Sentara and Optima Support JT Walk for ALS and Grommet Island Park 

Walking For Those Who Can’t

Sentara Healthcare and Optima Health are one of several presenting sponsors for the JT Walk & Beach Party on Sunday, October 4th, 2009 at the Virginia Beach oceanfront. Together we have made a corporate donation and have committed to $50,000 through employee fundraising.

The JT Walk is a walk within the local chapter of the ALS Walk. The JT Walk was created last year by Bruce Thompson, a local developer, in honor of his son Josh Thompson, age 34, who is stricken with ALS, more commonly know as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Last year’s event drew 7,000 walkers and raised $1 million for stem cell research, ALS patient services and expanded drug access.

This year’s walk proceeds support ALS research and Grommet Island Park. One hundred percent of the sponsor donations and 50 percent of funds raised by the walk will be used toward construction of the Grommet Island Park. The remaining 50 percent of the funds will be donated to the ALS Association to use for patient services.

JT’s Grommet Island Park & Playground for EveryBODY is the brainchild of Bruce Thompson. This park will be the only one of its kind in the nation — a handicap accessible park and playground on the beach to be located between 1st & 2nd Streets in Virginia Beach and scheduled to be completed in 2010.

A rendering of the Grommet Island Park & Playground.

Bruce believes that no one should be deprived a day at the beach. Thousands of people across Hampton Roads cannot enjoy the beauty of our beach because of accessibility. The park will include beach wheelchairs, ramps, soft play sculptures, play system, canopies, surf scoopers, stationary cycler, beach seating….all wheelchair accessible!

Supporting the JT Walk enables Sentara and Optima to fulfill our mission to improve health everyday in the communities we serve. We invite you to join us to help others. If you'd like to support Team Sentara/Optima on its quest to raise funds for the JT Walk, contact 1-800-SENTARA. For more detailed information, visit the JT Walk Web site.


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