I run for my father and over 5.3 million children and adults living in the United States with permanent brain injuries. This year is dedicated to running for those who cannot.

On February 11, 2021, our family and lives changed forever. My 74-year-old active and lively father slipped and fell during an ice storm in Tulsa. He sustained four fractures to his skull, which resulted in severe brain trauma pressing his brain to the far left side of his head, severe bleeding and no idea if he would ever wake up again. He was in the ICU for 15 days and placed on a vent twice in that time. We watched all of his systems struggling to work. Then, by a miracle, he woke up and was moved to a rehab floor on February 26, where he remained until March 16, when he moved to a rehabilitative facility. 

What we didn't know then, is that he would never return home. Finding a facility that understands brain injury and willing to take on a 75 year old man is nearly impossible.  It is cost prohibitive and most insurance companies will not adhere to the recommended 6 months minimum of rehab. Instead the expectation is set to the same as anyone else entering rehab, as long as you're showing improvements ever few days you're covered. Unfortunately science and research prove that is not how brain injuries works.

We are thankful for the Brain Injury Recovery Foundation in Tulsa as they work to open a rehabilitative facility in Tulsa. While it may be too late for our father to heal, it will be just the right timing for many families in the future! 

I run for those who cannot and to help prevent the same fate of my father for others. 

The Brain Injury Recovery Foundation recognizes a great need for brain injury support for Oklahomans. With your support, we can continue to bridge the gap for Oklahomans in need.  

The Brain Injury Recovery Foundation is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization whose mission is to support those who have suffered Brain or Spinal Cord Injuries as well as their family, friends, and caregivers by providing programs for Care, Financial Assistance, and Rehabilitation built to meet their specific needs so that they can achieve their goals.