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Spinal cord 5K is April 19

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The Testaverde Foundation strives to prove that passions should never be compromised by physical limitations. After Joe Testaverde suffered a diving accident 15 years ago, his family and friends founded the organization to raise money and research for those affected by spinal cord injuries. The foundation holds athletic events featuring the sports Joe has always loved. This includes rugby, basketball, surfing and running.

A 5K race will be held in Wantagh on Sunday, April 19. Organizers invite runners and walkers to participate in the race and raffles. “You see people running, wheeling in their wheelchairs, walking with dogs,” said Anthony Testaverde, Joe’s father.

“It’s devastating to have an injury like this,” said Kevin McGuire, co-chair of the race along with Maureen Quinn Morse. McGuire had run in the race for nine years until he was asked to take over as an organizer last year. He also comes out to the foundation’s other events to show support. This includes “Wheels To Water,” in which surfers come out to help those who are paralyzed to surf and compete.

“I think there’s a small community that forms when you are affected like this,” McGuire said. “They all come together to support each other.”

According to Anthony Testaverde, 500 to 600 people typically attend the race each year. The events of the Testaverde Foundation have also had support from prominent sports figures, including Vincent Testaverde, former quarterback of the New York Jets, who is Joe’s cousin.

“The Testaverde family goes to support other families too,” said McGuire. “It’s a never ending type of love and an effort to help people get their life back.”

Joe Testaverde was a senior in high school at the time of the accident. During his rehabilitation, his family set up a fundraiser to help with expenses. More than 700 people came from all over Long Island to support the Testaverde family. After seeing how much others cared for them, the Testaverde family set up their own foundation to support others who are going through similar battles. They support research done at Rutgers University in New Jersey by the Spinal Cord Injury Project, which works towards finding treatments and cures for injuries.

The Testaverde Foundation is also aligned with Kent Waldrep, a pioneer in the fight against spinal cord injury, as the northeast region of the National Paralysis Foundation.
To find out more about the race or the foundation, visit www.testaverdefund.org.

About the race
When: Sunday, April 19. Registration and check-in begins at 7 a.m.; race at 9 a.m.
Where: Wantagh High School, 3297 Beltagh Ave.
Cost: $25 if postmarked by April 11, $30 day-of race; children 14 and under are $15 in advance and $20 day of race.