Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for Via Results
September 7, 2008

2008 Results

BETHLEHEM, PA – More than 1,600 runners and walkers participated in Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for Via on Sunday, September 7, 2008.  One hundred and eighty-nine teams and 254 runners hit the streets running, while over 300 walkers participated in a 5K Walk to help raise money for Via of the Lehigh Valley’s programs for children and adults with disabilities.

“We won’t have our final numbers of how much we raised in this year’s event because teams, runners and walkers are continuing to fundraise throughout the day and the days to follow,” said Lisa Walkiewicz, Via Communications Director.

“Participants are doing an amazing job of fundraising.  Relay Team, "The Fab Five“, captained by Meredith Frantz from the Bethlehem Area School District’s Special Education Department, has raised the most money so far – over $3,000 and nearly $2,000 of that was just in the last two weeks.”

“We’ve already raised more than last year and are tremendously pleased with those results and the awareness we’ve raised about the services we provide for children and adults with disabilities.  The Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for Via benefits our Community Communications program which helps adults live and connect in their communities through volunteer and recreational activities.”

Via Staff work with individuals so they can volunteer at community organizations of their choice like Lehigh Valley Hospital, Project of Easton and the Crayola factory, Walkiewicz added.  Adults with disabilities also participate in classes and recreational activities like going to sporting events or catching dinner and a movie. In addition, Via helps adults reaching retirement age find resources in their community, like senior centers and volunteer opportunities, so they can enjoy a fulfilling retirement.

“This is a just a small part of what Via does,” said Walkiewicz.

“We also work with children with disabilities, providing vital services so they can learn and grow with their peers.  We help adults find jobs in the community and are working to make the transition from high school to the workforce easier for young adults.”

It takes a lot to put together a marathon, more than any one organization can do, and the Lehigh Valley has shown how much they support Via by the outpouring of support the Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for Via has received, Walkiewicz said.

The LVH Marathon for Via features a five-person team relay, individual run, 20-mile training run and 5K Walk following the Lehigh River Canal Towpath through Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton.  People can still donate online at www.ViaNet.org.  Email or call with questions Via@ViaNet.org or 484-893-5390.

The LVH Marathon raises funds for Via’s services for people with disabilities so they can connect and live in their communities.  Via of the Lehigh Valley is a non-profit human service agency that provides services for children and adults with disabilities like autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome.  Serving the community since 1954, Via’s staff help individuals and families from birth through retirement focusing in Children’s Services, Community Connections and Employment.

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 connect and live in their community by volunteering, participating in leisure activities, and finding or purchasing affordable, accessible housing.  Via fosters and advocates the concept of inclusion and choice with in schools, neighborhoods and communities, personal relationships, and employment.  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.

For more information, contact:
Lisa Walkiewicz, Communications Director
L.Walkiewicz@vianet.org | 484-893-5390