How We Help
In My Running Shoes recognizes the connection between physical activity and managing a lifelong chronic illness. Physical activities such as walking, running, yoga, cycling, hiking, group fitness classes, swimming, strength training and other fitness activities are important to promoting our physical and mental well-being and are often a source of our social networks. We are committed to helping people with chronic illnesses stay active and engaged in their communities, and we recognize that health insurance often does not cover all of those needs. Our goal is to bridge this gap. We do this by writing grants to help people with chronic diseases purchase the medical devices, athletic equipment, training or rehab they may need to stay active.
Types of Financial Grants
We will consider a wide range of equipment and services when selecting grant recipients. We recognize everyone’s “active” is different and that requires openness and flexibility on our end.
Examples of equipment/services we can consider funding (these are just examples, not a complete list)
• Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO)
• Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) device
• Bicycle, Trike, Adaptive Bicycle
• Physical therapy co-payments related to a chronic illness
• Adaptive physical fitness equipment
If you are unsure if your request is within our scope, you can still apply and share your story with us. We are open to considering all requests that can help someone better manage their chronic disease.
Our Application Process
If you would like to apply for a grant, please start by filling out our application which you will find here. We do require a letter from your doctor, a description of the device/equipment/service you are looking for us to fund, and a brief description of your fitness goal. Examples of a fitness goal can be being able to go for daily walks, bike ride with my family, run a race, improve flexibility or build strength. These are just examples. You can define your own fitness goal.
Please note we do not provide reimbursement for devices, equipment or services that have already been purchased. Our financial grants are paid directly to the vendor and will require an invoice directly from the vendor.
One we receive your application; our Board will review your request and reach out to you directly for a brief 10–15-minute interview.
If you are approved, we require a signed W-9 and Disclosure Agreement which we will provide.