St. Charles Hosts Annual Run for Rehab

On April 28, there were over 200 runners, walkers, wheelchairs and baby carriages participating in the annual Run for Rehab at , described by a hospital spokesperson as a scenic 4-mile run/walk beginning at the hospital and winding its way through Belle Terre and ending back in the hospital parking lot to raise money for St. Charles Rehabilitation.

Proceeds fund new equipment and technology for inpatient and outpatient rehab.

Jennifer Semel, MD, Medical Director of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation said that she is inspired by the people who come out to support the hospital.

“I am grateful to each and every participant for giving their time to benefit rehabilitation services at St. Charles,” she said in a statement.

The event, called "Run for Rehab," began in 1989 to support the rehabilitation center that now boasts of having 86 inpatient beds and a network of nine outpatient rehabilitation facilities across Long Island. They also have an extensive outpatient diagnostic and treatment center. According to the hospital, the center uses advanced rehabilitation technology, including a virtual reality system for physical therapy games and equipment to stimulate the limbs of those with stroke and spinal cord injuries.

According to hospital spokesperson, Marilyn Fabbricante, the event raises around $5,000 every year for the center.

Participants in the event included former patients, residents of the community and hospital staff, including several rehabilitation physicians.

Top finishers were: