Recently, riders of all ages gathered at the Green River Saddle Club arena to run barrels to remember and honor a fellow rider who had sustained a spinal cord injury in 2010 during competition.

Friends and family organized the Melanie Christianson Memorial Barrel Race as a way to celebrate her drive and ambition, both in the arena and out, and to benefit Redmond-based Pushing Boundaries. In her drive to regain independence and function, it was Pushing Boundaries where Christianson found the challenge and encouragement she needed. Christianson died in August 2013.

About 70 riders waited their turn to make their run.

The event raised $4,085 in net proceeds for Pushing Boundaries to help provide services at a greatly reduced cost. Planning for next year’s event, to be held on Sept. 5, 2015, is already underway.

Located in Redmond, Pushing Boundaries continues to be Washington’s only exercise therapy center focused on regaining function in those paralyzed due to illness, injury or other neurological disorders. The mission is to provide exercise, health and hope for those living with paralysis, and their families, to maximize health and improve quality of life.

Every year, Pushing Boundaries provides about 6,000 hours of intensive one-on-one therapy to clients from all over the greater Northwest, allowing people to take control of their recovery. As science moves toward discovering a cure, individualized exercise-based therapy continues to be an integral piece of the rehabilitation process.

Clientele include those with spinal cord injuries, stroke, traumatic brain injuries, Multiple Sclerosis and other degenerative diseases.

For more information, visit www.pushing-boundaries.org.