Virginia PT & PTA Students Raise Funds for Physical Therapy Research
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Virginia PT & PTA Students Raise Funds for Physical Therapy Research
By Haley Lynam, SPT and Emily Schaefer, SPT
Students from PT & PTA programs in Virginia were among students from 146 schools that participated in the 2016-2017 VCU-Marquette Challenge, raising $340,986, with a record number of returning schools. Since its inception in 1989, 269 schools have participated in the Marquette Challenge and have raised a cumulative total of $3.7 million for the Foundation.
The Foundation wishes to thank physical therapist and physical therapist assistant students of Virginia Commonwealth University, Radford University, and Marymount University for raising $41,401 in support of the Challenge. The success of the Challenge would not be possible without their contribution. Notably, Virginia Commonwealth University received second place in overall fundraising, raising 37,833. Additionally, Radford University received the award of Most Successful PT Newcomer, raising $1,000.
This year’s top fundraisers include:
• 1st Place: Mercer University
• 2nd Place: Virginia Commonwealth University
• 3rd Place: University of Pittsburgh
As the top fundraiser, Mercer University earned first place by raising $45,220. Mercer University will serve as co-host and won naming rights for this year's Mercer-Marquette Challenge, which is currently underway.
allenge annually supports grants, scholarships and the rigorous peer review process which results in the awarding of all Foundation scholarships and grants. Michael Borich, DPT, PhD, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at Emory University, is the recipient of the $40,000 VCU-Marquette Challenge Research Grant. His 1-year project, "Targeted Neuromodulation of Abnormal Interhemispheric Connectivity to Promote Neural Plasticity and Recovery of Arm Function After Stroke," will study the ability of ihPAS, a promising non-invasive brain stimulation approach, to target a critical pathway contributing to arm dysfunction and persistent disability in stroke. The Challenge also funded a PODS I Scholarship in 2017, which was awarded to Jacob J. Capin, BS, MS, DPT, University of Delaware. His research focuses on better understanding and treating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries.
The Marquette Challenge is the signature annual fundraising initiative of the Foundation, raising more funds each year than any other Foundation activity. The Challenge is coordinated and carried out by physical therapist and physical therapist assistant students across the country. Students organize grassroots fundraisers on their campuses and in their local communities that raise awareness for and benefit the Foundation for Physical Therapy. Since its inception, the Challenge has funded over 22 research grants and scholarships.
Faculty and students of PT and PTA programs in the state of Virginia are encouraged to visit the Foundation’s Web site at www.Foundation4PT.org to learn how they can support the Foundation for Physical Therapy and physical therapy research through the 2017-2018 Mercer-Marquette Challenge. Contributions for the Mercer-Marquette Challenge should be submitted by April 26th, 2018. Donations are tax deductible and can be made online at Foundation4PT.org or sent to its headquarters at 1111 N Fairfax St, Alexandria, VA 22314.
About the Foundation for Physical Therapy
The Foundation for Physical Therapy was established in 1979 as a national, independent nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality and delivery of physical therapy care by providing support for scientifically-based and clinically relevant physical therapy research and doctoral scholarships and fellowships.
Over the last 38 years, the Foundation has awarded more than $17 million in research grants, fellowships, and post professional doctoral scholarships to more than 590 emerging scientists. Foundation-funded researchers have gone on to receive an estimated $753 million in external funding from the National Institutes of Health and other sources. Many of today’s leading and emerging physical therapist researchers, clinicians, and academicians began their careers with a grant or scholarship from the Foundation.
To learn more, visit Foundation4pt.org.
For more information, email info@foundation4pt.org or call (800)-875-1378.
