For Caprice Quinones, PT, DPT, NCS, CSRS, CNS, a board-certified neurologic clinical specialist, physical therapist and assistant professor at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) Miami, running isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way to connect, inspire and heal.
Dr. Quinones owns PTRunners, a private practice physical therapy (PT) clinic in Miami, where she treats individuals with neurologic disorders in private and home health settings. She also serves as a Rock Steady Boxing Coach and supports underprivileged children through various nonprofit organizations, among other impactful initiatives.
This February, Dr. Quinones will serve as a guide in the Miami Marathon for Patty Cohen, a stroke survivor and former avid runner who has been navigating life’s challenges with remarkable resilience. Together, they are training to cross the finish line, embodying adaptability and teamwork.
A Life-Changing Connection
Dr. Quinones first crossed paths with the Nirvana Project, a nonprofit organization supporting adaptive athletes, through her passion for running. A USAHS Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) alumni introduced her to the organization. “I fell in love with their mission while guiding athletes who suffered spinal cord injuries. It’s amazing to see seasoned athletes thrive and adapt while overcoming injuries,” she shares.
Through this connection, Dr. Quinones organized an adaptive pickleball event hosted at USAHS Miami. There, she met Cohen, a former special needs teacher and marathon enthusiast whose story deeply resonated with her. “Patty’s smile and her energy were unforgettable. Even before knowing her full story, I could tell she was a relentless soul,” Dr. Quinones recalls.
Patty’s Story: From Stroke to Starting Line
Cohen’s path is one of unparalleled determination. Four and a half years ago, after completing seven marathons, she faced an unexpected hurdle. During a half marathon—one of many she had run—she began to feel unwell. It was the emergency medical staff who urged her to see a cardiologist, leading to the discovery of a heart condition that required surgery for mitral valve regurgitation (MR).
Though the procedure was meant to restore her health, she fell into the rare 1% who experience medical complications, suffering two massive strokes that affected both sides of her body, leaving her unable to see, speak or move.
“Her recovery was during the height of COVID, but she persisted,” Dr. Quinones explains. “Her husband was her biggest supporter, and she worked daily with therapists.”
Today, Cohen exercises regularly and is ready to return to marathons—this time adaptively. For her, running was more than exercise; it was a way of life. “This marathon allows her to experience the ‘normal’ things again,” Dr. Quinones says. “Her fire and determination are so inspirational for me.”
Training Together: Building Strength and Trust
The two-week preparation process for the Miami Marathon has been a collaborative effort. Cohen will participate using a wheelchair for much of the race but plans to walk at select intervals and cross the finish line on foot. Dr. Quinones is working alongside her, focusing on everything from wheelchair mechanics to injury prevention.
“During our first training session, the wheelchair didn’t work properly, and she just wanted to go faster,” Dr. Quinones shares with a laugh. “Before speed, we needed to perfect her mechanics. It’s about finding the most efficient and injury-free way to propel her forward.”
Cohen’s progress has been impressive. “Yesterday, we ran 3.5 miles together while she shared her story about being a pioneer in integrating special needs students into typical classrooms,” Dr. Quinones recounts. “She’s an incredible coach; we’re learning from each other. She’s teaching me about race strategy, and I’m helping her refine her running technique.”
Overcoming Challenges Together
Every training session brings unique obstacles. Cohen’s strokes left her with asymmetries and limited range of motion on one side of her body. Dr. Quinones has tailored her expertise to Cohen’s specific needs, balancing her safety while encouraging her to push her limits.
“She’s proven she’s capable, but it’s crucial to prevent chronic injuries that could set her back.” One of the most memorable breakthroughs came during a recent training session. Dr. Quinones says they didn’t have the ideal equipment, but they made it work. “She propelled herself forward with such willpower, and seeing her progress in real-time was incredible,” she says.
Dr. Quinones’ special skill set, from a neurological perspective, is unique. “If I’m able to share it with the world, that makes me happy,” she says.
Impact Beyond the Race
For Dr. Quinones, this experience has been transformative, personally and professionally. “Helping others heals me,” she reflects.
She elaborates that as a physical therapist, seeing patients achieve their goals—whether it’s walking again or completing a marathon—is what drives her.
She’s also inspired her students to think beyond traditional rehabilitation. “In class, we often discuss stroke recovery from a textbook perspective,” she explains. “Patty’s story shows that recovery is about more than physical therapy—it’s about helping patients return to what they love most, even if it’s in an adaptive format.”
Looking Ahead
As race day approaches, Dr. Quinones and Cohen are fine-tuning their strategy, practicing on slopes and bridges to simulate race conditions. “Patty has expressed some fear about the bridges, but we’re working on building her confidence,” Dr. Quinones shares. “We want her to enjoy every second of the marathon, feel included and celebrated.”
As for Cohen, Dr. Quinones doesn’t underestimate her endurance capabilities. In the future, she hopes she will train with a handcycle. “With her mental perseverance, I know she can do it on her own,” she explains.
Looking beyond the race, Dr. Quinones is eager to continue partnering with the Nirvana Project and integrating adaptive sports into her teaching. “This experience has solidified my passion for creating opportunities that empower patients and students alike,” she says. “The sky is the limit.”
Dr. Quinones’ dedication exemplifies the profound impact of physical therapy on recovery and quality of life. Her partnership with Cohen speaks to the power of the shared pursuit of dreams—no matter the trials.
Follow Dr. Quinones’ work and Miami Marathon experience at @rehabwithcaprice.
