Doctors of Chiropractic in the News: Community service and Olympic-level care

Recognitions or best practices in content marketing, promotions and community involvement among doctors of chiropractic

DC provides companion pets to veterans

Inspired by her daughters, Michigan chiropractor Lori Vorpi has side-by-side offices — one for her chiropractic clinic, and one for K9 Camo Companions, pairing dogs with veterans in need.

“My youngest daughter fosters animals and my oldest daughter is a realtor, and she works with Homes for Heroes and gives discounts to veterans and first responders out of her commission as a realtor, and my son helps build handicap showers for veterans when they become disabled, and it’s just a legacy of community,” Vorpi told local FOX 17.

The Sparta, Mich., native was named the Pay It Forward Person of the Month with Lake Michigan Credit Union.

“I always had a passion for rescue animals and trying to save them, and I don’t like our euthanasia rate and shelters and rescues,” she says. “It’s amazing what the simple emotional companionship of a pet, and we place cats as well as dogs, can help do to just relieve the symptoms.”

Pumpkin patch pitch for community support

Peterson’s Pumpkin Patch, the annual front yard Halloween display from chiropractor Khris Peterson in Kenosha, Wisc., crossed the $50,000 mark in funds raised for the local community in its 18^th year.

“We’re blessed and so lucky to have so many people support what we do,” Peterson, owner of LP Chiropractic, told Kenosha.com. “It’s just people giving from their hearts. We’re going to keep doing it until our bodies just don’t have it in us anymore.”

This year Peterson’s office presented a check for $4,861 to the Kenosha County Food Bank, which helped feed 640 local families over the holidays. More than $2,000 additionally was also presented to another local charity from the pumpkin patch. The setup is a Peterson family affair each year, and this year saw more than 5,000 visitors.

Providing Olympic-level chiropractic health and nonprofit community service

Former two-time Olympian Mary Beth Melendez opened her first chiropractic clinic in late 2022 in Florida, where the Brandon community is benefiting from her holistic, community-minded approach to chiropractic.

“As an Olympic athlete, I experienced a major health setback that affected the trajectory of my athletic career,” she says. “As a practicing doctor of chiropractic, I gained insight, tools and knowledge to turn my health around and empower others to do the same.”

Her LiveWell7 Wellness Center is based on seven pillars of health: nervous system, nutrition, nature/sun, mindset, movement, hormones and rest. In addition to chiropractic care she provides nutritional counseling and mindset coaching.

“I tend to spend a little more time with each visit, so I’m not a real high-volume practice,” she told the Osprey Observer.

She formerly served the U.S. military community in Guam with chiropractic care, and started her nonprofit, AIMWell, to provide chiropractic care and nutritional counseling at reduced rates for those who qualify.

“AIMWell was created to increase access to quality health care for animals and rescue organizations, individuals with special needs, and military members and their families,” said Melendez, who is also certified in animal chiropractic. “Having been in the military community, I have a heart to serve the military, service members past and present, and their families.”

Melendez sandwiched her chiropractic degree between competing at the 2000 and 2004 Olympics. Her resume also includes climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, competing in the Hawaii Ironman, posing for the cover of Esquire magazine and participating in the Pan American Games.

“I’ve had the benefit of learning from my own health journey and honing my craft with some of the best hearts in health care,” she says. “Removing interference, restoring balance and rebuilding strength connects you to your vibrant and purposeful life.”

Canadian chiropractors keep feet warm for the needy

Chiropractic clinics across Saskatchewan in Canada collected socks in December for the sixth annual Toasty Toes Sock Drive to benefit the Salvation Army, donating new pairs and packages of socks.

The Chiropractors Association of Saskatchewan said the initial goal of the campaign was to collect 10,000 pairs throughout the province and surpassed the goal with a total of 12,325 pairs of socks collected and $2,560 in donations.

“The Salvation Army is humbled and grateful for the continued support the community gives us,” said Major Al Hoeft of the Salvation Army. “Their efforts help us continue to give hope to those in need. The effort put forth by the Chiropractors’ Association of Saskatchewan is incredible and their hard work shows the passion they have for their community. Thank you to everyone.”

More than 92,500 pairs of socks and $7,400 have been collected over the last six years of the campaign for those in need.