Bradley students conduct a therapy session at the Barton Clinic for Fitness and Function in Campustown.
COURTESY BRADLEY UNIVERSITY
The Glen and Polly Barton Clinic for Fitness and Function is finding its groove as it completes its first academic year at Campustown.
Bradley University students in Physical Therapy and Kinesiology and Health Science programs have been getting real-time, clinical experience treating underserved and uninsured clients with chronic neurological conditions free of charge. They’ve also been putting local firefighters through their paces to keep them fit and functioning while on the job serving and protecting.
Firefighters train at the Barton Clinic
COURTESY BRADLEY UNIVERSITY
“This has been a huge enhancement with equipment and technology,” said Dr. Melissa Peterson, who is Department Chair and Professor in Physical Therapy and Health Science and ran the old “clinic” in Olin Hall at BU. “It’s a lifelong journey. It took a while to adjust to ‘feeling real’.”
The move to the new, dedicated space was facilitated by a $1 million donation to the university by the Bartons. And it’s being helped along by the new Beat The Funk campaign, which is looking to “put the Funk in Funktion.”
This million-dollar facility is for real, too. There are state-of-the-art machines with all kinds of harnesses and supports and devices and exercise equipment to enhance mobility. There are several “hospital room” simulators with authentic, high-tech monitors so students can work on their bedside manner. It’s got the feel of a true medical office with meeting areas and waiting rooms — and classrooms, of course.
Firefighters have had the priviledge of utilizing the facilities at the Glen and Polly Barton Clinic for Fitness and Function to rehab after injuries and also to stay fit for their demanding jobs.
“It gives students hands-on experience — actual experience,” said Peterson, who noted the clinic prepares students for the four clinical rotations they must complete at hospitals and other offices before graduating. “Students treat real patients. Caregivers can spend some time with family members during therapy.”
An added bonus for the students — and the community — is the Barton Clinic’s Wellness in Action program, which promotes health to a more athletic population. What started as a pet project when Bradley was approached by the Peoria Fire Department, now sees area firefighters coming to the clinic either on shift or on off days to work on injury prevention and physical fitness. For free.
The Pro Bono Barton Clinic provides a vital service for people with individual neurological conditions resulting from strokes or brain injuries or those with cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy or multiple sclerosis and such. These types of rehabilitation therapies may not be covered by normal insurance and can certainly max out most insurance policies in mere months.
“That’s how the clinic started, when insurance for therapies runs out,” said Peterson, who explained the clinic works directly with providers to make sure patients can maintain their treatment despite the bogus business end of health care. “We don’t interact with insurance companies.”
Enter Beat The Funk. Its mission is “to raise awareness and support for those affected by multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions through joyful, high-energy events that celebrate music, movement, and community.”
The organization has had events scheduled this spring and summer to raise awareness — and funds — for the Barton Clinic.
“It’s just incredible what they’re doing there,” said Beat The Funk organizer Brian Gorsich, who was a client at the old clinic at Olin. “I can’t get to people fast enough to tell them what they’re doing.
“This clinic feeds the entire healthcare system in central Illinois with their continuum of care. I’m glad to be a part of it.”
There is a Trivia Night at the Fox Pub on July 30, and a pool party (Aug. 21) and Catalina Wine Mixer (Aug. 22) at the Tartan Inn in West Peoria. Plus proceeds from sales on Sept. 8
at Helping Hands Resale Shoppe in Chillicothe will benefit the Barton Clinic.
Funds will help secure necessary equipment upgrades and inspire future research
It’s all building up to Beat The Funk 2026 on Oct. 3 at Premier Event Center. “Think throwback grooves, epic dance battles, nonstop funky vibes, and a room full of people ready to get DOWN and get Funky for a great cause,” reads the website. Dexter O’Neil and the Funk Yard will entertain the fundraiser, which will include heavy appetizers and a cash bar with raffles and silent auction.
“We will be the recipient of all Beat The Funk fundraising,” Peterson said.
Go to beatthefunk.org to get in on the action.