65-Year-Old Woman Becomes The First Paralyzed Veteran To Complete A Marathon Using Robotic Exoskeleton

Dec 06, 2019 by apost team

For those of us who are less than active, the idea of participating in a marathon may sound exhausting and overwhelming. However, a retired army sergeant named Theresa Vereline recently showed us all up by finishing the New York City Marathon under very special circumstances.

Theresa’s case is unique as she managed to earn the award as the first-ever paralyzed American to make it across the marathon’s finish line.

Not only is Theresa paralyzed, but she tackled the entire walk with the use of an exoskeleton, making her the first veteran in the world to ever finish the marathon with the help of such a device, reports the Good News Network.

While the marathon lasts a grueling 26 miles, Theresa was determined to not let the walk get her down. She managed to undertake the whole journey over the course of three days, splitting the trek up into more manageable portions.

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The exoskeleton is a new device that has been created by a company called ReWalk. The ReWalk 5.0 exoskeleton suit works to provide paraplegics with mobility using a form of crutches.

Theresa is a long-time user of the exoskeleton. When she lost her ability to walk in 2011, she was thrilled to discover and begin using the ReWalk Robotics exoskeleton in 2012. The woman who felt like she had lost so much, says in a press release that she credits the device with giving her the ability to do things that she thought would never be possible.

Theresa now travels to explain how the device has transformed her life and encourage others to use it as well. With the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs now providing these devices to retired veterans who need them, Theresa feels anxious to encourage others to take advantage of this opportunity. Theresa explains that completing the marathon was not only one of her long-time dreams, but she hoped that her dedication would encourage others to move beyond the obstacles that stand in their way so that they can achieve what they want out of life as well.

The creators of the exoskeleton and those behind ReWalk issued a statement congratulating Theresa and declaring how proud they are of her accomplishments.

Hopefully Theresa’s choice to complete the marathon will not only serve as an inspiration for those with disabilities, but will also encourage more people to take advantage of devices such as the ReWalk exoskeleton.