ATI Foundation
Watertown’s Toni Calisir (second from left) receives an adaptive bike from Brenda Manning (left), and his dad Suphi Calisir as Eric Manning and Brian Manning look on.
A young man from Watertown recently received a special bike from the ATI Foundation as part of the American Physical Therapy Association’s (APTA) annual continuing education conference in Providence.
Toni Calisir is a teen battling an undiagnosed medical genetic condition similar to muscular dystrophy, a disorder that impacts muscle use and significantly impacts mobility, according to the ATI Foundation. His condition leaves him with weakness from head to toe; he uses a wheelchair most of the time, needs maximum assistant with mobility and is non-verbal.
The bike was a surprise for Toni, who will be able to ride the adaptive bike with his dad. It will also allow Toni to enjoy simple pleasures and outdoor activities just like other teens his age.
Toni was nominated to receive the bike by Manning family from Watertown: Brian and his parents Brenda and Eric, according to the Foundation. Brian was born 26 week premature and had a grade 4 brain bleed (a stroke at birth). He was in NICU over 3 months. He has cerebral palsy, epilepsy, was on ventilator, had colostomy. He had surgery to remove part of his brain, and he has paralysis on his left side and 50 percent vision loss in each eye.
Brian’s mom left work to stay home and care for all of his needs, the ATI Foundation said. In addition to providing for his medical needs, Brenda and Eric organize and coach the Watertown Challenger Baseball team, which allows children with special needs to enjoy America’s pastime alongside volunteers who come out every week to support and cheer on the kids.
The ATI Foundation gave Toni a bike valued at approximately $3,000. In addition, they gave each family a check for $1,000 toward the ongoing expenses that they both have for the boys. Toni’s dad is planning to use the money toward an iPad for communication for Toni. The Mannings are planning to use the funds toward a new bioness walking device for Brian.
About ATI Physical Therapy
ATI is a privately held, nationally recognized healthcare company, specializing in outpatient rehabilitation and adjacent healthcare services. With a focus on delivering a remarkable experience to every patient, every day, ATI has more than 850 locations from coast to coast. ATI was named “Best Physical Therapy Practice in the Nation” by ADVANCE magazine, and was one of the first physical therapy companies in the country to achieve URAC Core Accreditation, a mark of distinction that recognizes its commitment to quality healthcare. Based in Bolingbrook, Illinois, ATI gives back to communities across the country through the ATI Foundation, a non-profit established by ATI, which has provided more than $4 million in resources and funding to children with physical impairments. For more information on ATI Physical Therapy, and a complete list of clinic locations, services and the ATI Foundation, please visit ATIpt.com.
Beautiful. Let’s hope that the bicycle will bring Brian and his Dad pleasure and happy moments together.