The newly named Penny Doerge Adaptive Academy (PDAA) honors the memory of HSS patient Penny Doerge and will continue to offer trips and recreational and creative activities such as rock climbing, surfing, skiing, dancing and other exciting adventures to pediatric patients at no cost, as it has for the past decade. The activities aim to build self-confidence, encourage independence, reinforce therapy goals and increase physical activity, creativity and mobility. Penny, a longtime patient of Roger Widmann, MD, chief of Pediatric Orthopedics at HSS, embodied the spirit of the program for kids and teens with a range of disabilities.

“Penny was an independent spirit who had a force of personality and a drive to do everything that her peers and her brothers would and could do,” Dr. Widmann said. “She also had an incredible artistic sense and style that defined her from early on. We miss her very much.”

The Penny Doerge Adaptive Academy focuses on three themes that are central to how Penny lived her life: motion, expression and inclusion, explained Kate Doerge, Penny’s mother and member of the HSS Board of Trustees, Pediatric Council, and Co-Chair of the HSS Board of Advisors. “Her resiliency, positivity and courageousness are all qualities that the Academy works to promote in its participants,” she said.

Penny was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis as an infant but never let her diagnosis hold her back. She lived a life full of purpose, passion and joy, according to HSS staff who knew her.

The renaming of the Academy will be celebrated at the 2023 Hospital for Special Surgery Benefit for Pediatrics on November 8. The event, which will take place at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers, raises funds for the Lerner Children’s Pavilion at HSS, which offers the Academy’s programs. Additional support will enable the Academy to expand its offerings to all HSS patients ranging in age from 3 to 22.  

The Academy organizes trips and recreational experiences to enable young patients with cerebral palsy or another physical condition affecting movement, muscle control or balance to participate in athletic or recreational activities they may have never dreamed possible. Many of the participants have had surgery at HSS. Adaptive activities are geared toward people with differing abilities. Sometimes rules and equipment are modified to meet the needs of participants.

“Patients who participate in the Academy gain greater confidence in their physical capabilities, and they carry that with them to school and beyond,” said Lisa Ipp, MD, chief of Pediatric Medicine at HSS and co-executive director of the Academy. “It has become a very special part of HSS, bringing comfort, excitement and joy to our youngest patients.”  

The academy organizes the annual excursion and other activities for young people with cerebral palsy or another physical challenge. Cancelled last year due to the pandemic, patients and their families were thrilled to hear that surfing was back on the calendar this year. The trips are offered without cost thanks to the generosity of donors.

“Our adaptive sports trips encourage young people with physical disabilities to challenge themselves by trying new sports, while building their self-confidence and encouraging independence,” said Peyton Katz, pediatric patient and family care coordinator at HSS.

“Some of the kids are not sure at first how well they’ll do, but they almost always exceed their own expectations.”

Adaptive sports are competitive or recreational activities for people with differing abilities. Sometimes rules or equipment is modified to meet the needs of participants. The kids who went surfing were 5 to 15 years old, most with cerebral palsy or another condition affecting body movement, muscle control, posture and balance. Many have had multiple surgeries by pediatric orthopedic surgeons at HSS and have been patients for years.

“For many of the kids, it was a chance to experience moving their bodies and using their muscles in ways they’ve never experienced before,” explained

David M. Scher, MD, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon who has performed many of the surgeries to improve movement, posture, balance and mobility. “It was also a wonderful opportunity for them to go outside and enjoy the fresh air. Over the past year, such opportunities have been limited for many of the kids.” 

Some of the young people use crutches or a walker to get around, and they needed a beach wheelchair to get to the water. But that didn’t stop them from climbing on the surfboard. Balancing on a surfboard while in the water would be a challenge for any beginner, but with help from their instructors, the patients experienced the thrill of hanging ten.

Twelve-year-old Alex Nowakowski had surgery at HSS just two months before the trip and was excited when Dr. Scher cleared him to go surfing. “It was cool, there were a lot of waves,” he explained. On land, Alex uses a walker or a cane, but it was a different story when riding a wave with his instructor, Will Skudin. “I feel like the instructors understood me really well,” Alex explained, “and the good part was that Will was able to stand me up on the surfboard.”

Alex’s mother, Magdalena Nowakowski of Ronkonkoma, was awestruck as she watched from the shore, recording video of a day she says her son will always remember. “I couldn’t believe it when the instructor lifted him up on the surfboard. I thought they would just sit him down,” she says. “It was amazing! They rode a wave all the way down, and the smile on Alex’s face was just pure joy.”

The young people learned to surf from the best of the best. World-class surfers Will and Cliff Skudin, well-known and admired among surfing enthusiasts, provided the lessons, along with their specially trained staff at Skudin Surf in Long Beach.

“It was wonderful! Kids got to be kids without limitation,” said Jessica Parise, child life supervisor at HSS. “Seeing the patients’ siblings and parents surf with them was amazing. Everyone was full of joy! Safe to say those watching had tears in their eyes. I know I did.”

The excursion, provided without cost, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many of the young people. Some will also get to see their orthopedic surgeon in a new light when the doctors trade their operating room scrubs for snow garb and cheer the kids on. The doctors may even ski alongside them. David M. Scher, MD, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon specializing in surgery for young people with cerebral palsy, is among those scheduled to attend. For some of the kids who have never skied, seeing their doctor encourages them to go outside of their comfort zone and adds to their excitement.

Dr. Scher, who enjoys skiing, has been on previous adaptive ski trips to encourage his patients and cheer them on. He skis alongside them, taking photos and videos to capture their enjoyment. “It’s a fun and novel experience for the kids, an opportunity for them to be outside, to get the feeling of using their body in a different way,” he says. “For the first time, many can experience that feeling of going fast down a hill, and it’s exhilarating for them. It’s also fun for me to interact with the kids and their parents and to see their happiness.”

The adventure is made possible by the Adaptive Sports Academy at Lerner Children’s Pavilion at HSS. The academy enables pediatric patients with physical limitations to participate in athletic activities they never dreamed possible. Many of the patients who've signed up for the trip have cerebral palsy or another condition that affects body movement, muscle control, posture and balance. Like Zach, some have had multiple surgeries and have been patients at HSS for years.

The Adaptive Sports Academy sponsors a number of trips for patients throughout the year. The trips are provided without cost, thanks to the generosity of donors who support the Academy. Horseback riding, tennis, surfing and a dance lesson with the famous Rockettes are among the excursions that young patients have enjoyed.

On the upcoming ski trip, even those who use a walker or walking canes will be able to enjoy the experience. Trained volunteers from the Adaptive Sports Foundation at Windham will provide instruction, adapt equipment to meet each individual’s needs, and in some cases accompany the skier down the slopes. A sit ski will be available for the kids if needed.

The academy, which is part of the hospital’s Lerner Children’s Pavilion, enables young people with cerebral palsy or another physical challenge to experience the benefits of sports and recreational activities. The excursions aim to build their self-confidence, encourage independence and increase physical activity.

Adaptive sports are designed for people with disabilities. Sometimes rules or equipment is modified to meet their needs. Previous HSS outings have proven to be life-changing for many children and teenagers, enabling them to participate in surfing, skiing, horseback riding and other activities.

Patients on the trip ranged in age from 10 to 20 years old. Most have cerebral palsy or another condition that affects body movement, muscle control, posture or balance. Several patients have had surgery at HSS and still go there for physical therapy.

All Hands on Deck

The WaterFront Center, a nonprofit community marine education and sailing center in Oyster Bay, provided the boats and specially trained instructors. The young people were given the option of sitting back and enjoying the ride or participating in maneuvering the boat. They didn’t think twice: it was all hands on deck.

The relatively calm water made it that much easier for patients to learn the ropes. Ten-year-old twins Maya and Alexandria Vega vied for a chance to steer the tiller. On a separate sailboat, Akeem Johnson of Brooklyn had ample opportunity to help the captain, and the 20-year-old had the time of his life.

The sailing trip was a first for Akeem and his cousin, Andrea Whyte, who went on the boat with him. “He steered the boat, and he also climbed up to help raise the sail. He maneuvered it really, really well,” she said. “It made me feel good, and he was excited to talk about it.”

Gloria Rios of the Bronx said she was reluctant at first, but went on the trip for her son, Charles, who is fearless. “I didn’t know if I should get on the boat. I’m a little scared of the water,” she explained. “But once we set sail, it was the most peaceful, relaxing experience. Oh, my gosh, I wanted to stay longer. And to see the joy on his face, especially when he was standing up there and pulling down the sail, it was amazing.”

“It was a great experience!” exclaimed Charles, who is 18 and always up for a new adventure. “I steered the boat with the tiller and lowered the sail. I learned that the wind needs to be strong to move the boat.”

Therapeutic Benefits

"Sailing can have therapeutic benefits, such as improvement in motor skills and balance,” says Lisa S. Ipp, MD, chief of Pediatric Medicine at HSS. “Sailing and other adaptive sports activities also give patients a sense of accomplishment, and provide an opportunity for them to try new activities. It is always so rewarding to see the big smiles on the patients' and families' faces during these events!"

The WaterFront Center focuses on teaching sailing and seamanship, while promoting camaraderie, personal growth and increased independence for participants, says MacKenzie McGuckin, the center’s sailing director. “The HSS patients arrived eager and excited to go sailing. New experiences can create mixed feelings, but the group had no fears and was ready for a fun-filled day.”

The hospital sailing excursion and other trips for patients are offered without cost, thanks to the generosity of Adaptive Sports Academy sponsors. John Raggio, who owns the company Sealift, Inc. in Oyster Bay, stopped by the WaterFront Center on the day the patients went sailing. He and his wife, Donna, are among the donors who help make the excursions possible.

“On a previous trip, we saw the patients dancing with the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall, and that gave us more incentive to be involved with the academy,” he said. “It’s great to look at the kids’ faces and see how much they enjoy themselves.”

HSS physical therapist Bridget A. Assip PT, DPT, PCS, who was on-site during the event, said surfing benefits the children because they feel free in the water.

"It went great, I loved it. I caught a lot of waves," said HSS patient six-year-old Brooklyn McDonald.

Read the full article at ryortho.com [subscription required].

According to the article, the trip aimed to build self-confidence, encourage independence and increase physical activity.

HSS physical therapist Bridget A. Assip PT, DPT, PCS, who was on-site during the event, said surfing benefits the patients because they feel free in the water. "They can do things that they may have a harder time doing on land. The families and kids had a great day at the beach and so much fun in the water," she added.

Read the full article at liherald.com. This also appeared in the August 23, 2018 print issue.

HSS physical therapist Bridget A. Assip PT, DPT, PCS, who was on-site during the event, explained the medical benefits of adaptive surfing.

"It helps them with balance, it helps them with body awareness, and I think most importantly it helps them with self-esteem and confidence," said Assip.

22-year-old patient Sadsidorela Lleeshi shared that the experience was "calm and riding those waves makes me feel free".

"It was really fun because I got to stand up on the surf board three times, which is a new record," said nine-year-old Maya Vega.

Watch the full segment at newyork.cbslocal.com. This also aired during the August 22, 2018 broadcast.

Additional Coverage:

• WLNY: August 26, 2018 broadcast

Bridget A. Assip PT, DPT, PCS, physical therapist at HSS, who was on-site during the event, said that the opportunity to surf gives patients "freedom to be out in the water, move in different ways that they probably never thought that they could, and honestly get to have such a great time".

22-year-old patient Sadsidorela Lleeshi enjoyed surfing for the first time at last year's outing. "Since I did it before I'm not scared, so it's just fun," she said.

This segment aired during the August 15, 2018 broadcast.

HSS physical therapist Bridget A. Assip PT, DPT, PCS, who was on-site during the event, said "I'm just loving seeing the kids so happy and so excited to be in such a different environment…. It really just builds their confidence, builds self-esteem and it really allows them to move their bodies in a different way and experience the water and sand."

Read the full article at newsday.com [subscription required]. This also appeared in the August 16, 2018 print issue.

Lorene C. Janowski DPS, OTR/L, MS, C/NDT, occupational therapist at HSS, said "participating in the adaptive ski program was an incredible experience for all and came at such an opportune time as we cheer on the United States in the Winter Olympics. Our children work so hard in their weekly therapy sessions, and this is a way to bring those skills to life, in a real and natural setting."

"Children with physical disabilities put a lot of effort and planning into moving their bodies. Adaptive activities, such as skiing, are a way for them to challenge themselves, even if it means making modifications and adaptations to meet their goals," Janowski added.

One mother commented on how the experience improved her son's confidence. "When you offer this to him, it gives him the opportunity to feel like he can do anything. It helps with his self-esteem and his self-confidence and he can take that with him when he leaves here."

Lisa S. Ipp, MD, chief of Pediatric Medicine at HSS, said "the Adaptive Sports Academy gives our patients a chance to develop new skills and interests and it promotes mobility and activity."

HSS pediatric orthopedic surgeon David M. Scher, MD, explained that the experience gives the children an opportunity to use their body in a different way.

This appeared in the February 22, 2018 print issue.

Additional Coverage:

• Cerebral Palsy News Today: Youths with Cerebral Palsy Challenge Themselves on Ski Trip Sponsored by NY's Hospital for Special Surgery

The hospital’s Adaptive Sports Academy enables pediatric patients with physical disabilities to participate in athletic activities they never dreamed possible. Some have had multiple surgeries to improve their mobility and have been patients at HSS for years.

The Adaptive Sports Academy sponsors trips and recreational activities at no cost to participants to build their self-confidence, encourage independence and increase mobility. The trips are possible thanks to the generosity of donors who support the academy.

Adaptive sports programs promote physical activity for people with disabilities. Trained volunteers from the Adaptive Sports Foundation at Windham provided instruction and adapted equipment for the participants.

"The Adaptive Sports Academy gives our patients a chance to develop new skills and interests, and it promotes mobility and activity. It also reinforces therapy goals by engaging participants in a new activity and requiring them to use their bodies in a new way," explained Dr. Lisa Ipp, chief of Pediatric Medicine at HSS. "They always feel empowered after trying a new activity and succeeding."

Eight patients ranging in age from 8 to 16 went on the trip. Most have cerebral palsy or another condition that affects body movement, muscle control, posture and balance. Some of the young people use walking canes, but that didn’t stop them from gliding down the bunny slope. It was the academy’s third trip to Windham Mountain, but for many of the kids, it was their first time skiing.

"It’s amazing to see her. She has cerebral palsy and some doctors said she wasn’t going to walk. I want to cry," said Angel Redmond, who marveled at seeing her daughter on skis. Fourteen year-old Niayrah has had several surgeries at HSS to improve her mobility.

"Participating in the adaptive ski program was an incredible experience for all and came at such an opportune time as we cheer on Team USA in the winter Olympics! Our children work so hard in their weekly therapy sessions, and this is a way to bring those skills to life, in a real and natural setting," said Lorene Janowski, an occupational therapist certified in pediatrics at Hospital for Special Surgery who went on the trip. "Most people take for granted our automatic movement patterns. Children with physical disabilities put a lot of effort and planning into moving their bodies; therefore adaptive activities such as skiing, are a way for them to challenge themselves, even if it means making modifications and adaptations to meet their goals," said Janowski, who enjoys skiing herself.

"I get to slide down the hill, 50 miles per hour," exclaimed eight year-old Maya Vega, who attended the ski trip with her mother and twin sister, Alexandria.

"It’s a fun and novel experience for the kids, an opportunity for them to be outside, to get the feeling of using their body in a different way," said Dr. David Scher, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon specializing in treating people with cerebral palsy, who was unable to make this year’s outing, but has been on two previous trips. "For the first time, many can experience that feeling of going fast down a hill, and it’s exhilarating for them."

"This is a fabulous experience for the kids," said Andrea Conroy, whose 12 year-old son Aidan made it past the bunny slope. "When you offer this to him, it gives him the opportunity to feel like he can do anything. It helps with his self-esteem and his self-confidence, and he can take that with him when he leaves here."

Pediatric orthopedic surgeon Dr. David Scher with patient Isabella Cottone on last year's ski trip sponsored by Hospital for Special Surgery.