The ABRR-PA 2026 Charity

The ABRR is a great way to spend a weekend driving beautiful roads in your British car with fellow British car nuts, but it is fundamentally a fundraising effort for a charity that benefits children.  Each year we choose a different charity focus.  In 2026 the ABRR PA run is supporting the Shriners Halo Traction program.

Shriners Halo Traction Program

Shriners Hospitals for Children provides care to children with scoliosis, a curvature of the spine. From common adolescent scoliosis to the most complex young spine deformities, we believe each child deserves an individualized treatment plan utilizing the most cutting-edge and innovative techniques. Three in every 1,000 people end up developing scoliosis at some point in their lives. The condition causes the spine to take on a curved appearance, sometimes similar to an "S" or "C" shape. No two cases are alike; some children develop the condition during infancy, while others don't exhibit symptoms until they're approaching adolescence. Our focus is early detection and advanced treatments for the growing spine, some requiring surgeries. The spine team takes a fully integrated approach to the treatment of pediatric spine conditions.

In severe cases of scoliosis, halo-gravity traction may be an important part of the treatment. Halo Traction is an orthopedic device used to manage cervical spine injuries or spinal deformity management to minimize neurological damage requiring long-term immobilization prior to surgery. The use of halo-gravity traction removes the impact of gravity on the spine deformity, elongating the spine and stretching out surrounding soft tissue. Severe scoliosis can cause problems with the lungs, limiting expansion of the lungs and motion of the ribs and chest with breathing. By stretching out the spine, there is an increase in vertical height of the chest, which improves lung capacity and breathing. The halo is a ring device that is held in place on the skull using several pins. Once the ring is attached, traction is immediately applied through the halo, and gradually increased according to the direction of the physician. Traction can be used in beds, wheelchairs and on walkers.

After the doctor determines that the patient has received an acceptable amount of correction, most patients will undergo a spinal correction surgery for a more permanent solution. Patients receive physical therapy twice daily. Occupational therapy strengthening exercises include a yoga and pilates program. Patients also receive respiratory therapy while in traction and are followed by a nutritionist to  help them increase their body weight – many moderate to severe scoliosis patients have a loss of appetite due to pain and compromised internal organs and the loss of muscle mass due to lack of movement.

Halo-traction patients spend 4-10 weeks as an inpatient at the hospital prior to spinal surgery regardless of the families ability to pay.  The extended inpatient time, the cost of daily physical therapy, nutrition, respiratory therapy and the scoliosis surgery are one of the greatest costs to the hospital, all without charging Shriners’ patients and with no obligation to pay for the services.

The Pennsylvania 2026 ABRR is pleased to have the opportunity to support this program!

There are ABRR runs organized in other parts of the country - click the buttons below to learn about these runs: