Four-time Team USA Paralympian turned recreational therapist at Barrow inspires patients by leading torch relay at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s

Barrow therapist to pass the torch to her patients ahead of 2026 Paralympic Games

(PHOENIX - March 6, 2026) – A four-time Team USA Paralympian turned recreational therapist at Barrow Neurological Institute is bringing her journey full circle and instilling the same resilience that carried her to the international stage by leading her patients in a torch relay through Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix ahead of the 2026 Paralympic Games.

Paralyzed in a car accident at just seven years old, Kaitlyn Verfuerth refused to let her injury define her. The Wisconsin-native used sports as a way to build her confidence as she adapted to life in a wheelchair. After exploring a variety of adaptive sports, Kaitlyn found her love of wheelchair tennis and earned a spot on her high school varsity team - often competing against players without physical limitations.

Over the years, she refined her tennis skills and represented Team USA in doubles tennis at the paralympic games in Athens (2004), Beijing (2008) and Rio (2016), and even competed in kayak and canoe events in Tokyo (2021). 

Today, Kaitlyn channels that same determination into her role at Barrow, which is part of St. Joseph’s, where she helps patients recovering from spinal cord injuries and other life-changing neurological conditions build strength, independence and confidence. 

“I’ve personally spent a lot of time in neuro-rehabilitation,” said Kaitlin. “I know what it’s like to cry in your hospital bed and have to make the decision every day to work hard and adapt to a new way of life. I’m also living proof that your injury doesn’t define you and I hope to be an example to my patients that your story isn’t over. The best is about to start.” 

As a recreational therapist in Barrow’s renowned neuro-rehabilitation program, Kaitlyn integrates adaptive sports, community outings and other interventions to help patients rediscover how to navigate life and find their purpose when they leave the hospital. Her lived experience uniquely positions her to connect with patients facing some of the most difficult days of their life. 

“I know this work is my calling,” said Kaitlyn. “I love my job, I love my patients and I love seeing their growth. Supporting patients as they acclimate into the community and representing Team USA are two of the biggest honors of my life. I am so excited to see my two passions come together.” 

The hospital’s torch relay serves a celebration of resilience and a beacon of hope for patients who are redefining what strength looks like everyday. As Kaitlyn joins patients traveling through various areas of the hospital, they will pass the torch to one another as a symbolic gesture reflecting their perseverance, shared support and progress towards independence. 

“This torch relay beautifully reflects what sets Barrow and St. Joseph’s apart,” said Dr. Doug Ross, president of St. Joseph’s. “Our commitment to exceptional clinical expertise, paired with meaningful human connection is at the heart of how we care for our patients . I am incredibly proud of Kaitlyn and our entire clinical team who support patients not only medically, but emotionally and socially. When those elements come together, remarkable things happen.”

For now, Kaitlyn says her focus remains on supporting her patients but she isn’t ruling out an appearance in the 2028 paralympic games in Los Angeles.

“You never know!” said Kaitlyn. “If my life has taught me one thing it’s that anything is possible. I hope my patients feel that too.”

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