NEW YORK, NY – Frank Stokes, a 48-year-old paraplegic athlete and resident of Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center in Manhattan, is set to take part in the 2008 New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 2nd. Mr. Stokes, competing in his wheelchair, is now ready to take on one of the world’s most challenging races.
Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center is a 729-bed continuing-care facility with a wide range of specialized care units. Mr. Stokes, a native of Brooklyn, NY, came to Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Center in 2003 with a severe spinal injury and hip ulcers, and was confined to his bed for the next two and a half years. After thirty months of dedicated work on the part of Mr. Stokes and the Center’s staff, numerous physical therapy sessions with the Center’s Rehabilitation Unit, and the encouragement and support of family and friends, Mr. Stokes was able to make the move from his bed to a wheelchair. Since then, he has energetically and arduously trained with the in-house clinical staff as well as the New York-based Achilles Track Club, striving to reach his goal of competing in the NYC Marathon.
The progress made by Mr. Stokes over the past five years has been nothing short of extraordinary. On June 22, 2008, Mr. Stokes successfully completed the New York Road Runner Hope and Possibility 5 Mile Run/Walk in Central Park in one hour, 49 minutes and 19 seconds. Mr. Stokes is now ready to achieve his goal of participating in the New York City Marathon. Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center and its residents will be there as well, cheering Mr. Stokes on as he races by the Center on Fifth Avenue & 105th St.
“I can’t wait for the race,” said Mr. Stokes, “I am ready to go.”
About Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center
Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center is a unique, 729-bed long-term care facility with a range of comprehensive programs for the elderly, infants and children with developmental disabilities, as well as individuals with chronic illnesses such as Huntington’s disease, AIDS, Alzheimer’s Disease, and kidney failure. As a member of the Catholic Health Care System, the Center’s mission is twofold: to reach out to the most vulnerable members of society and to provide the hope and care that these individuals deserve but are often denied by others. The Center is located at 1249 Fifth Avenue at 105th St. in Manhattan – right across from Central Park’s Conservatory Garden.
Note to editor: Interviews & Photos available.
