2,200-mile fundraising journey nearing completion
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Inspired father Jim Armbruster, 60, will triumphantly finish a five-month 2,200-mile fundraising journey to the Golden Gate Bridge at 4:45 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, in San Francisco, Calif., two weeks ahead of schedule and $43,000 richer for Marklund, the not-for-profit treatment center that has cared for Armbruster's developmentally disabled son, Nathan, for nearly 19 years.
Among centers serving the developmentally disabled population, Marklund is a specialist, caring for the 13 percent of individuals with the most severe and profound disabilities -- those requiring around-the-clock nursing care. Marklund's two campuses are structured to provide comprehensive medical, educational and recreational services in a loving, home-like setting.
On May 6, Armbruster set out on foot from his home in suburban Aurora, Ill., 30 miles west of Chicago. His mission for the walk was simple: to tell as many people as possible about Marklund, and to raise as much money as possible for Marklund. He took a grass-roots approach, stopping in dozens of local hardware stores and corner pubs along his route, where he was often given the floor and sometimes a sandwich or a glass of water -- and if he was lucky, a dollar or two towards his campaign.
In September, his campaign reached just over $43,000 -- with every last penny going straight to Marklund since Armbruster is covering all of his trip expenses out of his own pocket.
Earlier this month, Marklund's CEO, Joel Rusco, joined Armbruster for seven days and 120 miles of the trip as a show of solidarity and support for Armbruster's amazing commitment.
"Jim knows the challenges of raising a child with disabilities. He
wants to give back to other parents who are going through the same thing,"
said Rusco. "His campaign is helping to cement our future so that we can
continue helping people with disabiliti
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