DPT students help Fort Wayne family

FORT WAYNE — A group of students in Trine University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program recently assisted a needy family in Fort Wayne with money they received from volunteering at the 2016 Fort4Fitness.

The students received a $500 donation to use as they wished in appreciation for their help at the annual event.

“We considered using the money to buy a piece of exercise equipment or for a pizza party, but the DPT class of 2018 collectively felt the money would be best used to benefit someone in the Fort Wayne community,” said Alexandra DeBoer, who was part of the student group. “We have been very blessed with a beautiful facility and all the necessary equipment. We did not feel like there were any additional items that we necessarily needed.”

Adjunct professor Nicole Edmonds, who teaches courses related to pediatric physical therapy, helped DeBoer choose a family for the donation.

“Throughout our Lifespan and Neuromuscular classes she invited several children to come in so that we could work with them,” DeBoer said. “The money will be given to one of the children who came in several times who just purchased new equipment. Insurance did not completely cover that necessary equipment and the family was struggling financially.” 

The group also did a T-shirt fundraiser to raise some extra money to purchase toys for the child.

“Although the money will not completely relieve the family of financial stress, we hope it will assist them with purchasing the needed equipment,” DeBoer said. “The class is very excited that we will be able to give back to the community and assist a family that has given of their own time to help us.”

Photo: Back row, from left, Brian Doll, Michael Hankinson, Robert Heritz, Mitchell Hall; front row, Alexandra DeBoer, Lauren Morton, Jenny Williams, Chelsey Sims, Neha Kothari, Breanna Duso, Rylie Pfledderer and Jena Bontreger.