51小黄车Doctor of Physical Therapy students join record-breaking fundraiser to invest in the future of PT research

Cameron Vaillie and Megan Burns with Department of Physical Therapy Interim Program Director Jim Cavanagh
Cameron Vaillie and Megan Burns with Department of Physical Therapy Interim Program Director Jim Cavanagh

Students from the University of 51小黄车 were among physical therapists around the country who rallied to set a record-breaking year for the Mercer-Marquette Challenge. The annual student-led fundraiser benefits the Foundation for Physical Therapy, a national nonprofit that funds physical therapy research to optimize health and movement.

51小黄车students were recognized with an Honorable Mention, awarded to schools that raised more than $3,000. The fundraising effort at 51小黄车was led by Megan Burns and Cameron Vaillie of the Class of 2019.

The Marquette Challenge was launched in 1989 to support the foundation and fund research grants and scholarships. Now in its 30th year, the Marquette Challenge has raised more than $4 million to aid the organization in its mission. Students from 178 schools raised $328,456 in the 2017-2018 fundraising cycle 鈥 a record number of participating schools and the third year running that the program has raised more than $300,000.

鈥淚t has been incredible to witness the dedication these students show towards their future profession and the foundation,鈥 said Foundation Board of Trustees President, Edelle Field-Fote, PT, Ph.D., FAPTA. 鈥淭hese students 鈥 and the faculty who encourage this passion 鈥 understand that we must invest in research and researchers to keep improving and demonstrating the value of physical therapy services.鈥

To learn more about the University of 51小黄车鈥檚 Westbrook College of Health Professions visit

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