Tomasz Starnawski is originally from Mielno, Poland.  He traveled to the United States in 2003 to run in the New York City marathon.  Starnawski completed the marathon in less than four hours.

Sports have always been an integral part of Starnawski's life.  He played soccer for 10 years in Poland, and has been an avid runner for years.  Starnawski also completed several marathons and half marathons in Europe.

A Life Changing Accident
On April 22, 2006, Starnawski's life would change forever.  He was involved in a minor car accident on that rainy April night.  He rear-ended the car in front of him while approaching a traffic light.  Starnawski stood outside of his vehicle waiting for police to arrive. As Starnawski waited in the shoulder of the road, a young driver hit him.  Starnawski sustained many injuries in this second accident including extensive soft tissue damage, a fractured left femur and amputation of the left leg above the knee.

Starnawski does not remember much from the accident except the approaching car lights.  When he awoke in the ICU several days later, he was intubated and unable to speak.  Starnawski's girlfriend, Ewelina, was at his bedside.  Using a pen and paper, Starnawski's first question was, "Will I ever run again?"

Physical Therapy Begins
Starnawski began physical therapy at Capital Health System in Trenton, NJ, on October 10, 2006.  It had been six months since his accident.  Starnawski began walking with axillary crutches and his first prosthesis in October of 2006.  He was ambulating community distances without an assistive device by the end of November. Starnawski worked very hard in therapy and he was progressing much faster than I, his physical therapist, thought he would. By December 2006, I knew Starnawski would run again someday.

Therapy was difficult for Starnawski at times.  There was a language barrier and Starnawski had many problems with his first prosthesis.  The socket was uncomfortable and he broke four or five different prosthetic knees.  Starnawski was quickly becoming frustrated.

A Step Ahead Prosthetics
I began networking with amputee athletes and prosthetic companies in order to find the right prosthetic for Starnawski.  I discovered A Step Ahead Prosthetics & Orthotics, a company located in Hicksville, NY, and owned by Erik Schaffer, CP.  A Step Ahead designs and fabricates state of the art prosthetics for many well-accomplished athletes including multiple world record holders in many sports.  Starnawski and I traveled to A Step Ahead in March of 2007.  We were greeted by prosthetists, Erik Schaffer and Chris Kort, as well as Phil Kreuter, a physical therapist from Mobility Physical Therapy. After discussing Starnawski's care, Erik agreed to become Starnawski's new prosthetist.  Since Starnawski did not have any medical insurance, Erik decided to provide a significant discount for a prosthesis that was worth $50,000.  Erik and Chris would construct one prosthesis, which would enable Starnawski to interchange his walking foot and running foot based on his selected activity.

Raising Funds
I decided to raise the money for Starnawski's prosthesis since Starnawski did not have any medical insurance.  I started by obtaining an EIN number from the IRS and creating a non-profit organization, which I named Walking Tall Charities.  I sent out over 150 letters to family members, businesses and friends asking for donations.  I helped Starnawski apply for a grant from CAF (Challenged Athletes Foundation).  I spoke at my son's school, a Boy Scout's meeting and at my church.  I spoke to anyone who was willing to listen.  I applied for a permit so I could sit in front of a local grocery store and collect money.

Starnawski and I sat through many interviews.  Articles were published in an employee newsletter distributed at Capital Health System and in three local newspapers.  We were also featured on Fox 29, a Philadelphia news station.  A 50/50 raffle at the hospital generated the final $2,500 necessary for Starnawski s's prosthesis.  On June 30, 2007, Starnawski and I traveled to A Step Ahead once again.  This time he returned with his new prosthesis.

A Rewarding Journey
I spent hundreds of hours helping Starnawski.  It wasn't easy.  I have a husband, three young children, a full-time job and a part-time job.  I have sacrificed many things in my life to assist Starnawski.  At times, I was completely exhausted.  I reached into my heart and gave my time, my money and my friendship because it was the right thing to do.  I have not received any monetary compensation for helping Starnawski, however, the rewards have been priceless.  When Starnawski received his new prosthetic leg, I was ecstatic.  I could never put a price on how this felt inside.

This experience has changed my life in many ways.  I have grown both as a person and a professional.  It has taught me that I can make a real difference in the lives of my patients.  It has rejuvenated me as a therapist and has opened new doors of opportunity.  Helping Starnawski forced me to believe in myself when the odds were not in my favor.  I believe it is better to fail graciously than never to try at all.

Starnawski Today
Starnawski is running faster and better each week.  He completed his first 10K run as a member of the Step Ahead running team on April 5, 2008.  Starnawski completed the race in 58 minutes.  When Starnawski crossed the finish line, I was overwhelmed with emotion.  I was so proud of him!  He has worked so hard to be where he is today.  This has been an amazing journey and definitely the highlight of my PT career thus far.

Starnawski's dream is to open a training facility in Poland for active amputees.  He would like to coach amputees and train amputee runners.  Starnawski wants to help amputees realize that they are still a valued part of society.

Walking Tall Charities has recently been incorporated with the state of New Jersey.  I am in the process of becoming a 501(c) federal non-profit group.  I hope to expand Walking Tall Charities and assist more amputees inthe future.  I am also designing a Website.  I am planning a 5K run/walk to be held at Mercer County Park in New Jersey on October 11, 2008.  All monies raised will benefit amputees.  If you are interested in donating to Walking Tall Charities or if you would like information about the run, please e-mail shalvorsen.physicaltherapist@live.com

Donations can be sent to: Walking Tall Charities, c/o Sovereign Bank, US Highway No 1 and Texas Ave, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648. 

Stacey Halvorsen MS, PT, is a staff physical therapist at Capital Health System in Trenton, NJ.  She is the founder of Walking Tall Charities.