Joe Volfman, age 19, joined Children’s Specialized Hospital’s Activity Connection Walk n’ Roll team with the ambition to ride his bike for the 5K course. Currently training for the 2020 Paralympics, Joe estimated it would take 10 minutes to complete this distance on his recumbent hand-cycle. That plan was put on hold when Joe’s strength and conditioning coach, Luis Ruiz, presented him with a challenge. “If you want to be an elite athlete,” encouraged Ruiz, “You have to challenge yourself. Participate in a way that’s hard for you…walk it.”
Diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Joe primarily uses a wheelchair, though is able to walk with assistance of a walker for about 20 minutes at a time. Having never walked long distances before, Ruiz’ challenge seemed almost impossible but Joe was determined to beat the odds.
The big day had arrived - Saturday, May 19 – Children’s Specialized Hospital’s 12th Annual Walk N’ Roll. Joined by over 600 walkers at Johnson Park in Piscataway, Joe was met with cold temperatures and pouring rain. Unsure of the inclement walking conditions, Joe’s mother, Elizabeth voiced her concerns, but he was determined to complete the 5k course. Two hours after the Walk N’ Roll began, most participants had gone home, but Joe kept walking. The wind and rain continued to beat down, however that didn’t stop Joe. Park rangers even encouraged him to quit and come back another day, but Joe could not be dissuaded from achieving his goal. Four hours later, adorned with many blisters and cuts, Joe successfully crossed the finish line. Challenge met!
“Beyond the physical test, said Joe, “The Walk N’ Roll challenged my mental toughness as well. I wanted to prove to myself, and Coach Ruiz, that I could do it.”
A patient at Children’s Specialized Hospital since he was 2 ½ years old, and member of the Lightning Wheels Team from age 14, Joe is grateful for the encouragement he receives in achieving goals he sometimes thinks are impossible. “The Lightning Wheels team and Coach, Trish Yurochko, helped to form the athlete I am today,” said Joe. “All my doctors, nurses and therapists at Children’s Specialized Hospital have shown me over the years the great potential that I have. Their support and care has taught me to love my disability and embrace it.”
Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation’s Walk n’ Roll raised over $200,000 with over 600 children, families, hospital staff and community members showing their support. It was an inspirational day highlighting the dedication so many families feel to the organization that his given them so much.