I want to tell you what your support for the Run, Walk & Roll event truly means. This amazing event models true inclusivity and improves the quality of life for brain injury survivors.

First, there’s the event itself. The option to participate virtually and inclusion of a 1-mile Fun Run means all members of the brain injury community can participate, regardless of their physical mobility level or location. That makes this event incredibly unique and exceptionally impactful for the people it benefits.

For survivors grappling with rebuilding their lives, and often very identities, after a brain injury, this kind of inclusion and support is invaluable.

And we haven’t even gotten to what the funds from this inclusive event support.

Every dime raised by Run, Walk & Roll supports scholarships to Camp Can Do, an annual field trip sponsored and facilitated by the Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona. Camp Can Do is one of the only truly accessible campsites in the country, set up to allow every camper to participate in hikes, group activities and even horseback riding, no matter where they are on their brain injury recovery journey.

As a collegiate and professional athlete, and former player for the Seattle Seahawks football team, I understand the value of setting a physical and mental goal and reaching it. If reaching that goal can help others, too, then I’m definitely all in.

I also know what it’s like to be concerned about my brain health and the health of my professional community and team mates while competing.

After my sports career, I was cast as a lead on ABC’s That Bachelor. That experience made me keenly aware of the incredible power (and the dark side) of social media and fame. Taking the lessons I learned from that experience, including how to grow from both the good and bad of every situation, reignited my passion for physical fitness and mental health.

That’s why I am thrilled to join our Run, Walk, and Roll participants and help make this year’s walk a huge success. Run, Walk & Roll combines the mental health benefits of building resilience through goal setting, the physical benefit of being active no matter what physical challenges exist, and ultimate inclusivity through virtual participation. All while supporting rich and meaningful lives for brain injury survivors. I can’t think of an event more in alignment with my values.

I hope to see you out on race day, or lace up your running shoes, log in on social media and compete virtually! However you participate, I’ll be right by your side!

Cheers!
Clayton Echard • 2024 Chair