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NPTA participates in Zappos.com Las Vegas Marathon

The NPTA teamed up with the American Heart and Stroke Associations (AHA/ASA) at this year’s Las Vegas Marathon on Sunday, Dec. 6th.  Over 40 volunteers participated in the event by assisting individuals who have had a stroke complete the final mile of the marathon, coined “The Miracle Mile.”  The volunteers were in place to provide assistance and encouragement along the course.

Early in the event planning, NPTA President Sue Schuerman was hoping to provide one volunteer for each participant.  However, due to the overwhelming support of our membership, they had three times as many volunteers.  “We are hoping that the enthusiasm carries over to next year’s event where they are expecting an increase in participation because of this year’s success,” said Schuerman.

Volunteers were all given a free t-shirt and treated to a post-event snack in the American Heart and Stroke Association’s hospitality tent.  It was a great opportunity to give back to our community, show the powerful benefits of our profession and spend some fun time with colleagues.

Marathon officials were so pleased with the NPTA’s involvement that they have asked our association to consider sponsoring the final mile at next year’s event.

The concept of the “Miracle Mile” was created by former NPTA president Beth Altenburger last spring when the opportunity was presented to her by AHA/ASA volunteer Carlos Ramirez.  After her departure, she placed the project in the capable hands of current president Sue Schuerman.  Sue worked closely with PR Committee Co-Chairs Tarah Badger and Suzanne Steffen who truly got the project off the ground by securing the many volunteers that made the event run so smoothly.

“I am so thankful for the generous gift of time that so many of our members were willing to give to this special project,” said Schuerman.

Thank you to our many volunteers:
Scott Snow
Tarah Badger
Jeff Hill
Brad Kime
Albert Kammerer
Alyssa Toth
Joey Suarez
David Turacy
Robyn Jarvis
Dan Aakhus
Sue Osowski
Emma Hepplewhite
Tiffney Touton
Jennie Kolstad
Ashley Tisdale
Kelley and Brandon Rutherford
Angie Bestwick
McKenzie Colton
Amanda Backlund
Millicent Artuz
MA Concha Roquero
Michelle Fogg
Sara Leavitt
Linda Newberg
Cheryl Cardillo
Lynn Maguire
Lynn Holihan
Robbin Hickman
Catherine Norman
Ashlie Purtell
Iris Poole
Sarah Pridham
Kim Flynn
Joe Cracraft
Nadine Cracraft
Tracey Riley
Natalie Cretier
Amanda Hood
Candi Brooksby
Christine Knee
Beatriz Alcala
Dale Edwards
Genoveya Edwards
            (and children Julia, Chase and Connor)
Laura Bareuther
Mandy Enerson
Sue Schuerman
Wes McWhorter
Monodyna Vakil (along with husband and son)