Grateful Support

By Matt Hawkins

Bradley’s Physical Therapy Clinic for Fitness and Function received a $10,000 gift from local resident Dave Driscoll, who had received care from Bradley students and staff since the clinic opened in early 2016.

Driscoll’s gift is the largest single contribution to the clinic, which relies on grants from the Community Foundation of Peoria and Bradley’s Office of Sponsored Programs to fund equipment purchases.

“It’s just a meager attempt to show my appreciation,” Driscoll said. “It’s not that big of a gift compared to what they’ve done for me and the rest of my life.”

The free clinic serves people with neurological conditions who have exhausted their insurance coverage. Bradley doctor of physical therapy students partner with clients to work on quality-of-life issues. Many clients come with long-term hopes of regaining abilities such as running, doing housework or playing disc golf.

Driscoll is a former athlete who fractured his neck when he fell from a tree in 2014. The former weight lifter and runner initially thought he might not walk again, but he exceeded expectations through long-term therapy.

Rehabilitation through Illinois Neurological Institute at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center restored basic functionality, but he wanted to fully enjoy his outdoor hobbies. He was referred to Bradley’s clinic after passing insurance benchmarks, where three semesters of PT restored his mobility.

“They changed my life because they’ve given me freedom to do things I wanted to do,” Driscoll said. “Bradley’s program offers incalculable worth to the community it serves and the students who work with it.”

Dr. Melissa Peterson, who oversees the program, said success stories like Driscoll motivate students and staff in the clinic.

“People like Dave are what keep us excited to be physical therapists,” she said. “When you get patients who work so hard and overcome so much adversity, going to work isn’t ‘work’ at all. It’s such a privilege to play a role in their journey.”