The ATI Foundation, a charitable organization founded by ATI Physical Therapy, Bolingbrook, Ill, raised more than $86,000 during its recent annual gala.

The money will be used to help fund the needs of children with physical impairments, according to a media release from ATI Foundation.

During the gala, the families of four local children were honored as special guests: Lee Rivera, from Berwyn Ill, who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy; Alexandra Toma, from Kenosha, Wis, who was born with Arthrogryposis, which results in curved (fixed) joints in multiple areas of the body; Madeline Haubert, from Plainfield, Ill, who was born with Sturge-Weber Syndrome, a neurological and skin disorder; and Manny “SuperManny” Bueno, from Romeoville, Ill, who has cerebral palsy, the release explains.

The children’s families shared their stories and the difference the ATI Foundation made in their lives: Rivera received $3,000 from the foundation for the construction of a new bedroom and bathroom; Toma received funding to support her and her travels to medical specialists throughout the country; Haubert received an adaptive bicycle; and Bueno received partial funding toward the purchase of a hyperbaric oxygen chamber in the family’s home, the release adds.

“The courage and determination they show every day is an inspiration to us all,” says Terry Williams, director of the ATI Foundation, in the release.

“We are grateful that the Foundation is able to make a positive impact in their lives and those of their family members,” he adds.

For more information, visit ATI Foundation.

[Source(s): ATI Foundation, PR Newswire]