Thanks to everyone who sold and purchased tickets to help us raise $133,500 for children with physical impairments.

Every ticket sold helps us get closer to our goal of helping more children within the communities we serve. Without further ado, here are this year's winners:

$10,000 Cash Prize

Kate Ricks - Maryland

Personal Trainer for a Year

Kim Whiteman - Missouri

$2,500

Marsha Diecker - Illinois

One Year Health Club Membership 

Erin Brenner

One Year Health Club Membership  

Sal Chaudri

One Year Health Club Membership

Derek Hickey

$1,000

Michelle Porter

VitaMix 7500

Kimberly Crocker

$500

Doris Whitehead

Katie Newcomb

Tracy Schlosstein

Kim Burks

Hyesuk Kim

Ashley Christopher

Ninja Kitchen System

Wipha Costache

Nutribullet

Dave Smith

$100

Melissa Harting

Shane Smithson

Ellen Krueger

Parker Tuten

Deborah Smith

Ilona Fynke

Angie LaMAntia

Steve Domke

Jim Hill

Mark Kamm

$100 Gift Card to Whole Foods Market

Maria Iliopoulos

Jean Gillespie

Spine Care – DE

Thomas Forrest

Beverly Twine

Miriam Michelberger

Sandra McReynolds

Rebecca Patton

Pat Hallaron

Anthony Humphries

Visit the Get Fit Raffle page at ATIraffle.com for more information about this event.

BOLINGBROOK, IL, Dec. 19, 2016 – ATI Physical Therapy, one of the largest national providers of physical therapy services, is incorporating sports rehabilitation advancements with their own research to help athletes at all levels get back to their sport as well as combat a sharp rise in sports-related injuries. 

ATI Physical Therapy incorporates advanced sports medicine and rehabilitation research and techniques used for many professional athletes into its clinics. Physical therapists are advising patients to integrate a variety of training techniques to maintain overall athletic health, including injury prevention strategies. A well-rounded and focused prevention, and, if required, rehabilitation program, gets athletes playing smarter and returning to the field at the best time based on their injury and goals.   

In a recent study conducted by ATI Physical Therapy, a well-monitored preseason baseball training program showed improvement in arm flexibility and strength for high school pitchers which contributed to a diminished risk of arm injury. In addition, pitchers who had previous injuries and participated in the preseason training program were four times less likely to suffer an injury than those in the general arm care program. 

Recent work that will be presented at the 2017 APTA Combined Sections Meeting shows that 87 percent of athletes who follow and complete the ATI ACL rehabilitation program after ACL reconstruction were able to complete the next season without injury. This is just one example of the studies and programs ATI is currently conducting. Soon, ATI will publish papers on hip injuries among female athletes and low-back issues for the adolescent athlete. 

Emergency room statistics show young athletes visit hospital ERs for a sports-related injury more than a million times each year[1]. Additional research demonstrates that nearly four in ten emergency room visits for children aged 4-15 years old are sports related[2]. 

• Nearly 75 percent of sports-related injuries in youth or teen athletics were linked to four sports: football, soccer, baseball and basketball[3].
• Concussion rates doubled among U.S. high school athletes between 2005 and 2012[4]; only a fraction of which can be tied to increased awareness for concussion prevention and identification.
• In 2015, research found that there were more Tommy John surgeries for teens aged 15-19 than any other group based on an analysis of 790 patients who underwent the surgery between 2007-2011. The rate of the surgery in the same age group has been increasing more than 9 percent each year[5].  

Increased injuries are also being seen in baby boomers. The latest research shows that there are over half a million injuries for basketball and another two million injuries for bicycling, football and other sports for the 35 to 54 age group every year. 

“We’re seeing amateur athletes, youth and mature, come in to our clinics for sports injuries on an increasing basis; however, there isn’t one sport that is entirely to blame,” says Charles Thigpen, PhD, PT, ATC, Clinical Research Specialist for ATI Physical Therapy and Director of Observational Clinical Research in Ortho­paedics with the Center for Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Sciences at the University of South Carolina.  “Rather, younger athletes that specialize in one sport, year around without adequate rest seem to drive these injuries. For the mature athlete matching recovery time and lack of cross-training appears to be most to blame.” 

Increasing rates of injury is also evident in professional sports. The 2000s had injuries increase in three major U.S. sports: The National Football League, Major League Baseball and the National Hockey League. An analysis of NFL injury data shows that the number of injuries mandating a player miss eight days of play jumped every year from 2009 to 2012.[6] 

While all athletes can be prone to injury, it seems professional athletes bounce back faster than others no matter their sport. Kyle Schwarber, along with trainers and doctors for the Chicago Cubs, used ATI Physical Therapy, a sponsor of the World Champion Cubs, for his rehabilitation after his ACL tear and reconstruction early in the 2016 season. He returned to play earlier than expected and played a key role in helping the Cubs win a championship. 

“ATI Physical Therapy played an important role in developing a great game plan for my rehab to help get me back on the field as soon as possible. I have continued working hard during my recovery, and making it back to play with my teammates in the playoffs was an unbelievable experience,” Schwarber said. “Injuries like mine are becoming more and more common in professional sports, but luckily the rehab and PT process is also evolving, so we can get back out on the field quickly and do what we love.”

Besides the Chicago Cubs, ATI is an official partner with the Philadelphia Phillies, Indiana Pacers, Indianapolis Colts and the Detroit Lions. ATI also employs more on-site athletic trainers than any other physical therapy company for major college and high school athletic programs.  

As athletes of all ages and levels take their sport to the next level, ATI Athletic Trainers are certified healthcare professionals available to provide care recommendations. Whether it’s a minor sprain, or an injury that requires more comprehensive care, ATI’s highly-trained and skilled athletic trainers are experts in their field. ATI has experts in:  

• On-site services for practices, games and sporting events
• Immediate and emergency care
• Communication liaison with athletes, physicians, coaches and parents, assisting with injury management and safe return to play
• Nutrition programs, therapeutic massage and preventative care
• Comprehensive concussion management program 

 For more information on ATI’s sports medicine and rehabilitation services, visit http://www.atipt.com/sports-therapy.

About ATI

Based in Bolingbrook, Illinois, ATI is a privately held, nationally-recognized physical therapy organization with more than 650 locations in 25 states. Named “Best Physical Therapy Practice in the Nation” by ADVANCE magazine, ATI is one of the first physical therapy companies in the country to achieve URAC Core Accreditation, a mark of distinction that recognizes ATI’s commitment to quality healthcare. To give back to the local communities where ATI patients and staff work and live, ATI established the ATI Foundation, a non-profit organization benefiting children in need of resources and funding due to medical complications and physical impairments.

For a complete list of ATI’s clinic locations, please visit ATIpt.com. 

On December 12, the ATI Foundation will roll out the 4th Annual Holiday Kids Campaign to hundreds of ATI Physical Therapy locations nationwide. This year's event will run through the end of January 2017 and benefit one featured child in 20 of the 24 states where ATI Physical Therapy operates outpatient rehabilitation clinics. Staff members get creative and host a fundraiser of their choice to raise awareness for their state's Holiday Kid. 

"It's an opportunity for people to rally around a local kid - a kid in thier own community. When they can put a face to the name, and actually know the story of a child in need of their help, it makes a difference," said Terry Williams, Director of the ATI Foundation. "This event has proven to be one of the most engaging opportunities for ATI employees and patients."

The overall combined goal for these chosen beneficiaries is $60,000, but if exceeded, will be used to help additional needs for some of the Holiday Kids and other children currently on a waiting list for 2017. A list of the 2016-2017 Holiday Kids will be posted soon on the ATI Foundation website. 

The ATI Foundation is dedicated to providing assistance for physically impaired children in need of medical and financial resources, to enhance and sustain a better quality of life. To learn more about the ATI Foundation or to nominate a beneficiary, please visit www.ATIFoundation.com.

The 2016 Gala, an annual event hosted by the ATI Foundation, was themed "Casino Royale" this year, and took place at Chicago's Navy Pier Grand Ballroom on December 3.

More than 550 participants enjoyed dinner, an Elvis impersonator band, a live and silent auction and plenty of casino table games throughout the evening. A total of over $150,000 was raised for children with physical impairments. 

Special guests, Harrison and Aleena, were present at the event with their families as the honorary beneficiaries. ATI Foundation Director, Terry Williams, presented a check for $7,500 to Harrison's parents as a down payment for a much needed van that will help them more easily transport their physically impaired four-year-old son. A $6,000 check was presented to Aleena's mother to help pay for intensive therapies that will help her daughter's progress as she faces the challenges of global developmental delays caused by HIE (Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy).

The ATI Foundation is dedicated to providing assistance for physically impaired children in need of medical and financial resources, to enhance and sustain a better quality of life. The Holiday Kids Campaign, which starts December 12, will run through January 2017 to assist one featured child in 20 of the 25 states where ATI Physical Therapy operates outpatient rehabilitation clinics. To learn more about the ATI Foundation or to nominate a beneficiary, please visit www.ATIFoundation.com.

Indianapolis, IN - October 18, 2016 - This past Saturday, 175 people joined together to walk or run for children with physical impairments. The even was co-hosted by two organizations - Methodist Sports Medicine Research & Education Foundation, which embraces a crucial long-term role in the advancement of orthopedic medicine, and the ATI Foundation, who is dedicated to assisting children with physical impairments. The goal of this special event is to raise funds for both organizations' missions.

The 1K/5K event, presented by the Indianapolis Colts and Smith & Nephew, was created to celebrate those returning to an active lifestyle following joint replacements and orthopedic implants. With the help of these participants, family members, friends, employees and community members, the event raised $33,750. The ATI Foundation presented a check to Caden, a four-year-old boy from Martinsville, IN. Immediately following his birth, Caden suffered at least one seizure. This has contributed to a significant leg length discrepency and delayed motor skills development. He has faced many challenges while learning to crawl and walk. Over the last couple of years, he has outgrown two braces and has gone through extensive physical therapy. The financial gift presented to Caden and his family at Saturday's event will allow them to purchase new day and night leg braces to assist with his progress.

If you know a child with physical impairments in your community who could benefit from the ATI Foundation, please nominate them by completing a Beneficiary Request Form!

Learn more about the ATI Foundation and upcoming events HERE.

Atlas Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Centers joins ATI

ATI Physical Therapy, the nation’s largest physical therapy practice under one brand, today announces expansion in the western suburbs of Illinois with the addition of Atlas Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Centers, a four-clinic practice with locations in Aurora, Batavia, Sandwich and Yorkville. The addition of the Atlas clinics elevates ATI’s Illinois footprint to 150 locations, and will be complemented by ATI’s opening of a new location in St. Charles on June 20.

For over 20 years, Atlas Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Centers has been providing high quality physical therapy care with compassion to the communities of the Fox Valley region. Its therapists are trained in manual therapy, an approach in treating movement dysfunction that includes the "hands on" skills aimed at decreasing pain and increasing function. With state-of-the-art equipment, a highly qualified staff and a warm friendly environment, Atlas promises to do everything possible to help ensure its patients receive the care and attention they need and deserve.

“We are excited about our partnership with ATI and believe it will provide our organization with valuable resources, which will help us continue to provide the highest quality of care for patients throughout our communities,” said Charles Clark, Director, Atlas Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Centers. “Our shared focus on providing an outstanding patient experience at every level is what impressed me most about ATI. From small town communities to large cities, and local school teams to professional athletes, our focus is to provide great care for all of our patients.”

With exceptional, patient-centered care, trusted expertise and remarkable outcomes, the goal of ATI Physical Therapy is to exceed customer expectations—every day, in every clinic. ATI is a nationally-recognized rehabilitation provider, specializing in research-based physical therapy, workers’ compensation rehab, employer worksite solutions, sports medicine, home health, and a variety of specialty therapies. 

“Atlas is a perfect addition to ATI, complementing our other area clinics in the Fox Valley region,” said Mark Schodrof, Senior Vice President of Operations with ATI. “Atlas has a strong history of providing the highest level of care to its patients and the communities it serves. Together, we are looking forward to continuing this tradition and enhancing services so we can have a greater impact on the lives of our patients.”

Complimentary injury screens are available at all ATI locations, and first appointments are scheduled within 24-48 hours, with early morning and evening hours available to accommodate patient schedules. 

ATI accepts virtually all major insurance carriers, verifies patient benefits prior to the start of treatment and offers individualized payment plans. Unique to the industry, ATI’s dedicated in-house research department aims to improve patient outcomes through basic science, research and evidence-based medicine. This includes the ATI Patient Outcomes Registry, a collection of data that supports an innovative approach to physical therapy that improves awareness of patient outcomes and how the rehabilitative process can impact patients’ quality of life.

The first day of May was a highly anticipated day for everyone involved in Manny’s Mission 5K and SuperKids Miler powered by the ATI Foundation. After months of planning and preparation, the only thing that could have been better was the weather! 

Despite the unseasonably low temperatures, more than 1,200 people showed up to support the dual missions of both organizations geared toward children with physical impairments. ATI Foundation partnered for the first time with Manny’s Mission – another not for profit organization founded by Holly Bueno, the mother of one of our past beneficiaries Manny, commonly referred to as “Supermanny.” The proceeds were split between the two foundations, to further assist Manny’s needs associated with Cerebral Palsy, as well as several other local children. A total of $40,000 was raised, and nearly half has already been distributed to five local beneficiaries:

Manny Bueno| Romeoville
Our featured superhero was in attendance and received $12,000 in funding for a long-awaited wheelchair lift for his handicap-accessible van.

Jackson Miles | Channahon
2-year-old Jackson has Cerebral Palsy and was presented a check for $3,000 that will be used for medical expenses.

Peyton Maniago | Joliet
Joliet resident, Peyton, age 10, has Cerebral Palsy and Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR). Peyton was present to receive funding for a trip to Texas for an intensive physical therapy course specialized for kids with SDR. She even participated in the SuperKids Miler with her walker!

Bettie Franek | Tinley Park
8-year-old Bettie was given funding to pay for physical therapy sessions and new equipment to assist with walking. Bettie suffers from Septo-optic Dysplasia, Seizure Disorder and a heart defect, and was unable to attend the event.

Jonathan Brija | New Lenox
13-year-old Jonathan and his family were provided $2,662 to cover the cost of five monthly payments for the family’s wheelchair-enabled van. Johnathan has multiple impairments including Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy. 

The ATI Foundation would like to thank all participants, volunteers and committee members for their efforts to make this a successful event. Event photos can be viewed at www.facebook.com/ATIFndn.  

Event photos courtesy of Patti Mendoza Photography.

To learn more about the ATI Foundation, please visit www.ATIFoundation.com. For additional information about Manny’s Mission, go to www.healingsupermanny.com. 

Denver-based nonprofit adds Early Intervention programs to assist in keeping employees injury free 

AlloSource® is the latest organization to utilize the services of an ATI Worksite Solutions’ Certified Early Intervention Specialist (CEIS), providing its employees all of the benefits of having an onsite, full-time proactive occupational provider. AlloSource is a nonprofit organization founded in 1994 to honor and respect the gift of human tissue donation by responsibly developing, processing and distributing life-saving and life-enhancing allografts.  

“As one of the largest human tissue banks in the country, AlloSource employees face work activity that involves potentially awkward postures and highly repetitive activities.  For this reason, and in-line with AlloSource’s Core Value of Safety, the implementation of an onsite health professional for job coaching, preventative injury intervention and treatment of minor discomfort was a logical answer,” said Sheila Denman, senior vice president, ATI Worksite Solutions. “Forward-thinking companies are quickly learning that preventive measures of work-related injuries are more cost effective than the alternative.” 

According to the Rand Corporation, corporate wellness and workplace prevention programs are expected to boom between now and 2020 as businesses look for ways to lower healthcare costs. Each dollar business owners invest in these types of programs comes back three-fold in savings, productivity improvements, and other benefits.  ATI Worksite Solutions’ customers typically see more than a 4 to 1 return on their investment in many areas, such as a reduction in recordable injuries, lost time and restricted duty, workers compensation claims, along with an accelerated return to work.   

“We provide a safe work environment and strive to ensure all job-related risks are eliminated.  In addition, caring for our most valuable asset, our employees, is paramount,” said Paul Sochinski, CTBS, environmental health and safety manager, AlloSource.  “The ATI Worksite Solutions Early Intervention program has been well-received by employees and we look forward to seeing the positive effect on employees and overall wellness.”

For information on how your organization can benefit from ATI Worksite Solutions visit ATIworksitesolutions.com or contact Sheila.denman@atipt.com.

About ATI Worksite Solutions

A division of ATI, ATI Worksite Solutions has provided customizable, proactive onsite occupational services since 1995. Now with more than 140 providers in 22 states for industries that include heavy manufacturing, pharma, automotive, distribution and food processing, ATI Worksite Solutions helps protect more than 100,000 lives every day. For more information on ATI Worksite Solutions, please visit ATIworksitesolutions.com.

About ATI

ATI is a privately held, nationally recognized healthcare company, specializing in outpatient rehabilitation and adjacent healthcare services. With a focus on delivering a remarkable experience to every patient, every day, ATI has more than 500 locations from coast to coast. ATI was named “Best Physical Therapy Practice in the Nation” by ADVANCE magazine, and was one of the first physical therapy companies in the country to achieve URAC Core Accreditation, a mark of distinction that recognizes its commitment to quality healthcare. Based in Bolingbrook, Illinois, ATI gives back to communities across the country through the ATI Foundation, a non-profit established by ATI, which has provided more than $3 million in resources and funding to children with physical impairments.  For more information on ATI Physical Therapy, and a complete list of clinic locations, services and the ATI Foundation, please visit ATIpt.com.