First Paralyzed American Completes a Marathon Using a ReWalk Exoskeleton
U.S. Veteran Terry Hannigan Vereline successfully walked the 2019 New York City Marathon, walking all 26.2 miles over a span of 3 days
NEW YORK, Nov. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- ReWalk Robotics, Ltd. (Nasdaq: RWLK) ("ReWalk" or the "Company"), a leading manufacturer of robotic medical devices for individuals with lower limb disabilities, announced that Retired Army Sargent Theresa Vereline, became the first paralyzed American to successfully complete a marathon, walking the entire 26.2 mile distance of the 2019 New York City Marathon using the Company's ReWalk Personal 5.0 robotic exoskeleton device.
Vereline, age 65, worked with New York Road Runners, the organizers of the race, to compete in the 2019 NYC Marathon by walking the course over 3 days. Vereline began her marathon effort Friday, November 1st, walking 10 miles. She continued with another 10 miles Saturday, November 2nd, and completed the final 6.2 miles on the official race day, Sunday, November 3rd. Vereline crossed the finish line, Sunday evening at 6:35 p.m. ET. Vereline is now the first paralyzed American to successfully complete a marathon. She also holds the title of the first veteran in the world to complete a marathon using an exoskeleton.
"Words cannot express the feelings I had crossing the finish line," said Vereline. "This has been a dream of mine, and I hope I can serve as an inspiration to others that you too can achieve what seems like the impossible—especially all of the disabled children I meet across the country."
Vereline was paralyzed in 2011. She has been using the ReWalk Robotics exoskeleton since 2012, which allows her to stand and walk. ReWalk devices have also been used by a number of ReWalkers around the world to compete in various races—including the London Marathon and countless road races in the U.S.
"Ever since the day I stood up in the ReWalk for the first time, opportunities I never thought I'd have again were laid out before me," Vereline added. "I trained hard, and was able to achieve something amazing. And I am grateful for the chance to be able to stand and walk again every day."
ReWalk received FDA clearance for its Personal and Rehabilitation devices in 2014. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs established a national procurement policy, working with retired service members across the country who are eligible to receive a device. Vereline was the first veteran to receive a device following FDA clearance. She has traveled the world to speak about the impact the exoskeleton has had on her life and health.
"Terry is a part of our family, and it was incredible to be there with her at the finish line Sunday," said ReWalk CEO Larry Jasinski. "It is particularly poignant as we celebrate Veterans Day next week, to see all that Terry has accomplished, and the legions of veterans and spinal cord injured individuals she is inspiring with every step."
To learn more about ReWalk, please visit: www.rewalk.com
Members of the media: please direct all inquiries to: [email protected]
About ReWalk Robotics Ltd.
ReWalk Robotics Ltd. develops, manufactures and markets wearable robotic exoskeletons for individuals with lower limb disabilities as a result of spinal cord injury or stroke. The Company's mission is to fundamentally change the quality of life for individuals with lower limb disability through the creation and development of market leading robotic technologies. Founded in 2001, ReWalk has headquarters in the United States, Israel and Germany. For more information on the ReWalk systems, please visit www.rewalk.com.
ReWalk® is a registered trademark of ReWalk Robotics Ltd. in Israel and the United States.
SOURCE ReWalk Robotics, Ltd.
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