| July 2002 Newsletter |
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Volunteer of the Year 2002 Runner Up: Dr. Don Phykitt
[Editor's Note: the following nomination was submitted by: Christine Beach of Interlaken to the National Running Center's Volunteer of the Year award program and resulted in a honorable mention award for her nominee, Dr. Don Phykitt. Way to go, Chris and Don!]
"I have a nominee for Race Volunteer of the Year. His name is Dr. Don Phykitt. He is not only a medical professional but also a runner who understands the needs of other runners. I have run five marathons in my running career; four of those I have finished without any complications. The 2000 Wineglass Marathon in Bath, New York, was the exception. The cool Fall day deceived me and, although I finished, I was severely dehydrated, hypothermic, hyponatremic, and mentally exhausted. My body was one giant cramp; something I had never experienced before. Thank goodness for the team in the medical tent, headed by Dr. Phykitt. I have volunteered in the medical tent at the Boston Marathon several times and never realized what a profound effect these people have on injured and ill runners. Dr. Phykitt was by my side from the moment I entered the tent, instructing the other volunteers on what to do. He talked to me matter-of-factly about what was happening to me. He checked on me and the person watching me frequently. When my hypothermia did not resolve in the outdoor tent, he instructed the others to carry me into a nearby building. I remained under medical supervision for two and a half hours, receiving IV fluids and a lot of emotional support. The finish line area was being packed up and yet Dr. Phykitt stayed with me until I was able to safely go home. I have never been in the medical tent after a race and hope to never be again. The professionalism and caring that Dr. Phykitt provided me was absolutely outstanding and something that I will never forget. Because of his care I was able to hold onto my dignity as a runner and fellow healthcare professional by not having to go to the hospital. And my post-marathon recovery was faster than I could have imagined. The volunteers in the medical tents are to be highly commended; they put up with us runners, who after overdoing it, tend to become a little irrational. I did not want to go to the hospital and when the race clean up started Dr.Phykitt had every right to send me there so that he could go home. The fact that he stayed with me until I was able to safely go home is a testament to his caring and great professionalism. I think he went out of his way that day and it is with deep appreciation that I nominate him for this award. It is my thank you to him for a job well done!
Thank you for your consideration of this outstanding person, runner, and volunteer for your Volunteer of the Year award.
Sincerely, Christine Beach"
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