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10th Annual Stroll ‘N Roll Honors Abilities

Kessler Foundation’s 10th Annual Stroll ‘N Roll was different than any other year’s…and it wasn’t just the cooler weather. More than 300 people gathered to stroll, roll, run, or race a 5K or 8K around Branch Brook Park in Newark, NJ, on the brisk morning of October 16th. Guests were also treated to a glimpse into the future when they saw demonstrations of Ekso. All of the special guests watched in amazement, including actor and disability advocate Daryl “Chill” Mitchell, injured Rutgers football player Eric LeGrand, NJ Asw. Mila Jasey, and NJ Asm. Thomas Giblin.

Made by Ekso Bionics, Ekso is a wearable, robotic, battery-powered exoskeleton that allows wheelchair users to stand and walk. Amanda Boxtel, an ambassador of Ekso Bionics, transferred out of her wheelchair and onto a folding chair to strap on Ekso. With the push of a button, she leaned forward, shifted her weight to the front of her feet, and stood up. She let out an exuberant sound and exclaimed, “It never gets old!”

Amanda leaning forwardAmanda lifting herself upAmanda standingAmanda standing up straightAmanda walking

Amanda’s legs, paralyzed nearly two decades ago in a skiing accident, were taking steps. As an engineer pushed a button to safely trigger each step, Amanda walked among the crowd of fascinated onlookers. She explained how her circulation, mobility, and bowel and bladder function improved after using Ekso. While the medical improvements are great, she explained how it lifts her spirits as well.

“It feels wonderful to stand up straight and look people in the eye,” Amanda cheerfully said. As she stood, she asked people to give her a hug, a gesture that gives her great joy. “I can give hugs without a space between us. I can reach for things on the top shelf without having to ask for help. I’m so much more independent with Ekso,” she declared.

Amanda gazed at the crowd and noticed some wheelchair users who had very limited use of their arms. “I see those of you who may not have the arm strength that I have but I want to tell you, ‘don’t give up!’ We’re just at the start of knowing what is possible with robotic technology. Devices will be capable of much more in a few years. With robotics, anything is possible,” she said.

Her presentation, alongside Karl Gudmundsson, Vice President of Marketing for Ekso Bionics, was followed by brief comments from Gail Forrest, PhD, and Steven Kirshblum, MD. Dr. Forrest, Interim Director of Human Performance and Movement Analysis Research at Kessler Foundation, and Dr. Kirshblum, Medical Director and Director of Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, led a collaborative team during the week of October 17th to develop protocols and analyze how Ekso may improve the mobility and health of individuals with paralysis.

Kessler Foundation is one of only ten research centers in the nation to partner with Ekso Bionics to study the exoskeleton in people with spinal cord injury. Ekso is currently used solely in rehabilitation settings but is targeted for release for home and community use in 2013. Kessler will acquire its own Ekso for research and clinical use in January 2012.

Interspersed throughout the Ekso demonstrations, it was time to get to strolling and rolling. In addition to its regular stroll and roll, Kessler Foundation added two USATF certified races—a 5K and 8K—for runners and wheelchair athletes. The Foundation’s own Cherie Davide sang a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem. Next, Amanda waved the flag to start the race.

The wheelchair division included hand cyclists and push-rim racers. They were escorted through the courses by the Montclair Cyclists who were honored to be a part of the day. Many of the wheelchair athletes were from Kessler Foundation’s WheelBlazers, an adult wheelchair racing team, and the North Jersey Navigators, a junior athlete adaptive sports team that is supported by the Foundation.

As runners and racers started and finished the race, the NJ Bergen Hawks Dance Team cheered and made everyone feel like champions. The winners divided by age (by decade) and gender. Here are the top winners:

8K Running Winners:

  • Bill Moore
  • Amy Boos
  • Paul Brubaker
  • Nancy Dougherty

8K Racing Winners:

  • Jerson Calderon
  • Chelsea Crytzer
  • Tony Nogueira

5K Running Winners:

  • Doug Bonner
  • Jenny Calabrese
  • Geoffrey Forrest
  • Nancy Santigate

5K Racing Winners:

  • Charles Jackson
  • Antonio Bohaczyk

Click here for a complete list of 8K running winners and participants.

Click here for a complete list of 5K running winners and participants.

Click here for a complete list of 8K and 5K racing winners and participants.

After the certified races, all participants strolled and rolled a 5K around Branch Brook Park. Children enjoyed face painting, balloon figures, and meeting Ronald McDonald. Guests were also treated to music and contests by WPLJ and WDHA radio. Food was also served in Information Alley, which also provided information about research, programs, and services available to individuals with disabilities and their families.

In the midst of enjoying this beautiful, fun-filled day, more than $85,000 was raised to support rehabilitation research as well as education, employment, and community programs for people with disabilities. Kessler Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities so that they can enjoy independent and productive lives. In turn, society will also benefit from their contributions.

View photos of Stroll 'N Roll by visiting Kessler Stroll 'N Roll on Facebook.