Los Angeles - On Sunday, March 4, 2001, the Los Angeles Police Department's Special Weapon And Tactics (SWAT) Unit and Orthopedic Hospital (OH) will be once again partnering-up in their quest to support the children of the OH. The collaboration between SWAT and OH will involve 26 SWAT officers running in the 16th Annual Los Angeles Marathon on Sunday, March 4, 2001, while pushing a wheelchair bound child. The theme for this undertaking is "Running for Children Who Can Not." Johnny Garcia, a 15 years old Orthopedic Hospital patient who suffers from Cerebral Palsy for the past ten years, will be wheelchair bound while SWAT officers alternate pushing him over the 26.2 mile course. This will be the only opportunity for Johnny to participate in such a venture and he is looking forward to the challenge.

The partnership between LAPD SWAT and the Orthopedic Hospital has been continuous since 1994. LAPD SWAT and OH have conducted multiple outreach undertakings, which have included an annual Christmas Toy-Drive-Toy-Give-Away, SWAT Buddy Program, and the 1997 Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay which supported OH’s Charity Care Plan.

Additionally, several corporate sponsors are supporting this endeavor that will generate donations to OH’s Charity Care Plan. This plan provides funds for patients who are unable to pay expenses related to their particular medical needs.

Any additional questions regarding this endeavor please contact Lieutenant Michael Albanese, SWAT Officer-In-Charge, at 213-485-4091, and/or Mary Beth McKee, Orthopedic Hospital Foundation, at 213-742-1508.