Body Dynamics supports initiative to help injured professional basketball player from Milwaukee
Clinic discounts physical therapy services for grass-roots effort to assist former Washington High and Seton Hall athlete JR Morris and family
TO DONATE, SEND CHECK PAYABLE TO JR MORRIS FUND TO:
Gary Scott
3429 Vantage Lane
Glenview, IL 60026
Contact Gary at 847-767-0436 or gscott1740@aol.com
Wauwatosa, WI, April 29, 2008 . . . Body Dynamics, a Wauwatosa-based physical therapy clinic specializing in orthopedics, has proudly supported efforts to help a Milwaukee native, JR Morris, with challenges faced due to personal setbacks, including a serious knee injury misdiagnosed while trying out for a professional basketball team in Brazil and the sudden death of his sister. During successful basketball seasons at Milwaukee’s Washington High School, Morris was a Nike All-American and a member of the Wisconsin Scholars AAU team. He was heavily recruited by several prominent schools including UW-Madison and ultimately played as a guard for Seton Hall. Following seasons from 2002-2005, he left Seton Hall to pursue an NBA career which included sign-on with a Brazil-based team.
Upon learning of Morris’ series of misfortunes, including being stranded in Brazil in mid-2006, a grass-roots group spontaneously came together to help him resume his quest for a professional basketball career and procurement of a college degree. The group includes many of Morris’ former teammates, Seton Hall alumnae and athletes, and basketball fans. In addition to Body Dynamics which provided Morris’ physical therapy services, other Milwaukee-area supporters include Keith Bearden, head coach of the Wisconsin Scholars Basketball Club; Dr. Mary Meehan, president of Alverno College; Lakeside Diagnostics; and Mike Stefaniak, senior vice president of The Zizzo Group.
Because Morris had no health insurance, the group created the JR Morris Fund, sought to raise $15,000, set out to arrange for appropriate diagnosis, surgery and rehabilitation, and negotiated with health providers for discounted rates. Wauwatosa-based Body Dynamics provided three months of discounted physical therapy following a July 2007 knee surgery performed by a Chicago-area physician.
“Body Dynamics heard JR’s story and didn’t hesitate to consider our involvement,” says Cheryl Timmer, the clinic’s lead therapist. “We were pleased to join in this sincere, grassroots effort to help someone from our community. We are happy to support his hard work to return to the sport he loves, and especially proud of his efforts to give back to his community and those who helped him. He worked diligently to rehabilitate his knee and has promise for a bright future.”
Following surgery while living at his parents’ North side home, Morris spent significant time volunteering with the Boys and Girls Club of Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Community Center, and the Wisconsin Scholars AAU team.
“JR wants to emulate for others what is being done for him by hundreds of supporters, fans and friends around the country. He has stated that he wishes to reinvest a portion of his future professional basketball earnings and seeks to establish a committee to help with this effort,” says Gary Scott who helped spearhead group’s efforts. “We believe in our philanthropic efforts to exceed our financial goal, and are very proud of this young man. While JR is from limited resources, the entire Morris family has shown a strong work ethic. They inspire us with Christian values and practice despite their significant tests of faith.”
“It's like starting a new life, a fresh start for me,'' Morris shared recently with members of the group. “It’s really a blessing. I never expected anything like this.”
In February 2008, Morris joined the Pennsylvania-based Reading Railers, one of 10 teams that make up the Premier Basketball League, a first-season professional basketball organization. In March, the Railers advanced to the league’s Eastern Division Championship game, finishing 12-10 on the season. Morris’ late-season addition to the Railers helped the team win 10 of its last 13 games. The team’s coach commended Morris for his personal skills and team-focus. (NOTE: former Milwaukee Bucks player Todd Day coaches another team in this league.)
Morris, 25, has recently returned to the Milwaukee area to live. He continues volunteer work, has recently become engaged, and is seeking opportunity to again join a professional team, perhaps in Latin America. His plan is to return to the Reading Railers in the Fall for their 2008-2009 season.
Body Dynamics, a division of Spinal Dynamics of Wisconsin, was identified as a possible source for Morris’ rehabilitation following an internet search for an orthopaedic physical therapy specialist by a Texas-based physical therapist. A friend of Morris and former Rufus King basketball player, she became aware of roots efforts to help him. Body Dynamics’ Timmer, who graduated from Marquette University’s physical therapy program, has significant experience working with extremity and sports injuries for recreational and professional athletes including members of the US Olympic Speed skating team, elite gymnasts, and Birkebeiner skiers.
The group continues to raise money for the JR Morris Fund. For information about donating, please contact Body Dynamics at 414-302-4609 or visit their Web site at www.sdwpt.com.
About Body Dynamics
Body Dynamics, a division of Spinal Dynamics of Wisconsin at 2300 N. Mayfair Road in Wauwatosa, delivers outpatient physical therapy services with specialized focus extremities and sports medicine. The clinic serves people of all ages and athletic abilities, addressing orthopedic needs such as basic or complex biomechanical dysfunction, extremity injuries, post-surgical therapy, overuse injuries, foot pain and more. Sport-specific consultation, exercise recommendation and physical therapy are available for numerous sports including cycling, throwing, gymnastics, golf and running. Additional information available at www.sdwpt.com or 414-302-4609.