Genesis Physical Therapy Helps Marathon Runner Achieve An Amazing Accomplishment Maggie Gehlsen <strong>QC</strong>FF Staff Writer Jeff Hobbs is no stranger to challenges. In fact, since birth, Jeff has endured moments most people can’t imagine. Hobbs was born 3 months premature, weighing 2 pounds and 1 ounce. At 16 months old, he was diagnosed with spastic Cerebral Palsy (CP), and went to physical therapy three times a week until age 18. Now, Hobbs plans to tackle the Chicago Marathon in just a few weeks, a challenge that someone with CP has never taken on. Up until his high school career, Hobbs had always been told what he could and couldn’t do. He planned to play football his freshman year of high school because no one gets cut freshmen year, but at the end of the pre-season camp when everyone is supposed to receive their pad and helmets, his coach told him in front of everyone that he couldn’t give him those items without a doctor’s note. “My mom was in tears.” Hobbs’ mother has played an important role in his life; she was a single parent who raised three children on her own. “She’s my inspiration,” Hobbs says. Hobbs didn’t stop there. “I began running the hallways at my high school, and eventually, the cross country coach noticed and asked me to run cross country.” With a marathon on his mind, Hobbs gives thanks to his team at Genesis Sports Rehab for working with him to achieve his goal. “What I appreciate most are the therapists I work with on a daily basis, the passion they have. There’s never a down day, it’s always upbeat. And it’s exciting when they share with you the same enthusiasm. When I come here, we’re all on the same page to get the same thing accomplished.” Hobbs has been working with therapists for 7-8 weeks at Genesis. He says he sees a difference in his mobility, core strength, and mileage. “Realistically, I don’t think I could’ve ran and been able to stay healthy anywhere else, and that’s why this place, Genesis, is key in getting me to where I want to be.” And his therapists saw a difference, too. Jeff’s primary therapist, Matt Rokes says Jeff is “relentless.” “He works out at home and he works out here. He just does a lot of things to prepare himself.” It’s no secret Genesis provides a unique facility for those looking to accomplish something special physically. Rokes states simply that Genesis is “the best facility around.” It’s been a positive mindset that has gotten Jeff Hobbs this far, as well. “I think in general when we’re faced with challenges we can either go two ways. I chose to spin this into something positive. We’re all faced with obstacles, and I told myself I wasn’t going to let other people dictate what I was going to do.” Although running the Chicago Marathon with CP has never been done before, Hobbs is thrilled to being doing it, nonetheless. “It’s exciting. A lot of prep goes into it, and there are a lot of people behind the scenes. My friends, my family, my therapists--I couldn’t have done this without them.” As for other young people overcoming obstacles, Jeff simply says to “go after the things you want in life.” “You can overcome the challenges. You can be who you want to be if you’re willing to work, have a positive attitude, and surround yourself with good people.” It’s his positive mindset and drive that keep Hobbs going despite his physical challenges. “I know it’ll be hard—but whether I have to crawl to that finish line, I’ll finish.” To Watch Jeff Hobb's interview with Mickle Communications scan the QR Code or go to http://vimeo. com/105798570 30 <strong>October</strong> <strong>2014</strong> - <strong>QC</strong> <strong>Family</strong> <strong>Focus</strong>
Thank you for voting Genesis “BEST” in Physical Therapy centers 13 rehabilitation clinics close to home www.genesishealth.com/rehab <strong>QC</strong> <strong>Family</strong> <strong>Focus</strong> - <strong>October</strong> <strong>2014</strong> 31