The highly anticipated Great Bison Shuffle is set to galvanize the Cheyenne community, serving as a pivotal fundraiser for the Cheyenne Regional Medical Center (CRMC) Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab program. This annual event, presented by UniWyo Credit Union, underscores a significant commitment to community health by ensuring vital patient services continue to thrive.
Scheduled for September 13 at the scenic Terry Bison Ranch, the Great Bison Shuffle offers a diverse range of activities catering to all ages and fitness levels. Participants can choose from a challenging half marathon, a vigorous 10-kilometer run, a more leisurely 5k or 2k walk, and an engaging kids’ run, all set against a picturesque trail-style course, making it a truly family-friendly affair.
The necessity for such dedicated support is highlighted by the program’s remarkable growth and increasing patient demand. In 2024, the CRMC Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab department recorded an impressive 17,486 patient visits for exercise classes, marking a substantial increase from 14,719 visits in 2023. This surge in volume translates to an average of 85 patients engaging in Cardiac Rehab and 40 patients participating in Pulmonary Rehab daily.
Carrie Nix, CRMC’s cardiac and pulmonary rehab manager, emphasized the critical need for continued investment, stating, “As our patient volume increases, so does the wear and tear on our machines. Grant funding is crucial to our program as it allows us to replace aging equipment or upgrade outdated equipment to ensure we are offering our patients the safest and most effective options for exercise.”
The program’s two gyms house 42 exercise machines, each enduring approximately six hours of daily use. These specialized machines, essential for patient recovery and rehabilitation, carry a significant cost, ranging from $4,000 to $7,000 apiece, with a recommended replacement cycle of seven to 12 years. The wear and tear underscore the constant financial requirement to maintain state-of-the-art facilities.
Nix further lauded the synergy between the foundation and the event, noting, “Being able to partner with the Great Bison Shuffle is a wonderful way to support our practical needs while also serving as a motivation for our patients who train for and participate in the race.” This collaboration not only addresses equipment needs but also fosters a sense of purpose and achievement among patients.
In a gesture of gratitude and community inclusion, the Cheyenne Regional Medical Center Foundation proudly extends special discounts to military personnel, first responders, and healthcare workers. Interested individuals can obtain these discount codes by contacting the Cheyenne Regional Foundation directly at 307-633-7667 or via email, making the event accessible to those who tirelessly serve the community.
For detailed information and to register for the upcoming Great Bison Shuffle, prospective participants are encouraged to visit the official event website. Additional insights into the impactful work and initiatives of the Cheyenne Regional Medical Center Foundation are available on their dedicated platform, inviting further engagement and support for vital healthcare services in Cheyenne.
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