Chris Norton's SCI Can Foundation reaches its goal of raising money for a therapeutic bike

(Left to right): Former Luther head football coach Mike Durnin, physical therapist Sarah Groux, Terry, Alex and Chris Norton, physical therapist Jenessa Luzum and WMC officials Gretchen Dahlen, Dave Rooney and Holly Kanengieter

Wednesday marked an important day for Luther College student Chris Norton.  The foundation he started--SCI CAN--wrote a check to the Winneshiek Medical Center Foundation for $27,654 to buy an RT300 therapeutic bike to be used by rehab patients who, like Norton, suffered spinal chord injuries.

Because Chris was injured two years ago during a Luther football game--an NCAA athletic event--the NCAA's health insurance paid many of Chris's therapy costs, including his RT300 leg and arm bike.

During Chris' two years of physical therapy, he has encountered many people who have suffered similar injuries without the luxury of adequate insurance policies.  That led Chris, his family and his friends to form the SCI CAN foundation and raise money to provide patients with various levels of neuromuscular deficiencies equipment that would benefit them in achieving their goals.

"We're excited about this," said Chris' dad, Terry, on Wednesday evening at a check ceremony.  Terry Norton thanked the Decorah community, especially Luther College, Decorah Bank and Trust, Euro-Team Physical Therapy, Lynch Family Barbeque, Culver's, Winneshiek Medical Center and many others who helped to raise the $27,654.

The SCI CAN Foundation will continue its work, with another fundraiser scheduled January 27th in the Des Moines area.  Terry Norton says the foundation has already been contacted by several Des Moines area hospitals wanting to work with SCI CAN--and is open to other requests as well.