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, 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.”

According to the article, the room was redesigned so it could appeal to patients of different ages, abilities and degrees of mobility.

HSS chief of Pediatric Medicine Lisa S. Ipp, MD, said children are now more motivated to visit the room and engage in activities for longer periods of time.

"Children who see the room prior to their admission are eager to meet therapy goals in order to visit the room," Dr. Ipp added.

Read the full article at healthcaredesignmagazine.com. This also appeared in the September 2018 print issue.

The trip, sponsored by the Adaptive Sports Academy at Lerner Children’s Pavilion, offered the outing without cost, thanks to the generosity of donors. Certified riding instructors at Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship in Mount Kisco, New York introduced the young people to the activity. Riders were assisted by "side walkers" on each side of the horse, while another staff member or volunteer led the way. In addition to riding, the kids enjoyed brushing the gentle horses in the barn.

Eleven year-old Edwin Torres had been looking forward to the trip, and the experience did not disappoint. Feeling comfortable and confident riding, Edwin coaxed his handsome horse, Koko with the words "good boy" and practiced commands such as "whoa." He says he enjoyed horseback riding even more than playing video games, one of his favorite activities. "I didn’t want to leave the horse, I wanted to ride all day," he said. 

The Adaptive Sports Academy sponsors horseback riding and other trips that enable young patients to participate in activities they never dreamed possible. "Such activities help build patients’ self-confidence, encourage independence, and increase physical activity and mobility," says Dr. Lisa Ipp, chief of Pediatric Medicine at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS).

The excursions also give the children the opportunity to socialize with other patients and make new friends. In addition to horseback riding, the Academy sponsors rock climbing, tennis and even surfing trips, all without cost.

Many of the patients who went horseback riding have cerebral palsy or another condition that affects body movement, muscle control, posture and balance. Some patients receive speech therapy at HSS. Many have had one or more surgeries by pediatric orthopedic surgeons at the Manhattan hospital and have been patients for years. They ranged in age from 2 to 18.  

Studies have shown that equine-assisted activities and therapies are beneficial for people with a wide range of disabilities. "The benefits include improvements in posture, muscle tone, balance, strength, and gait patterns," said Michelle Yang, a pediatric physical therapist in the Pediatric Rehabilitation Department at HSS. "Sometimes the children are nervous at first, but once they get on a horse and ride, they love it and feel a huge sense of accomplishment. And it’s great for them to be outdoors."

Elizabeth Gerosa, a pediatric speech language pathologist who organized the trip, said riding a horse can also have speech therapy benefits. "The child is positioned on the horse with optimal alignment, determined by their own individualized needs and abilities," she explains. "Performing specific vocalizations or movements while riding a horse can enhance breath support and encourage improved vocabulary and pragmatic language use. New and exciting environments, such as being in nature, can also lead to an increased desire to communicate."

Maria Lynch said she was delighted to introduce her 3 year-old daughter Elixabethe, who receives speech therapy, to the activity. "At first she thought she would be riding a carousel, but she loved riding the real horse. It was so special. And being able to speak commands was great for her."

Prior to the excursion, Endeavor staff and physical therapists review the height, weight and diagnosis of each patient to match each participant with the appropriate horse. "The horses are of various shapes and sizes, and they all have different movements to suit the various needs of riders. Some may need a smoother gait, some riders need a narrower base of support, some a more broad base of support," says Kelly Slonaker, advancement director and instructor at Endeavor. She adds that the horses all have different personalities and love what they do. You can tell the horses love it from their body language, she explains.

The next Adaptive Sports Academy trip will be to the beach. Patients will be treated to an adaptive surfing trip on Long Island in August.

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.