July 2009

October marathon to spotlight chiropractic

The Non-Profit Chiropractic Organization (NPCO) finalized its Oct. 11 marathon team two months earlier than expected, thanks to an overwhelming response from doctors and the general public.

"We saw a huge increase in interested runners wanting to run for chiropractic and help us spread awareness of chiropractic health care for the poor around the world. Our team consists of practicing chiropractors, chiropractic students and others who have an interest in our organization," explained NPCO Executive Director Diane DaCruz.

Diane Burke, DC, of North Carolina is looking forward to running with fellow colleagues to share the chiropractic message and to bring hope to the less fortunate around the globe. The October race will be her second marathon.

Missouri-based Ravi Rajanna, DDM, heard about Team NPCO through the Chicago Marathon's website and explained that "as a dentist, my career has been greatly enhanced through the chiropractic care I have received. Both the reduction of my pain and acquisition of knowledge about chiropractic have added to my life tremendously and I am looking forward to promoting the chiropractic profession to help patients with no access to chiropractic care."

Current chiropractic student Paul Nottoli is hoping to finish the Chicago Marathon in less than 2 hours, 55 minutes. An avid runner, Nottoli is in his eighth trimester at Palmer and is president of the Palmer Running Club. Nottoli's passion for running is evident as he takes time out of studying and clinic work to help train other "Team NPCO" runners, 22 of whom are current students at Palmer.

"It feels like I have demons to dismiss after getting injured so close to running this same marathon two years ago. I want to prove that chiropractic makes you strong and can push beyond the limits you set on yourself," stated Palmer student Michael Heitholt.

Representatives from Life University are also on Team NPCO and are busy raising money through their personal fundraising pages and spreading the word around campus about their 26.2-mile-adventure.

"Finishing the race will be a real success for me and I hope I can motivate people to step up and do something they believe in… like I am doing with chiropractic," said Life student Jeannine Rummel, admitting that the biggest challenge she faces is her intense dislike for running. "I am extremely passionate about chiropractic and want to show my support for the profession by pushing myself to accomplish something that I never thought was possible and I hope others will do the same," she said.

"I am ecstatic with the overwhelming response we have received from people throughout the country requesting to be part of Team NPCO," noted NPCO President Joshua Heines. "Simply put, chiropractic has changed lives and those changed lives, regardless of ethnicities, backgrounds or fields of work want to represent chiropractic healthcare and allow others to experience the benefits of chiropractic care as they have. Running for Team NPCO in the Chicago Marathon offers them that opportunity."

To learn more about NPCO, the Chicago marathon, and how you can help sponsor this event, visit www.NPCO.org.