Join the Mercy Home Heroes for the 2021 Bank of America Chicago Marathon

MHH (1)

A Heroic Partnership

React Physical Therapy is proud to be an official partner of the Mercy Home Heroes team for the 2021 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Heroes run on behalf of Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, a residential treatment home for children who have experienced abuse, homelessness, and neglect. As they kick their running into high gear, one of our goals is to make sure all Heroes make it to the starting line healthy!

How Do We Support Mercy Home Heroes?

Our staff assists the Heroes with their post-race recovery on race day. In addition, this year’s Heroes can take advantage of a free injury, pain, or mobility screening with one of our physical therapists while they train for the marathon.

“Running a marathon is a highly repetitive endurance event, which means that unfortunately a very high percentage of runners get injured or at least experience some aches and pains along the way.” React’s Johanna Diamond, PT, DPT explains.

“A physical therapist can help prevent or rehab an injury by addressing underlying weaknesses or issues and guiding you in appropriate return to or continuation of your training.”

A screening with React will evaluate and determine any weaknesses, limitations, imbalances, or deficits that a runner’s body may be experiencing. Each screen lasts 15-20 minutes and consists of the following:

  • A series of questions to get a brief history of the runner’s pain/discomfort/injury
  • Tests and measurements to determine the origin and cause of the runner’s pain/discomfort/injury
  • An explanation so the runner can understand how their body is working
  • A brief demonstration of our unique style of physical therapy
  • A brief consultation on whether the physical therapist recommends a course of physical therapy for the runner.

Along with these screenings, Heroes will have access to our videos that demonstrate running specific content provided by our React physical therapists. Heroes who become patients will receive a free React t-shirt and lacrosse ball, and 15% off other exercise equipment purchased at React.

Why Be A Hero?

Heroes use more than just their feet and knees to support the kids of Mercy Home – they raise crucial funds for the organization as well. Every dollar raised by the Heroes goes toward providing life-changing therapy sessions, meals, academic assistance, and most importantly, a safe place to live. Heroes are rewarded with a guaranteed entry into the Chicago Marathon.

We are excited to be the official physical therapy partner of the Mercy Home Heroes team and look forward to helping them along their journey to the starting line!

To join the Mercy Home Heroes team for just $1, or for more information, please visit https://marathon.mercyhome.org/chicago2024?promo=REACTPT