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BEneFIT! by Being Fit!
BEneFIT! is about being fit and raising support that will help the OI Foundation to provide answers to families and fund research into treatments and a cure for OI.
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BEneFIT! Honor Roll
Peter Boes
Jo Ann Formby
Jessie Lacy
Adam Peskowitz
Gloria Walters
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If you want to raise support for the OI Foundation through a marathon, swim-a-thon, bike-a-thon, or other similar activity, then this is the place to set up your personal web page and begin raising pledges!
Another way to participate is to set a goal that will improve your personal physical fitness. This could mean beginning an exercise program or completing physical therapy after a fracture or surgery. Then, as you work towards that goal, set up your web page to keep friends and loved ones informed of your progress and encourage them to make a contribution in support.
To set up your personal BEneFIT! web page
Simply click on either the "Register as an Individual" or the "Form a New Team" buttons, located on the right side of this page. (Download instructions for setting up your web page.)
For questions about setting up your personal pages and sending out messages, you can contact Development Coordinator Gretchen Schock at gschock@oif.org or 301-947-0083.
What kind of activity do you enjoy?
Participate in a walk-n-wheel, marathon, swim-a-thon, bike-a-thon, or other similar activity;
- Commit to a regular water exercise regimen;
- Set a goal to stretch every two hours;
- Walk three steps or three miles;
- Have loved ones support you while you swim laps, or sign up for a race;
- Set a weightlifting challenge for yourself;
- Blow a ping pong ball across a table to increase lung capacity;
- Complete physical therapy after a fracture or surgery; or
- Turn your regular ping pong/basketball/badminton/tennis game into a fundraising opportunity.
Why is physical activity important for you?
People with OI are encouraged to establish a regular physical activity routine to promote muscle and bone strength, which can help reduce fracture risk. Swimming and water therapy are common exercise choices for people with OI, as water allows independent movement with little risk of fracture. Wheelchair exercise, walking (with or without mobility aids), transferring, lifting weight (either ounces or pounds) ... whatever your personal exercise goal is, you can participate in BEneFIT!.
Physical activity develops muscle and improves bone density in people with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). Of course, your choice of activity will depend on your own medical condition and the advice of your physician. By participating in or supporting this physical activity challenge, you are truly helping us to build strength, both as individuals and as a community.
Do you have further questions about safe physical activity or the impact of different forms of exercise on you? Contact Information & Resource Specialist Marie Maffey at bonelink@oif.org or by calling (800) 981-2663.
Before you start
We encourage you to review the resources in our Information Center, particularly our fact sheet on Exercise & Activity and the book, Children with Osteogenesis Imperfecta: Strategies to Improve Performance. Most importantly, please consult with your doctor, physical therapist or other medical practitioner before starting any new exercise activity.
Thank you! We truly appreciate your involvement!
