Plainview Community To Rally For Rebecca At Annual 5K On Saturday, Raise Funds For Lifelong Medical Care

PLAINVIEW, NY — The Plainview community will once again come together Saturday for the annual Rally for Rebecca 5K Run-Walk-Roll, supporting a local woman left paralyzed from the neck down after a skiing accident in 2021.

Proceeds from the event benefit nonprofit Help Hope Live in honor of 26-year-old Rebecca Koltun to help cover medical and care expenses not covered by insurance or Medicaid.

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The event, held rain or shine, will feature a fun run at 8 a.m. followed by the 5K at 8:30 a.m. at Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle School on May 23. Virtual participation is also available.

After she was paralyzed at 21 years old, her community came together in big ways, from fundraisers and rallies to 5Ks and donations.

"I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for the support we have received," Koltun said. "I never imagined that this many people would rally around me and help me emotionally and financially. It really shows how there is such a wonderful community around us."

Koltun said the support has extended far beyond financial contributions. Her family has lived in Plainview for more than 30 years, and community members have continued finding ways to help.

"People I do not even know have offered us so much help," she said. "There are people in this town who have offered to drive me around, help me with my art sales, or be there for us emotionally. When I was discharged from the hospital, there was even a meal train where people from the community provided us with dinner."

A former high school soccer player, Koltun said her high school soccer team hosts a fundraiser for her during one of its home games each year. Restaurants have also donated food and money over the years, while local venues have offered their spaces for fundraising events.

"People have been so generous with their donations and attending the Rally for Rebecca 5K fundraiser every year," she said, adding that more than 700 people signed up this past year.

In terms of the 5K, she said the event means so much to her.

"I'm so grateful for this event," she said. "I have so much fun every year. I love seeing people from the community come out to support me. This event is a testament to how giving, generous, and kind this community is."

Andrew Mensch and his wife, Wendy, both New Jersey residents, serve as co-chairs of Rally for Rebecca. Mensch said Koltun's medical care has cost more than $1 million since the accident.

"Rebecca's ongoing care, including 24/7 nursing, physical and occupational therapies, and the purchase and upkeep of vital equipment, costs well over $200,000 a year," Mensch said. "These will be lifelong needs for Rebecca, and Medicaid only covers a fraction of the costs, so fundraising is vital."

Mensch, a longtime friend of Koltun and her family, said his family remains heavily involved in organizing the fundraiser each year. His two daughters also grew up with Rebecca and her brother, Erik.

"But we are far from alone," he said. "The 5K planning committee, the Plainview community, including Makom New York under the leadership of Rabbi Deborah Bravo, the Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce, and countless others in Plainview and surrounding areas, are also involved."

Koltun said a significant portion of the fundraiser helps cover out-of-pocket nursing expenses, adaptive equipment, and art therapy. She thanked everyone who participated, whether in person, virtually, financially, or by spreading awareness about the event.

"This event would not be possible without the support of the Mensch family and the Brenner family, the team of leaders, and all the sponsors who contributed. We are also especially grateful to Family Bagels for all their generosity."

The idea for the 5K came from Plainview residents and avid runners, Judy and Dave Brenner. They are expecting more than 600 participants and volunteers, and the event takes place rain or shine. Same day registrations and virtual participation are welcome, as well.

Anyone interested in supporting Rebecca's Help Hope Live campaign can donate directly here.

Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle School is located at 121 Central Park Road in Plainview.