The first night of 2022 ChiroThon also featured a moving and memorable presentation by …
The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP) announced the results of its 2022 ChiroThon, a four-day telethon that successfully attracted a worldwide audience of more than 85,000 viewers participating through various streaming platforms including Facebook Live, YouTube and F4CP.org.
The event attracted 50 new members and, in three days, raised more than $175,000 for chiropractic care awareness and outreach, with donations coming from consumers and doctors alike. Hundreds of patients made donations and said it was because they “love their chiropractor.” Also, for the first-time, the three major chiropractic publishers came together to stream the event, along with a dozen organizations in the profession, to reach all audiences with the chiropractic message.
“We are overwhelmed with the generosity and support we received from the global audience who joined us for this inaugural event of inspiration, education and fun dedicated to chiropractic care, natural health and wellness,” said Sherry McAllister, DC, president of F4CP. “We are also immensely grateful to our guest speakers who shared their time, insight and talents to make this a truly meaningful and memorable experience.”
Stellar Guest Line Up Entertains and Inspires
The setting for 2022 ChiroThon was the Florida Chiropractic Association’s The National, one of the largest events for the chiropractic profession, which ran Aug. 25-28 in Orlando, Fla. Dr. McAllister and co-host Fab Mancini, DC, president emeritus of Parker University, kicked off the event with Mark Victor Hansen, co-author of the best-selling Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. Hansen enlightened viewers with his experience of how chiropractic care positively impacted him and millions of others worldwide.
Following Hansen was multi-talented comedian, Marvin Lee, who shared hilarious thoughts and observations about health care, including chiropractic, in a light, engaging way.
The first night of ChiroThon also featured a moving and memorable presentation by Ret. Staff Sergeant Shilo Harris, a U.S. Army veteran who was struck by an explosive device while serving in Iraq and suffered severe third-degree burns over 35% of his body, which led to the loss of his ears, the tip of his nose and three fingers. Thankfully, he was able to overcome the use of pain meds through chiropractic care. Harris shared his incredible story of triumph over adversity and other inspiring messages from his book: “Steel Will: My Journey Through Hell to Become the Man I Was Meant to Be.”
Featured Vignettes
Throughout the weekend, ChiroThon returned live to feature short vignettes from guests who shared the benefits of chiropractic and described why giving is so important, especially during and after a pandemic:
• Three-time U.S. Olympic champion and eight-time world champion in track and field LaShawn Merritt was a special guest at 2022 ChiroThon. In his presentation, “From the track to chiropractic” Merritt described how consistent chiropractic care throughout his athletic career kept him performing at his peak.
• Actor, mental health speaker and former NFL tight end for the Detroit Lions, “Big Joe” Fauria shared the story of his battle with depression after his athletic career ended, but also how it led to him strengthening his mental health and overall wellness through spiritual connection, personal exploration and healing physical activities.
• Author and national speaker Kimberly Besuden, DC, discussed how nutrition and specific herbs align with chiropractic care in playing an important role in the natural healing process.
• Carl Cleveland III, DC, president of Cleveland University, discussed the evolution of chiropractic education, growth of the profession, and its outlook over the next several years.
• Kristi Hudson, vice president of Business Relations at ChiroHealthUSA, gave 2022 ChiroThon viewers an overview of the chiropractic patient’s journey and how chiropractic has impacted her life as a longtime patient.
• Denis DeLuca, president of Biotics Research, a global leader in the field of clinical nutrition, spoke about innovations in supplementation and how to find the perfect supplement for a healthy lifestyle.
• Dr. John Maltby, president of the World Federation of Chiropractic, led a discussion about how chiropractic has become a global health care option.
Generous Sponsor and Audience Support
ChiroThon would not have been possible without its corporate and media sponsors, several of whom were donating for the first time. Corporate sponsors were:
- Biotics Research Corporation
- ChiroHealthUSA
- Foot Levelers
- NCMIC
- Standard Process
Media sponsors were:
- Chiropractic Economics
- Dynamic Chiropractic
- The American Chiropractor
Foot Levelers, Standard Process, NCMIC, ChiroHealthUSA and Biotics Research matched donations throughout the entire weekend, including for the several hundred consumer and patient donations received during ChiroThon to support the “Naturally, Chiropractic” campaign.
“Naturally, Chiropractic” shares positive, factual information with the news/entertainment media, industry groups, governmental organizations and business leaders about how chiropractic care is safe, effective drug-free healthcare that millions of people trust worldwide for neuromusculoskeletal pain management and improved well-being.
Although the ChiroThon event is over, supporters can still donate to F4CP’s campaign here: www.F4CP.org/chirothon.
“ChiroThon’s tremendous success demonstrates to us, the health care community and consumers that the positive momentum behind drug-free, natural chiropractic care is stronger than ever,” McAllister said. “As the U.S. and world continue to face the dual crises of untreated or poorly managed chronic pain and mental health, chiropractic care is emerging as a preferred care method for patients that contributes to positive outcomes when combined with a comprehensive, holistic care plan that includes counseling, healthy physical activity, diet, social connection and rest.”
About the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress
A not-for-profit organization with nearly 32,000 members, the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP) informs and educates the general public about the value of chiropractic care delivered by doctors of chiropractic (DC) and its role in drug-free pain management. Visit www.f4cp.org/findadoctor; call 866-901-F4CP (3427).