PossAbilities Opens Doors for Community Members

LOMA LINDA >> Loma Linda University Health gets involved with the community in several ways, but perhaps none hits closer to home than 13-year-old program PossAbilities, a free community outreach resource whose mission it is to smooth the process for disabled individuals of reintegrating into society. Through PossAbilities, which is powered by Quest Diagnostics, people with physical limitations such as limb amputation, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injury or stroke, among others, can gain access to mentors, peers, advocates and other community resources that help open endless possibilities for their valued roles in Loma Linda and surrounding communities. Because PossAbilities is recognized by the U.S. Paralympic Committee as a Paralympic Sports Club, its new program Road 2 Rio is helping train athletes to prepare for securing a spot on the National and U.S. Paralympic Teams in a variety of sports, including cycling and canoeing. Last year, four members were chosen for the National Cycling and Emerging Teams. This year, the athletes are training hard to make it to Rio de Janeiro. Follow Greg Crouse, Andre Barbieri, Delmon Dunston and Nick Gleissner on their blogs, which can be found at www.teampossabilities.org/road-to-rio-athletes-blog, and cheer them on as they train on their Road 2 Rio. In May, PossAbilities held its seventh annual prom for special needs students involved in PossAbilities at Colton High School. “The intent is to put together these activities that will bring the special needs and General Ed students together,” said Craig Martin, CHS teacher and organizer of the event, in a previous article with City News Group. Martin said every year, PossAbilities donates a $1,000 grant to CHS so they are able to hold a prom night for their special needs students to get together with their fellow classmates and create memories. The remainder of the money is raised by CHS staff. “If someone needs a dress, a tie, a suit, whatever it is, we (CHS staff) will donate it,” he said. The Hollywood-themed night included a limo ride around the school, a walk down the red carpet with their General Ed dates and a specially catered lunch, brought to them by fellow Yellowjackets. Other events held by PossAbilities include the annual triathlon, which was held for the 14th year in April at the Loma Linda University Health Drayson Center. Participants of all ages, both with and without physical limitations, took part in three different sections of the race: a run/walk/stroll, a bike ride and a swim at the pool at Drayson Center. Every year, hundreds of community members line the streets to show their support. Yet another way PossAbilities encourages people to get involved is through the Para-cycle Race Series, which was joined together with the 32nd annual Redlands Bicycle Classic in April. The United States Olympic Committee gave a grant to PossAbilities to help fund the Race Series as a designated host for the nationwide event, Paralympics Cycling Series. “We are very thankful to have been chosen for this grant,” said Dr. Pedro Payne, director of PossAbilities, in a previous article with City News Group. “The additional funding will allow us to lend financial support to many challenged athletes that would otherwise not be able to participate in this event.” Currently, PossAbilities offers several classes, events and adaptive sports to its members on a weekly basis, such as Accessible Yoga, Group Bike Ride, Painting Workshop and SwimAbilities. Check out www.teampossabilities.org/events for a full schedule. The next upcoming event, the eighth annual PossAbilities Kid’s Pool Party on July 17, has reached such a popular response that registration was forced to close after the party reached capacity in two days. Praise in the Park, a series of free concerts, still has two more dates left for patients and staff to enjoy: Aug. 12 and Oct. 14 from 12 to 1 p.m. at LLUMC East Campus’ Outdoor Amphitheater Park. To learn more about becoming a member or becoming a peer visitor, or to find out other ways you can support or be a part of PossAbilities, visit www.teampossabilities.org.