs children and their families.
C.O.O.L. Kids Race -- This annual event is for physically and/or mentally challenged children of all ages. The race takes place on the grounds of LifeWorks of Southwest General and is held rain or shine. In nice weather, the children complete laps around an outdoor track. In rainy weather, the race moves indoors to the gym area.
On race day, children and their families are invited to join in a pre-race warm up. The race starts with the youngest age groups and gradually moves to the older age groups. For each group, children in wheelchairs and walkers go first. Each child receives a T-shirt, a medal and a prize for participating in the race. After the race there are games, activities and refreshments for the children and their families. It’s a fun-filled day for everyone!
The C.O.O.L. Kids race is supported by generous donations from physicians, families, Southwest General staff members, community organizations and members of the public. Funds raised by the race help support the "Fulfill a Dream" program.
"Fulfill a Dream" Program – This program is supported in large part by funds raised from the C.O.O.L. Kids Race. It is designed to help fulfill the dreams of pediatric patients who have significant physical or mental challenges, but who are not terminally ill.
Through "Fulfill a Dream," Southwest General PM&R staff members are able to help children who wish to do something special that their families can't afford, often due to medical expenses. In the past, dreams of an adaptive playground, a tricycle made for two and even a remodeled pediatric floor have come to life thanks to the "Fullfill a Dream" prorgam.
For more information on these programs, call 440-816-4825.
Join us for the
Seventh Annual C.O.O.L. Kids Race
WHEN: Sept. 25, 2011
WHERE: Lifeworks of Southwest General, 7390 Old Oak Blvd.
FEE(s): $8 per participant (includes child’s T-shirt, medal, refreshments and activities following the race).
$5 donation for an adult T-shirt
Funds help support the "Fulfill a Dream" program