Author: B S

At his 15-month checkup, Ryan was behind in everything. It started with speech therapy. Then occupational therapy. Then physical therapy.  One of his therapists brought up the idea of autism. I was in denial. I was totally ok with him being developmentally delayed. But then he was diagnosed with autism. It meant that it wasn’t … Continue reading IMPACT – IM FIT Inclusive Group Fitness Program

There’s no shortage of sayings reinforcing the importance of first place in our culture. Ricky Bobby’s perspective was “if you ain’t first, you’re last.”  “Second place is the first loser” is on t-shirts sold at every mall across the country. Edmund Hillary said “no one remembers who climbed Mount Everest the second time.” In case … Continue reading IMPACT – Laura Klitsch

Brian Owens grew up in West Baltimore on Bentalou Street, off North Avenue. He was very athletic with a ton of potential in football, boxing, track and wrestling. He rejected the characterization that he fell in with a bad crowd. “I wouldn’t say that,” said Brian. “I would say that I made bad decisions. Like … Continue reading IMPACT – Brian Owens

At the IM ABLE Foundation, we are witness to life-changing moments, random acts of kindness, and incredible people willing to give of themselves for the benefit of others more often than most. And we hope we never get used to it. We hope we never take it for granted. We hope to emulate their beautiful … Continue reading IMPACT – Culp & Noyes Families

IM ABLE Foundation Donors Tom and Elaine McDevitt provide opportunity for two Berks County families. Chris Saunders was 30 years old and hunting with his dad in 2011 when his life changed forever. “I was up in the tree stand and the whole tree fell,” said Chris. “It’s not like the stand broke. It all … Continue reading IMPACT – McDevitt, Saunders, and Kutch Families

IM ABLE Foundation Donors Tom and Elaine McDevitt provide opportunity for two Berks County families. Chris Saunders was 30 years old and hunting with his dad in 2011 when his life changed forever. “I was up in the tree stand and the whole tree fell,” said Chris. “It’s not like the stand broke. It all … Continue reading IMPACT – Tom and Elaine McDevitt

May 2020.  As most people are trying to find their way, Brian Vulgaris has his marching orders. Brian works in the Bureau of Procurement for the State of Pennsylvania. He’s putting in 12 hours a day trying to find the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to keep everyone safe.  Vendors who have supplied the state with … Continue reading IMPACT – Brian Vulgaris

Marathons have an ancient history. Legend is that way back in 490 BC, Philippides ran non-stop from the battlefields of Marathon, Greece back to Athens to announce victory over the Persians.  “We have won!” he said and then immediately fell over dead. Triathlons, on the other hand are relatively young. The first one was held in … Continue reading IMPACT – Andrew Yoder and Rick Poole

“In high school, I played soccer and competed briefly as an amateur player, but it hasn’t always been that way,” explained Patrick. “I started having seizures around four or five.  This made my childhood difficult.” “He was very active in many sports,” Patrick’s dad, Jim, recalled, “soccer, little league baseball, track, wrestling and swimming. His … Continue reading IMPACT – Patrick & Jim Sweeney

I became a quad amputee around my 50th birthday after having strep throat which developed into Toxic Shock Syndrome. I had total body organ failure. To save my life, they gave me medicine to raise my blood pressure. It saved my vital organs but created a loss of blood flow to my extremities. It caused … Continue reading IMPACT – Beth Kase