March is Brain Injury Awareness month, and what better way to conclude the month with honoring individuals living with brain injury! Our goal was to celebrate life & recovery, honor those lost to brain injury, and collect funds to help us continue to provide services to the community of families living with brain injury.
The morning started with the arrival of Volunteers and Participants to Victor Valley College as early as 8am. It was a brisk morning and the volunteers and vendors diligently worked hard preparing the site for the event. The empty lake area soon transitioned into a busy atmosphere filling with people, laughter and a common purpose – Celebrating our loved ones living with brain injury.
The registration team was staffed with ten volunteers so that the process went quickly and efficiently. Volunteers did a fabulous job of organizing the parking area and directing traffic flow and handling the BBQ station for returning walkers and runners.
Our opening ceremony started at 10:00 am with the Lisa Moss introducing Sydney Rodriguez presenting the American flag at center stage. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Montgomery Lewis with the star Spangle Banner sang by Marla Jackson . Our Survivor & Caregiver speeches came next in the opening ceremony. We were honored by many who wanted to share their stories and speak on life with brain injury and the recovery process.
The crowd was in awe, moved to tears while listening to each personal story, which painted a picture of the injury, the recovery process, the dedication of family and friends, and the reliance on God and prayers from around the world. The one common theme we heard that day “never give up!” A successful recovery includes a heart and mind that is determined to beat the odds, and overcome obstacles, and defy the original prognosis from the doctors!
These individuals shared their heart and soul to the crowd; we applaud them and honor them as they continue to recover throughout the years ahead. At the conclusion of the speeches, Kathy Myers (Owner of Jazzercise of Apple Valley) had the group warming up with stretches to prepare for their 3.2 mile Walk, Run Or Roll around the beautiful lake area.
While the walkers were out on the route, back at the walk site, the vendors and volunteers enjoyed music The music made a difference for those of us who remained behind at the walk site. The walkers returned to a hot dog lunch provided by Brainstorming 4 Us.
This was the fourth year we held a blood drive, hosted by Life Stream and it was a great success. The goal set for us by Life Stream was 30 donations and we had 30 people offer to donate and out of that number, 22 were able to donate that day! We would like to send a tremendous thank you to those who gave the gift of life!
We would like to recognize the vendors and sponsors who participated in the 2012 Walk, Run Or Roll 4 Thought:
- Active Care Chiropractic
- California Highway Patrol
- CarMax
- Jazzercise of Apple Valley
- Dr. Brian Judelson D.D.S.
- Life Stream ( Blood Bank)
- Loma Linda University Medical Center & HITTS Program
- Nursing Homes Solutions
- PossAbilities
- Southwest Gas Corporation
- St. Mary’s Medical Center Rehabilitation Services
Brainstorming 4 Us, Inc. is overwhelmed by the giving, love and support from this community! The total amount raised and collected during the 2012 Walk,Run Or Roll 4 Thought was $6,000.00 . We thank you for supporting our cause, our mission to provide education, support and resources to individuals and families living with brain injury.
With heartfelt love and gratitude,
Lisa Moss, & Stacie Hodes