Emily Progin, PR and Communications Coordinator
eprogin@helphopelive.org / 800.642.8399
Release: Immediate
DOG-WALKING FUNDRAISER AND MAY 20 DOG PARADE WILL RAISE FUNDS AND HOPE FOR LOCAL WOMAN WITH DISABILITIES
SPRINGVILLE, Ala.—Now through May 20, the Springville community is coming together to raise funds and hope for the nonprofit Help Hope Live in honor of Jennifer Jenkins, a 37-year-old living with life-changing disabilities. Sign up for a dog-walking fundraiser and join Jennifer for a celebration and dog parade on May 20.
Fundraiser Details
What: A dog-walking 5K will help raise funds for the nonprofit Help Hope Live in honor of Jennifer Jenkins to offset critical medical and related out-of-pocket expenses.
When & Where: Register online and walk your dog anytime and anywhere before May 20.
Cost: Register for just $20 at: https://events.helphopelive.org/event/5784/signup/
T-Shirt: Get your official “Hope Travels – Pet Lover” fundraiser t-shirt at: https://www.bonfire.com/walk-your-dog-to-help-me-improve-my-health/
Dog Parade Details
When: May 20 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Big Springs Park (75 Old Talladega Road, Springville, AL 35146)
What: A Dog Parade to celebrate the end of the dog-walking 5K event. Includes an Ask a Veterinarian opportunity with special guest Dr. Jonathan Elliot and free tips from dog trainer Chris Sides. Special thanks to sponsor Petsense!
Jennifer’s Story
37-year-old Jennifer Jenkins has been living with health issues since age six. At age 20, she began living with paralysis from the chest down. Despite these ongoing medical challenges, Jennifer has pursued every opportunity to receive an education and be a positive member of her community—she has two bachelor’s degrees and a master’s degree, and she works full-time for the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services in the Birmingham office. Her work is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities like her remain independent in their homes.
Jennifer loves her two dogs, which inspired her dog-walking 5K fundraiser. She connects with her community regularly, talking to everyone she encounters as she enjoys her hometown.
While she is highly independent, Jennifer is dealing with muscle spasms in her legs and abdomen that make it difficult to continue to participate in her daily life and work. An electrical stimulation bike could make a huge difference in her health, comfort, and capability.
“This bike will reduce my spasticity and increase my stamina, which will make it easier for me to work and engage with my community,” Jennifer explained. “It will also reduce the risk of blood clots and could even reduce the amount of medication I have to take daily.”
Though Jennifer has used the bike in therapy and experienced the health benefits firsthand, her insurance won’t cover the cost because it is considered a “non-standard” therapy.
That’s why she turned to our trusted medical fundraising nonprofit Help Hope Live. Funds raised from the dog-walking 5K and t-shirts will support Jennifer’s fundraising campaign. Tax-deductible donations can also be made anytime at: https://helphopelive.org/campaign/20871/
“I want to thank everyone who has supported me from the beginning, and those who support me now—and always!” said Jennifer.
Donations to Help Hope Live are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law, and all funds raised will be managed by the nonprofit to cover verified medical and related expenses. Help Hope Live verifies medical and financial need for every patient.
Help Hope Live is a national nonprofit that specializes in engaging communities in secure, tax-deductible fundraising campaigns for people who need a transplant or are affected by a catastrophic injury or illness. Since 1983, campaigns organized by Help Hope Live have raised over $172 million to pay patient expenses. ###
Written by Emily Progin
