Runners took to the track at Valor Field at Memorial Stadium in Scranton for the Team Allied Services 5K, kicking off the All Abilities Walk and raising money and awareness for people with disabilities.
Erin Burns, director of development for Allied Services, said the event supports children, adults, and veterans with disabilities while celebrating their achievements and milestones. “To have our community, just everybody, come together and celebrate the achievements of our patients, and anybody in the community that’s really worked towards making this step in their recovery or their rehabilitation, it’s just incredible to see,” Burns said.
Kim Scatton of Blakely had just finished her first 5K, braving the cold and wind before joining her family for the All Abilities Walk. Scatton, a devoted mother to her son, Lucas K., an Allied Services patient, said she wanted to show him that difficult challenges can be overcome with hard work. “Lucas struggles every day doing difficult things, so I wanted to show him that you can do difficult things if you just put the work into it,” Scatton said. “I’m so proud of him and everything he accomplishes, and I wanted him to be proud of me for something, too.”
Lucas was diagnosed with Aicardi-Goutières syndrome, a rare condition that causes inflammation in the brain and nervous system. Despite the challenges he faces, Lucas crossed the finish line with his mother by his side and a smile on his face, drawing cheers from the crowd.
“It’s all the motivation you need. Look at him. He’s gorgeous, so it’s all the motivation you need to cross the finish line,” Scatton said.
Bob Cole, senior vice president of Team Allied Services, said seeing participants reach their goals and receive encouragement from the crowd is one of the most rewarding parts of the event. “Seeing the joy in those people’s faces when they’re on the track being cheered on and accomplishing their goals,” Cole said.
For participants, families, and supporters, the event is an opportunity to celebrate perseverance, recognize personal milestones, and bring the community together in support of people of all abilities.