MLCPT- Racing For the Cure...and For Local Children

On May 15th, MLCPT joined over 8,000 other central New Yorkers at the NYS Fairgrounds to raise money and increase awareness for breast cancer research at the Susan G Komen "Race for the Cure". The day was colder and windier than expected, but the weather could do nothing to dampen the spirits of those around us. Whether we were speaking with survivors and their families or groups of local youths/volunteers who were there to help in any way that they could, the collective energy at the fairgrounds filled us with a positivity that is difficult to put into words.



To show our solidarity as a team, MLCPT wore our Breast Cancer Rehab shirts that read "We Make BooBoos Feel Better", the Friday before the race and the day of the event. The shirts were designed specifically with the Komen Race in mind, but they were very warmly received in the clinic and there were many people who expressed an interest in acquiring one. So many patients, (both from our exclusive Breast Cancer Rehab program and orthopedic patients) requested shirts, we needed to place a second order of shirts. If you have any interest in a shirt for yourself (or someone else you may know), please do not hesitate to stop in or call for details.


The following weekend, MLCPT rallied together to participate in the 5k walk/run to benefit Charity for Children. For those who may not be familiar with the group, Charity for Children is:

"...a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization dedicated to providing financial and educational services to needy families in Onondaga, Madison, Cayuga and Oswego counties with children who suffer from disabilities, diseases and disorders."

As one of the leading pediatric outpatient physical therapy offices in the Syracuse area, the staff at MLCPT witnesses first-hand the financial and emotional burden that many families experience in their efforts to do everything that they can for the health and wellness of their children. It was with those personal experiences in mind that we gathered at Green Lakes State Park to walk/run for yet another worthy cause. For the second weekend in a row, the sun chose not to shine, but it didn't prevent the event from being a tremendous success: a total of $10,000 raised for the charity.


The MLCPT team is proud to have spent the last 2 weekends working together to benefit the the CNY community. With a staff that is comprised of 3 cancer survivors and 2 parents of children with special needs, these 2 events in particular held a special place in our hearts and we are happy that we are able to contribute in some way. And although the race events themselves have concluded, the organizations that they benefit continue to provide a valuable service to the community all year long and would be grateful for any contributions that you can afford to give. Should you wish to make a donation please click the links below.

Physical Therapy Lobby Day

On May 18th, Mary Lou Corcoran, joined over 400 other physical therapists state-wide in traveling to Albany to speak with local representatives in both the senate and assembly regarding the passage of S.4321 (Breslin) / A.8171 (Cahill), bills designed to unburden the physical therapy patient of unfairly high co-pays.

Physical Therapists throughout New York State have been lobbying for the passage of these bills for over one year, hoping to lessen the financial impact that physical therapy has on those who need to attend physical therapy. Currently, the bill being proposed would limit a co-pay to be no greater than 20% of the total physical therapy bill, mandating that the insurance company pays their fair-share. In many cases, the passage of this bill would lead to a 75% reduction in the amount of money billed to a patient who needs physical therapy services.

Brandon Roth of NBC Channel 3 in Syracuse, covered the problems facing patients with high co-pays prior to lobby day:


With your help, New Yorkers can work to take back control of their insurance plans and cease this unfair business practice of managed care companies. We implore all New York residents to take action. If you would like to make your own voice heard you can:

1. Call, email, and write your state legislators and tell them you want LOWER physical therapy co-pays; ask for fair-co-pays and ask them to support of two bills in the State Legislature, S.4321 (Breslin) / A.8171 (Cahill), which will prevent managed care companies from requiring patients to pay these excessively high co-payments for PT.
2. Sign the NYAPTA's Online Petition here
3. Tell your employer and health plan you oppose these high co-pays for your physical therapy.
4. Write a letter to your local newspaper.
5. Call your local media and invite them to tour your practice and discuss these high co-pays.
6. Pass this information along to your coworkers, friends, and family.

Susan G Komen Race For The Cure

MLCPT has 16 participants this year in the Susan G Komen Race For The Cure. The event is Saturday, May 15th at the New York State Fairgrounds.

According to the National Cancer Institute, if trends continue, 1 in 8 females born today are likely to be diagnosed in the their lifetimes with breast cancer. The chances are simply too great that someone you know will be afflicted with this disease, if they haven't been already. The trends need to be reversed. Better treatment and a cure must be found.

It is not too late to sign up, if you would like to participate.

If you would like to help us reach our goal of $1500, we would be appreciative for any support that you and/or your friends or family members would be willing to provide. Should you be so inclined, you can click on this link to be redirected to our Komen Page. Once you are at our page, you can simply make a donation by clicking on the "Make a gift!" link as pictured to the right.

Thank you in advance for your support!