LINCOLN – Kathleen “Katie” Neal, a physical therapist at Penobscot Valley Hospital, is one of about 35 Mainers who will be participating in the 2002 Olympic Torch Relay on Friday, Dec. 28.

More than 11,500 people from across the country were chosen by Coca-Cola, Chevrolet and the Salt Lake Organizing Committee to carry the Olympic flame during the 13,500-mile relay through 46 states, from Atlanta, Ga., to Salt Lake City, site of the winter games.

“I’m really excited,” said Neal, who will carry the torch about 2/10 of a mile in York. “It is an honor and a privilege to represent the community and to participate in a such a huge event.”

Participants were nominated by family members, friends or co-workers who each submitted a written essay describing how the nominee embodies the Olympic spirit, by inspiring others or by serving their community. For the past three years, Neal has participated in the Trek Across Maine, a grueling bike trip from Bethel to the coast, to raise money for the American Lung Association. For the past two years, the trek has had even more meaning for Neal, who has participated in memory of her father, Vaughn Fogg of Lowell, who died of lung cancer.

Bonnie Deveau, the spokesman for the Lincoln hospital, said Neal loves her work and loves to inspire her patients.

Deveau said Neal has initiated programs to improve people’s quality of life. For example, last year Neal created an osteoporosis program to help make people in the 13-town area served by the Lincoln hospital more aware of the crippling disease.

Osteoporosis is a bone disorder created by loss of calcium, which makes bones brittle and susceptible to fractures. Women are four times more likely than men to develop it, especially women who are going through premenopause or menopause.

“She [Neal] did the research, put the whole program together and is now helping women to guard themselves against osteoporosis,” said Deveau. The four-week program offers a physical therapy screening, educational materials and a progressive exercise program. For information about the next classes, call 794-3321, Ext. 228.

Deveau said Penobscot Valley Hospital is a site for physical therapy students from Husson College, the University of New England and the University of Vermont. She said Neal is one of two physical therapists providing clinical instruction to the college students who are studying to become therapists. Neal also is a CPR instructor.

“She always puts her best foot forward and always is very professional,” Deveau said of Neal.

Neal has worked in the hospital’s physical therapy department since 1997. She and her husband, Jason, reside in Enfield.