For Immediate Release: April 16, 2010

Contact: Brian Reardon (217) 544-6464, ext. 44306 brian.reardon@st-johns.org

WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL EVENT TO BENEFIT PEER SUPPORT GROUP

SPRINGFIELD – St. John’s Children’s Hospital is hosting a Wheelchair Basketball Clinic and Benefit on Friday, April 30th, at the Lincoln Land Community College Gymnasium. The event will support St. John’s P.A.L.S. (Peers, Activity, Love and Support) program which gives kids with chronic illnesses or disabilities the chance to socialize with other children who are facing similar challenges.  

The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with a children’s clinic. At 7 p.m. the University of Illinois’ men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball teams will play against St. John’s Hospital staff and Springfield area celebrities. A half time show will be performed by Springfield Dance. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children under 12, or $15 for a family (up to five members). The children’s clinic is $25 per child and includes game admission and a t-shirt.

“It is not always easy for kids with disabilities to make friends and feel accepted for who they are. The P.A.L.S. program gives these kids and their parents a social network, support group and resources they need to meet these daily challenges,” says Meghan McFarland, a Physical Therapist with St. John's Children's Hospital.

The money raised from the event will be used to purchasing therapeutic equipment that can be loaned to P.A.L.S.’s families. The equipment would include such items as assistive devices, communication devices, feeding supplements and other adaptive equipment. Other funds would be used to support trips for P.A.L.S. participants and bring in instructors to lead activities and lessons.

For more information about the P.A.L.S. program, please contact Meghan McFarland at meghan.mcfarland@st-johns.org or 217-544-6464 ext. 30239.