Running for a Cause

By Patty Hutchens Bonner General Health Foundation

While many may view Bonner General Health as a small rural hospital, it is on the verge of becoming one of the leading resources in the state of Idaho for those who have lost the ability to walk due to stroke, injury and more.

“The Bonner General Health Foundation continues its mission to raise funds to purchase an Exoskeleton, a device used in physical therapy to assist those who have lost the ability to

“The little bit I was able to use the suit made a definite difference. I was able to get muscle response started in my lower abdomen and hips. That may not sound like a lot, but just being able to sit and lean over with more stability has made life easier,” says Owens.

This year’s proceeds from the Find Your Strength 5K/1K Fun Run will go far to bring the Exoskeleton to Sandpoint. The Foundation is walk,” says Bonner General Health’s Community Development and Foundation Specialist, Molly Behrens. “Last year we held the first annual Find Your Strength 5K/1K Fun Run, and this year promises to be even more successful in our efforts to raise money for the Exoskeleton.” inching significantly closer to reaching its goal and is hopeful this event will put them over the top.

Once purchased, Bonner General Health will be the only hospital in Idaho to offer this therapy. Sandpoint resident Chris Owens knows the value this will bring to the community. Owens was injured in a logging accident approximately 13 years ago, rendering him paralyzed.

For several years following his accident, Owens experienced fatigue and muscle atrophy. However, that all changed when he learned of the Exoskeleton, a state-of-the-art wearable robotic that assists in gait training and mobility. With the assistance of wrist canes and the Exoskeleton, Owens was able to walk for the first time in over a decade.

Unfortunately for Owens, and many like him, the closest facility with an Exoskeleton is in Wenatchee, Washington–a four-hour drive one way.

Registration for the event opened on May 1 and is open to all ages and abilities. The 1K Fun Run will again be a “Superhero” theme, and organizers encourage kids to sign up and dress as their favorite superhero.

This family fun run will include an after-party complete with music, food, drinks, magicians, face painting and more. Both races begin and end at Sandpoint City Beac,h with the after party taking place on the lawn at Trinity at City Beach. Children 9 and younger can participate for free, and registration is at the reduced price of $20 for ages 9 to 17. Adults are $45 if one registers in advance and will be $50 the day of the event.

“We also have several sponsorship levels available for businesses and individuals,” reminds Behrens.

To register or to learn more, visit BonnerGeneral.org/find-your-strength.

By Patty Hutchens

Whether it’s branding, advertising materials or ensuring your team has the sharpest uniforms, Turner Promotions can help you.

Ron and Lisa Turner launched Turner Promotions three years ago with more than 30 years of small business branding, marketing and advertising experience.

They provide car decals, die-cut stickers, yard signs, embroidered apparel, T-shirts and team fan gear apparel, among other things.

“We also do a lot of logo designs, branding, and most every type of marketing and promotional items you can think of,” says Lisa.

As the parents of two sons, Ron and Lisa have been involved in local sports for many years.

“We pride ourselves on promoting our local athletic teams with fan gear and team stores,” Lisa shares, adding they offer the lowest prices possible.

“If you don’t see what you want, we can always print you a personal item at our store. We encourage people to stop in to feel things and try them on. Our Team Stores are all set up for pickup at our location or can be shipped direct to your home,” she adds.

They recently added team uniforms to their product line. And if you are on one of the local adult softball leagues, they offer sublimated jersey shirts with a five-day turnaround.

“We are also offering a new technology called DTF (Direct to Film), which is far superior to vinyldecorated apparel. It lasts longer, is vibrant and stretches with fabrics to avoid cracking. We are loving the results we get from it, and we are sure our clients will too,” affirms Lisa.

Please visit TurnerPromotions.com or visit their store at 46900 Highway 95 in Sagle.