Help Courtney raise money

In the blink of an eye, life as you know it can change forever. For my family, that moment was on April 18, 2010 when my younger sister Ryan was severely injured while performing as a college cheerleader. As a result, she sustained a traumatic brain injury. On that day, her world, as well as our family’s would never be the same. Ryan was in a coma for two weeks, including her 19th birthday. She spent one month in the ICU and was then moved to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston for another eleven weeks.When Ryan first arrived at Spaulding, we were told that at best, Ryan might be able to walk again, most likely with the assistance of a walker. Well, needless to say, she was determined to prove everyone wrong…

Due to the severity of her injures Ryan underwent intense physical, occupational and speech therapies. Through the help of skilled therapists, nurses, doctors and other medical personnel at Spaulding Rehab Hospital in Boston, and of course her own hard work and perseverance, Ryan was able to walk again. It has been 15 years of struggling and countless uphill battles, but Ryan’s strength, positive energy and personality has helped her to persevere. A major accomplishment for Ryan was graduating college only ONE year behind where she would have been had she not been injured. She has also had the chance to share her story and inspire others. Although Ryan still has daily struggles, through the support of family and friends and access to many services that provide care to those who have suffered from a traumatic brain injury, she is able to overcome and continue with her life.

To see how far Ryan has come in the past 15 years is truly amazing. Her attitude, strength, and perseverance through all of the obstacles she has been through is inspiring to all those she comes in contact with and definitely keeps me motivated to run that extra mile whether it be in a road race or in everyday life.

Ryan is a survivor, my best friend, and the inspiration for my motivation to participate in the Falmouth Road Race with Team BIA-MA. I am so honored to be a part of Team BIA-MA as I lace up for my 12th Falmouth Road Race. I will be running not only for Ryan but also in support of all those who can’t.