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April 9, 2008
 BETHLEHEM,
PA – Via of the Lehigh Valley announced a new partnership
with Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH) for the Via Marathon scheduled
for September 7, 2008. LVH has taken the role as title sponsor
of the newly named Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for Via
presented by 69 WFMZ-TV.
“Just as the marathon is a true Valley wide event,
run through 3 cities and 2 counties, Lehigh Valley Hospital
is a true Lehigh Valley organization covering the same footprint
of the marathon from city to city,” said Ron Rucker,
Via President and CEO.
“They are a community leader and we are excited about
the opportunity to partner with them to help make our community
stronger and healthier. We are proud to call them a partner.”
Last year, more than 820 runners and 250 volunteers participated
in this unique five-person team relay and individual run along
a 26.2 mile course following the Lehigh River Canal Towpath
through Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton. This year, a 5-mile
walk and 20-mile training run for marathon runners have been
added to encourage participants of all activity levels.
“From our standpoint, this event is a natural fit for
us,” said Andrew Miller, D.O., Lehigh Valley Hospital
emergency room physician and marathon medical director.
“We believe in providing opportunities for our community
to make healthy choices and stay active. With options for
top athletes, the casual runner, walkers and volunteers, this
event engages the entire community.”
“And as a runner, I personally am very excited about
our partnership in the Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for
Via,” Miller said.
Last year was Via’s first year of involvement in this
event, formerly called the Lehigh River Relay. Last year,
Via turned the event into a full marathon to appeal to runners’
requests for a local marathon and raise money to support Via’s
services for children and adults with disabilities.
“We were very pleased with our fundraising efforts
and hope to exceed them this year,” said Rucker.
“However, the impact this event had in our community
and our organization goes beyond the money we raised. The
awareness we raised about the services we provide was invaluable.
The runners and volunteers were excited about the marathon
and the difference they were making in the lives of the children
and adults our organization serves.”
This year, LVH will lend their medical expertise as well
as other resources to create an exciting and healthy event
for the Lehigh Valley. Miller will oversee the medical plan
for the event. In addition to the EMS teams that provide coverage
across both counties, LVH’s medical professionals throughout
the course will attend to the medical needs of runners and
walkers.
“Our team of physicians, medical assistants and sports
trainers, will be positioned at every exchange point and at
the medical tent at the finish line,” Miller said.
The LVH Marathon for Via benefits Via’s Community Connections
program. Via’s Community Connection program helps individuals
with disabilities live and connect in the neighborhoods where
they live. Via helps people discover preferences and choose
recreational and volunteer activities in their community to
participate in as independently as possible.
“The LVH Marathon for Via helps ensure the future of
programs for children and adults with disabilities living
in the Lehigh Valley,” said Miller.
Registration for the Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for
Via presented by 69 WFMZ-TV is open for marathon runners,
relay teams, walkers and those interested in the 20-mile training
run at ViaNet.org. Volunteers can also register online. Email
or call with questions Via@ViaNet.org or 484-893-5389.
Via of the Lehigh Valley is a non-profit human service agency
that provides services for children and adults with developmental
disabilities. Via’s staff help individuals and families
from birth through retirement focusing in: Children’s
Services, Community Connections and Employment Services.
Via works with children up to age three in their homes and
daycares to address disabilities and delays. Via trains daycare
center staff so children with disabilities can go to school
and learn with their peers. Via finds jobs in the community
for adults and provides coaching and training for successful
employment. And Via helps people volunteer in the community,
participate in leisure activities, and find or purchase affordable,
accessible housing. Via believes that personal satisfaction
and dignity are achieved through individual success and independence
and is committed to helping people live full and productive
lives. Visit ViaNet.org to learn more about Via’s services.
Lisa Walkiewicz
Communications Director
484-893-5390
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