Hospital physical therapy department plans fundraiser for equipment

The Petersburg Medical Center's Physical Therapy Department is holding the Paddle Battle in the Narrows fundraiser on July 12 to raise money for new parallel bars.

The Paddle Battle consists of two courses that run along the Wrangell Narrows where kayakers, paddle boarders, rowers or whatever flotation craft one prefers can find community members to sponsor each mile of their trip.

A long course, from Woodpecker Cove to Middle Harbor, is planned for those looking for more of a challenge. Fundraisers also planned a short course from Papke's Landing to Middle Harbor where paddlers can join up with those paddling from Woodpecker Cove.

PMC physical therapist Kaitlin DuRoss is the main organizer of the event. She said the trip isn't designed to be a race.

"We're doing it for a physical challenge and to be out with friends," DuRoss said.

"A lot of people are afraid that it's going to be hard. We're going to be going with the tide. It's going to be fun and relaxing," she added.

There will be a midcourse break at PMC CEO Liz Woodyard's dock near 8 mile of Mitkof Highway.

Interested paddlers can register at the PMC business office. Registration is $20 for adults and free for kids. Individuals can also pick up a pledge form for friends and family to pledge support for each mile the paddlers go.

The first 75 participants receive a free t-shirt and a safety whistle.

Parallel bars aid patients during nearly all aspects of physical therapy treatment and DuRoss said the new bars cost around $5,000.

The PMC Foundation is sponsoring the Paddle Battle.