The School Rules Contest

Congratulations to the winner of this year's School Rules contest benefiting Ryan's Run, Mid Valley School District! For more information, check out the footage from the news broadcast at WNEP.

The Bioness ZeroG™ is the world's most advanced overground gait and balance training system. It allows patients to safely practice intensive physical therapy early in their rehabilitation, a factor shown to be related to enhanced outcomes. This one piece of equipment can be used to treat gait impairments in patients after stroke, traumatic brain injury, Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Amputation, Orthopedic Injuries.

The goal of this year's fundraising campaign is to harness the power of break-through technology.technology; harnessing break-through technologies and equipment that enable a faster, fuller recovery for children and adults with disabilities/injuries. Campaign proceeds will be used to update therapy, assistive and fitness equipment and technology at Allied's John Heinz Rehab Hospital (Wilkes-Barre) and Allied Services Rehab Hospital (Scranton). This will benefit both children and adults with disabilities and injuries.

"Twenty-Four years ago my daughter Joellen was born, she was unable to breathe on her own, she was admitted to the NIC unit at the CMC hospital. After 10 days of sheer emotional torture, her condition improved and she made a complete recovery. By giving to Ryan's Run, it is a way of thanking God for our blessings, and a way to help those who are less fortunate. Keep up the great work ! Best wishes to Ryan on his quest, we love him!" -Toni, Darryl, Jennifer and Joellen

"Thank you, Ryan, for your commitment to these children. The hard work you're doing today will last a lifetime for countless kids. Kids that would merely survive, get the opportunity to thrive and excel throughout their lives because of services from Allied. Your kindness will never be overlooked."

"Dear Ryan, Thank you for helping our Pediatric Patients. They are such an inspiration to all of us who work within the Allied System! May God bless you and make your good deed produce fruits a hundredfold!" -Chaplain Marianne C. Sailus John Heinz Institute

"Ralphie is truly an inspirational little guy with an extraordinary sense of humor. We were there after the accident in Danville when they thought he would not make it and to see him now truly makes us believe in miracles. Hope we can help make them happen for another family. God Bless Ryan for this undertaking." -Cathy Jackson and Ralph Morris (Ralphie's grandpa)

"Best of luck in New York. Remember, 26 miles is nothing, it's that .2 that's a killer!"

"What a GREAT idea! Ryan is a FANTASTIC person to take on this cause. Helping children and families is what WNEP does best... We support you and the children and families your event spotlights. Best of Luck in the NYC Marathon!"

"Our daughter Emma has been receiving therapy at John Heinz for the past 5 years. You should see her move with her walker! She's participating in a kid's road race next weekend. GO EMMA... GO RYAN! Thank you for supporting our children and all their potential development."

DRAWING RESULTS - Family Fun Day

The Ryan's Run Family Fun Day on Sunday, August 28th at Mohegan Sun was a huge success! Congratulations to Leslie Moran of Scranton for being the lucky winner of our runner drawing! Good luck in the Marathon, Leslie!

Leckey Live on WNEP's Morning Show

Monday, September 19, 5:00 - 9:00 a.m., WNEP TV-16
Catch the Ryan's Run team LIVE on WNEP TV-16 as we share with viewers the stories of patients helped by Allied Services and give you an exclusive insight into cutting edge rehab technology.

School Rules Contest

Deadline: Monday, October 17th
Details: Submit 2 photos of your fundraising event by 5 p.m. on Monday, October 17th to ryansrun@allied-services.org Don't forget to include a brief description telling us who you are, how you raised the money and how we can contact you if you are the winner.

Ryan's Run Pre-Race Celebration

Join WNEP-TV’s Ryan Leckey and the Team Leckey marathon runners for a pre-marathon celebration and halloween costume contest. All funds raised will be used to update therapy and equipment used to treat children and adults with disabilities and life-chaning injuries at Allied Services’ Allied Rehab Hospital in Scranton and Heinz Rehab Hospital in Wilkes-Barre.

Flier: Click here to download
Date: Thursday, October 27th
Time: 5PM - 7PM
Place: The Backyard Ale House, 523 Linden Street, Scranton
Donation: $10 includes Miller Lite Draft, Hors D’Oeuvres & a chance to win an amazing door prize from our raffle featuring a Digital Camera & Flip Camcorder
Costume: Get in the Halloween Spirit & Rock a Custome – you’ll be in with a chance to win great prizes

Ryan's Run Pep Rally

Can you believe it? It’s less than 30 days until the 2011 New York City Marathon!!!

Join WNEP-TV’s Ryan Leckey, members of Team Leckey and Jack Williams Tire & Auto (a major Ryan’s Run sponsor) for a Ryan’s Run pep rally. Bring along your donations to present to Ryan and the Team, stop by to wish the runners luck and make sure to pick up your exclusive Ryan’s Run exercise shirt.

Running for New Rehabilitation Technology at Allied Services

Eight Year Old Boy Raises Over $500 for Ryan's Run

Cody Patterson of Factoryville, PA held a bake sale at Factoryville salon "A Perfect 10", single-handedly raising over $500 for Ryan's Run. He is picture below with four of the Team Leckey runners, Dr. Paul Tomcykoski, Cathy Guzzi, Corey Burns and Ryan Leckey. Thanks, Cody!

Corey Burns

Corey Burns joins the Ryan's Run Campaign as a first year runner, but not his first working on the campaign. He spent last year working behind the scenes at WNEP, as a photographer, editing stories of Ryan's 2010 NYC marathon journey. He plans to do the same this year, while also running the marathon.

Corey has always been a runner, but only recently got into marathon racing for the challenge and satisfaction of being able to contribute to the various organizations the races benefit.

This marathon will be Corey's third in 2011. He completed his first marathon this past May, "Run for the Red Marathon," in the Pocono Mountains. He plans to run the "Steamtown Marathon" in October before running the "ING New York City Marathon" with the "Ryan's Run" crew in November.

When Corey is not working at WNEP, or running whenever he can, he's chasing down his two young children, Corey and Téa, with his wife, Erin.

Steve Davidowitz

Steve Davidowitz is a resident of Dallas, Pennsylvania. He is a Registered Representative with Sammons Securities. Steve graduated with an MA in International Development from The American University and an MBA from Wilkes University. He served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Gabon, Central Africa In his community, Steve serves on the Board of Governors of Generation to Generation and the Board of Trustees of Temple Israel.

Steve is the proud father of two children: Kim and Daniel. Kim is a freshman at The Art Institute of Philadelphia. Daniel will be a sophomore at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

This year, Steve hopes to complete his 6th ING New York City Marathon by participating in Ryan's Run. His family supports Allied Services and have benefitted greatly from their quality care. His sister-in-law, Sherry Davidowitz, is on the Board of Directors of the John Heinz Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine.

Steve encourages everyone to support Allied Services and come out to New York City to cheer on the runners. It may be the largest sporting event in the world. There will be 45,000 runners from all 50 states and over 100 countries. Along the course, there will be over 100 live bands performing a wide variety of music and more than 2 million very enthusiastic spectators.

John Farrell

John S. Farrell, M.D. has been an avid runner since 2008. He has competed in numerous 5K and trail races as well as in three half marathons. He ran his first marathon last October at Steamtown. John grew up in Clarks Summit and is a 1996 graduate of the University of Scranton. He graduated in 2000 from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. After completing a residency and fellowship in Radiology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in 2006, John returned to Northeastern Pennsylvania and became a partner with Radiological Consultants and Advanced Imaging Specialists in Dunmore. He specializes in body, musculoskeletal, and breast imaging.

Michael Ferguson

"In 1999 I joined Allied Services, where I am Director of Finance and Risk Management. Around the same time, I started running and in the past 12 years, I have run 20 marathons, from Boston to Pittsburgh, Long Island to Steamtown. In 2010, I ran the NYC Marathon for the first time, running as a member of Team Leckey.

The inspirational stories of the children and families helped by Allied motivate me to train and to run and I'm proud to be running for Allied Services again this year.

A graduate of the University of Scranton (I completed my undergraduate and MBA there), I'm father to Colin, 3 months, with my girlfriend Tiffany."

Cathy Guzzi

"I've never run a marathon. This will be my first! I have competed in over 10 triathlons and am presently training for a half Ironman in September.

I grew up in Queens, NY and as a kid my Dad would take us to watch the ING New York City Marathon. As a child I knew it was a big event and always begged my Dad to go early so we could watch the elite runners go by! I am so excited to be actually running in the event this year! I've often thought of running a marathon, but have always shied away from the distance. This time is different. Running with Ryan for Allied is my motivation!

As a Physical Therapist in the Outpatient Department of Allied Services, I am inspired everyday by the patients that come through our doors and motivated by the therapy staff that dedicates their lives to helping these patients. No one remains unchanged at the end of each day. It's an honor to run the NYC Marathon representing Allied Services and the patients we serve."

Michelle Mariotti

"My name is Michelle Mariotti and I live in Old Forge with my husband Louis and children Lexi and Louie. I am a graduate of Old Forge High School and Wilkes University. I have been running for enjoyment for almost 20 years now, but I have only been racing for about 5 years. I have competed in numerous 5k and 10k races, 5 half-marathons and 4 marathons, including the Boston Marathon. I have always enjoyed running for exercise, and decided to begin training for longer races because I feel that it gives me a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment while doing something that I truly love!"

Bornfase Nyandusi Omurwa

Bornfase Nyandusi Omurwa resides with his wife, Megan, in Kingston, Pennsylvania. He is originally from the town of Kisii, which is located in southwestern Kenya. Prior to coming to the United States, Nyandusi was a construction worker in Kenya and Sudan. He is a student at Luzerne County Community College and is interested in actuarial science. Nyandusi works part time at Home Depot in Pittston, Pennsylvania.

While adjusting to his new life, Nyandusi remains devoted to his large family in Kenya. He has 16 siblings and helps them out financially as much as possible.

Nyandusi has always enjoyed running. About a year ago, he started to participate and excel in local races. Today, he is one of the leading runners in northeastern Pennsylvania. In May, at the Blue Cross Broad Street Run (10 miles), Nyandusi placed 61 out of more than 25,000 runners.

Peter Borsuk is Nyandusi's father-in-law. He introduced Nyandusi to the sport of golf. Now, this Kenyan runner plans to join the golf team at Luzerne County Community College. Community service is very important to Nyandusi. Through his work at Home Depot, he contributed to Habitat for Humanity. He enjoys participating in races that help community efforts. Nyandusi did not hesitate to commit to Ryan's Run to support Allied Services and compete in the ING New York City Marathon.

Robert Pembleton

"I've been running for approximately 2 years with the ultimate goal of competing in a triathlon. I have run multiple 5k races and one half marathon in Washington DC. I have considered running a marathon in the past and was sold on the idea when given the chance to represent Heinz Rehab as a member of Ryan's Run Team. I look forward to conquering this challenge in the NYC marathon."

Matt Scalese

Matt is a physical therapist who works at TLC/Northeastern Rehabilitation Associates.

He has competed in and finished over 20 marathons over the past 10+ years, and is self-proclaimed "addicted to exercise".

Through his involvement in Ryan's Run, he hopes to turn on as many people as possible to the benefits of exercise. Matt is married to high school sweetheart Kristen, and is the father of twin girls (Mia and Emma age 6) and son Noah (5 months).

>Scott Verdine

Twenty seven year old Scott Verdine is from Pittston, Pennsylvania. He is a business owner who, in his spare time, trains and competes in triathlons. He will be running with Allied's Ryan's Run team in the 2011 ING New York City Marathon, and hopes to come in with a time under three hours and forty five minutes. Scott believes we should live life to the fullest and not be afraid to take chances. He says, " I want to squeeze everything out of life that I can. I never want to live with regrets or feel like I had missed out on something."

Kara Fox-LaRose

"My name is Kara Fox-LaRose and I live in Kingston. I represent Mohegan Sun and have been part of the Mohegan Sun Team since 1996. Throughout my tenure with the company, I have had the privilege of experiencing many profound moments that have inspired me and enriched my life. This opportunity is an example of one such moment where we, as an organization, are able to help make a difference in our communities, and we are very excited to be a part of Ryan's Run.

It is both an honor and a challenge for me to be a part of Team Leckey. I have been an active person throughout my life, participating in various workout regimes and activities, but cannot claim to have much experience running. Frankly, I have completed two 5Ks purely as a charitable, motivational, and social activity with dear friends. With that said, participating in this marathon is about three main objectives for me: supporting the patients and efforts of Allied Services who truly are courageous and inspiring; being part of a team working together to make a difference; and personal accomplishment, which is yet to be seen! Although you may not want to "take any bets" on how many miles I can actually run or how long it will take me to complete the race, I am committed to supporting this cause and determined to inspire others by crossing the finish line!"

David Simpson

David, 52, is very excited to participate in his first ING New York City Marathon. While he has competed in and finished several marathons, including the Philadelphia Marathon in 2009, David has always wanted to finish the "world's biggest and best marathon."

David has a wonderfully supportive wife, Tammy, and two sons, David, 13 and Dalton 11, who successfully compete in youth sports in the Back Mountain area. Through his participation, David hopes to inspire and reinforce his boys with the dedication and discipline required to compete in a marathon.

Like most marathon runners, David will balance a demanding work & business travel schedule while training and helping to raise funds for Allied Services. He will attempt this effort after he and his colleagues at Diamond Manufacturing lost their close friend & leader Rusty Flack earlier this year.

Rusty was an extremely successful businessman and community leader who was also a very generous philanthropist. David will run in memory of his good friend.

Barb & Doug Straub

Together, the Straub's have participated in and completed a dozen triathlons and foot races over the past decade. Barb & Doug have also been solid community volunteers assisting a number of charitable efforts to enhance opportunities for children in the Wyoming Valley.

The Straubs live in Bear Creek with their two children Ryan & Abby enjoy spending time traveling, skiing, & being with family and friends.

Working with a team of dedicated employees in family business, the Straub's are thrilled to join the Ryan's Run team and participate in their first ING New York City Marathon.

Dr. Paul Tomcykoski

Paul is 45 years old and has been running for 2 years now.

He completed the Philadelphia Marathon in 2009 and Steamtown Marathon in 2010.

Dr. Paul competed in his first marathon averaging 10 minute miles and bettered his time by averaging 9 minute miles in his second marathon. Paul claims never to have competed as a runner until his nurse Margaret Nudelman peaked his interest in 2009 when five members of her family wagered a friendly $100 each to see who would improve with running the most for Paul's first marathon in Philadelphia. Paul was pleased to finish in second place among the group and (Margaret's daughter) "won a lot of money".

Paul likes to run for various benefits of exercising, as it helps to keep his weight under control, and makes him feel good. He claims that one of the most exciting things about running is the emotions he feels at the end of competing in a marathon. "I find myself crying and laughing about family members, friends and life, yet I am not normally an emotional person" (as compared with my wife Maria, who will cry at just about anything). Paul is pleased to participate on the Ryan's Run team for everything Allied Services does for children in our region!

Krista Gabello

"I am excited and challenged by the opportunity to run the 2011 NYC marathon. It is especially an honor to run as a team member of Ryan's Run.

I live in Philadelphia with my husband, Chris, who is originally from the Scranton area. I work with the amazing physical and occupational therapists of Allied Services as a clinical specialist for Bioness Inc.

I am a physical therapist who specializes in pediatrics and survivors of neurologic injury. I encourage and support patients and families to push themselves to impressive limits every day. As someone who generally runs for exercise, training for this marathon is a way to honor everyone I have told: '5 more minutes', ' 10 more feet', and 'come on, you can do this'!"

Ryan Leckey

WNEP TV's Ryan Leckey is known for his can't stand still intensity and his knack for creating engaging live television - a plus when training for a marathon and running a fundraising campaign! In 2010, Ryan lead Team Leckey to success, running the NYC Marathon for the first time and raising over $120,000 for kids with disabilities served by Allied Services.

In a series of filmed interviews, Ryan accorded "star treatment" to the kids and families featured in the campaign, highlighting the need for high quality care for all kids, regardless of financial or insurance status. Taking the campaign to countless school groups, Ryan got kids excited about good health and fitness habits, and inspired them to reach out to others on behalf of kids in need. He combined a challenging work schedule with a rigorous marathon training regimen. And when an injury interrupted his training and threatened to derail his plans to run the marathon, Ryan reported on the set-back, using the opportunity to illustrate the work of rehab therapists in building strength and accelerating recovery for athletes and for children with life-changing injuries.

The success of the first Ryan's Run campaign only scratches the surface of Ryan's work for the local community. Ryan Leckey is known to viewers in Northeastern & Central Pennsylvania for his "high octane" live news reports on Newswatch 16, as well as his in-depth interviews with iconic figures such as: Regis Philbin, Barbara Walters, Diane Sawyer and past presidents like Bill Clinton. Ryan has gone above and beyond to champion the efforts of countless community groups and non-profits, lending his time, skills and name to benefit his community.

Auctioneer, emcee, spokesperson, advocate, role model, dunk-tank victim, marathon runner - you name it, Ryan has done it, all in the name of a good cause. In recognition of his dedication and commitment to championing the work of community groups and non-profits, he was nominated for the 2011 GQ and Movado "Better Man, Better World" award.

His other achievements include earning a Master's Degree from Marywood University in Communication Arts. Marywood is also where Ryan teaches courses in Media Performance and Broadcast News Writing. In August 2011, Ryan was also nominated for an Emmy Award for Best Spot (Breaking) News Coverage for his live reports on flash flooding.

When Ryan's not on the air or in the classroom, he can be seen hosting community events, working out at his local CrossFit gym, or jamming on the guitar and singing with friends. To date, Ryan has written and recorded two original songs.

Kerry Ziegler

My name is Kerry Ziegler. I have worked at Allied Services for 8 years as a Program Specialist in the Developmental Services Division . I work with individuals who have mental, psychological, and physical deficiencies. I am also a mother of three beautiful daughters, Victoria who is 10yrs old and 8 yr old twins, Isabel and Abigail. My twins were born premature but at a healthy weight Isabel weighing 5lbs 6oz and Abigail 5lbs 11oz. Developmental delays in speech with the twins were noted early on. In June of 2006 at age 3 the twins started speech at Allied Pediatric Rehab Program. For the last 5 yrs they attend speech 2x times a week. Their speech therapist, Paul Harrington and Debbie Bellefonte are very special and important in their lives. They care and commitment they show to my girls is seen through progress with their speechthroughout the years. My daughters love life. They are kind, compassionate, and hard working. All of the wonderful qualities I see in my children I also see in the staff at Allied's Pediatric Rehabilitation. They are more than workers to my girls they are family. There are always challenges when you have children with special needs. By seeing my daughters handle their struggles with such ease and determination it was made me a better Mom and person.

It also helped me with my personal accomplishments. In October of 2006 I ran my First Steamtowm Marathon with my Uncle, Bill Cook. My uncle is an avid runner. He ran my first race with me side by side and although I was untrained with his support I finished the race. Since then I have completed 5 Steamtown Marathon's and the Marine Corporation last year in D.C. Running is a family activity. My uncles are runners, my Dad and I ran our first marathon together in 2009. This year with my Dad, uncles, and cousins we will all be competing in the Steamtown Marathon. Of course my daughters are there to cheer me on. They can't wait until they are old enough to run their first marathon.

Leslie Moran

My name is Leslie Mason Moran. I started running after the birth of my second child as a way to lose baby weight and it has turned into a passion.

I have run numerous 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon races. NYC 2011 will be my eighth marathon, and I am absolutely thrilled to be running as part of Ryan's team!

I am a music teacher in the Mid Valley School District, an adjunct faculty member of Marywood University's Music Department, and a conductor for the Choral Society of NEPA.

I reside in Scranton with my incredibly supportive husband Patrick, and our four beautiful children, Liam, Quinn, Declan, and Padraic who are at every race cheering me on and inspiring me to always do my best.

Alicia Kelly

"My name is Alicia Kelly. I have been running marathons and half marathons since 2001. In the past ten years I have completed seven marathons and ten half marathons. I have also done many 5K racs and trail runs. In November 2010 I completed the JFK 50 Mile Ultra Marathon. The JFK Race is the oldest ultramarathon in the United States.

I teach Seventh Grade Learning Support in the Pocono Mountain Schoo District. My BS is in Special Education from Marywood University and I hold an MS from Wilkes University in Curriculum and Instruction. In the past five years I have also taken post masters classes from St.JosephsUniversity. I also work Part Time as a Mobile Therapist at the Friensdhip House. I have a 5 year old daughter, Jacqueline Rita, who is also an avid runner. In my spare time I enjoy spinning, reading, and traveling. I look forward to being a part of Ryan's Run and I am thrilled beyond words to be on the team! Allied Services is a vital and exciting part of our community and I am excited to be a part of it!"

On November 6, 2011, 2.8 million people packed the streets of New York City to watch one of the most iconic races, the New York City Marathon. Marathon officials estimate that more than 47,000 people competed in the 2011 ING NYC Marathon, raising more than $31 million for countless charities. Among the thousands were 20 runners representing a local non-profit organization, Allied Services Integrated Health System. Allied Services congratulates Team Leckey on their awe-inspiring performances:

Post-Marathon Impressions From Our Runners

The Team Leckey runners, led for a second year by WNEP-TV's Ryan Leckey, represented runners of all ability levels and backgrounds, united by a common cause; to improve the lives of children and adults with disabilities in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Here are some of their quotes after the race: