READING, Pa. – Working to break down barriers and prove that ability comes in many forms: one local nonprofit in Berks County is hosting a fundraiser this weekend to continue empowering people with disabilities.<\/p>\n
69 News Reporter Sydney Kay met up with the group that uses fitness and sports to make an impact.<\/p>\n
Working out and breaking a sweat is this Berks County group\u2019s goal.<\/p>\n
Nothing stops them, regardless of time of day, the weather, or personal challenges.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter you lose a limb, you have a lot of self doubts and you wonder, \u2018Am I ever going to be whole again,\u2019\u201d said Avelino Rochino, a Program Participant with IM ABLE Foundation.<\/p>\n
That question was finally answered after Rochino joined the group, IM ABLE Foundation.<\/p>\n
The nonprofit provides programs and events for people with disabilities. They say the organization helps them redefine what they think is possible.<\/p>\n
\u201cI like doing exercises and lifting weights and IM ABLE friends and family,\u201d Rohan Kaneria said, a Program Participant with IM ABLE Foundation.<\/p>\n
It’s a melting pot of people, such as Kylah Schlott, who\u2019s representing PA in the Special Olympics USA Games.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has made me a lot stronger, more confident, more of a leader,\u201d Schlott said.<\/p>\n
Or Elisia Soto, who just joined in September.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m working on me, to better me, and knowing that I can. Before I couldn\u2019t, but I am able now. As you can tell,\u201d Soto said.<\/p>\n
Hosting a BASH Fundraiser at the Alvernia Plex on Saturday at 6:30 p.m., they hope to spread the word about providing grants for adaptive equipment.<\/p>\n
\u201cAn average adult bike will go between 25 and 35,000 dollars\u2026 Wheelchairs, especially like wheelchairs for basketball or rugby, can be upwards of 5,000 dollars plus,\u201d said Alex Pilkington, the CEO of IM ABLE Foundation.<\/p>\n
The group also hopes people share their stories on how they got here.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy daughter obviously faced a significant challenge that rendered her crutch and wheelchair-bound for about two and a half years\u2026 At one period in time she decided that she didn\u2019t want to live anymore and that\u2019s when I got connected with the foundation,\u201d said Sherry Marcinkowski, the Board President of IM ABLE Foundation.<\/p>\n
Many with the same ending; hope.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is life-changing, life-altering, it is the best for you and for the better,\u201d said Soto.<\/p>\n