Meet Cody:

My name is Cody Wiener and I’m a third year Doctor of Physical Therapy student at Rutgers University - Newark.

I’m thankful for the opportunity to raise money to benefit Therapists Beyond Borders in their quest to co-design training programs while both educating and empowering therapists (PTs, OTs, and SLPs) and caregivers to provide care to people with disabilities in their communities. Having volunteered at Rutgers University - Newark’s Community Participatory Physical Therapy Clinic (CPPTC) providing pro bono care to those in need within the greater Newark area (an underserved and under-resourced community), I feel a connection to TBB’s mission.

Those who know me are aware of the high regard that I hold physical, occupational, and speech therapists in. In my experiences, you’d be hard pressed to find anyone anywhere whose life has not been touched and improved in some capacity by the work of one of these three professions. PTs, OTs, and SLPs have the ability to improve the lives of such a vast variety of people in tremendous ways that range everywhere from helping parents getting out of pain so they can play with their kids; teaching stroke survivors how to efficiently operate assistive devices like adapted walkers, bathing equipment, and feeding utensils so they can maintain independence; children with speech & swallowing difficulties overcome their impairments to speak confidently and develop worthwhile relationships; and infinite more. Those who have the opportunity to receive care from these three professions are blessed, but I recognize that some people do not have those freedoms. It’s for these reasons that I’m excited and grateful to be fundraising for TBB to help give this type of care to people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to receive it.

The 2024 TCS New York City Marathon will be my first marathon. To me, running serves as both as escape from the stresses of everyday life & a challenge against my previous self to be better than I was yesterday. Like many others, I began running around the commencement of the COVID-19 pandemic in search of a method of physical activity that could be performed outside. Although it took an adjustment period to become acclimated and to begin enjoying it, it’s now a staple in my exercise programs and, like noted, is a challenge that I enjoy and look forward to participating in.

Any support and monetary contribution towards my goal is greatly appreciated and will go a long way in helping the lives of people in underserved and under-resourced communities worldwide.

Thank you for taking the time to read; I’ll see you all throughout the streets of New York City on November 3, 2024!

Meet TBB:

Therapists Beyond Borders trains therapists, families, and caregivers of individuals with disabilities in under-resourced communities around the world. Disability legislation and rehabilitation programs are commonly under-resourced, especially in developing countries. As a result, millions of people who require therapy do not receive adequate treatment. Our goal: extend the privilege of advanced clinical training to therapists, families, and caregivers in countries with underfunded healthcare systems.

Our mission is to foster self-sustaining, locally run therapy education programs that build community capacity to provide skillful care for their most vulnerable members. Our vision is a world where individuals of all abilities can reach their own unique potential, and where all communities, despite the unequal distribution of global resources, still have the capacity to care for their own.

Cody Wiener: Therapists Beyond Borders and the 2024 TCS NYC Marathon

By Therapists Beyond Borders

Cody Wiener: Therapists Beyond Borders and the 2024 TCS NYC Marathon

It Will Move You