As we look forward to the ATI Foundation Metal Walk and 5K this Saturday, June 8, we’re taking a look back at last year’s honorary beneficiary, Megan Grygiel. This 16-year old dancer, high school student and cancer patient bravely lead hundreds of participants at the start of the walk.
As a beneficiary of the ATI Foundation, Megan and her family received funding to help them with medical costs after she underwent a knee and partial femur replacement due to bone cancer. Just two weeks after her last chemotherapy treatment, Megan was walking at the Metal Walk event.
“I was only expecting to walk the 1K version of the walk with her,” said Megan’s father, Jeff Grygiel, “But she wanted to prove that she could do the whole thing.”
The Metal Walk, a unique event honoring joint replacement and orthopedic implant recipients, was created to honor those who have overcome debilitating ailments.
“The event signifies triumph over pain. We want to give credit to all of these people, and they should be proud of what they’ve accomplished,” said Terry Williams, Director of the ATI Foundation. “We want to celebrate with our Metal Walk participants and honor them for all they’ve accomplished on their journey back to an active lifestyle.”
Megan was the perfect example of someone who has overcome a physical impairment, and someone who has benefited from the ATI Foundation.
“I plan to do the Metal Walk every year, and I’m excited to see all of the physical therapists who helped me during my rehab,” said Megan of the staff at ATI Physical Therapy’s Shorewood location.