This year, Run Walk and Roll, is Going Global!
At least, that’s what event Co-Chair Danielle Skranak hopes.
The annual Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona fundraiser is already one of the most inclusive marathons in the country. It’s designed to ensure people who use wheelchairs or have other mobility issues can actively participate alongside their friends and family members.
But adding virtual teams takes the event’s inclusivity – and fun – to a whole new level.
“If you have a survivor that can’t make it to Kiwanis Park, we want to see that,” Skranak said. “So tag Brain Injury Alliance on social media and we’ll make you feel like you’re part of the race, even if you can’t make it to Tempe.”
This year, Run Walk and Roll, is Going Global!
At least, that’s what event Co-Chair Danielle Skranak hopes.
The annual Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona fundraiser is already one of the most inclusive marathons in the country. It’s designed to ensure people who use wheelchairs or have other mobility issues can actively participate alongside their friends and family members.
But adding virtual teams takes the event’s inclusivity – and fun – to a whole new level.
“If you have a survivor that can’t make it to Kiwanis Park, we want to see that,” Skranak said. “So tag Brain Injury Alliance on social media and we’ll make you feel like you’re part of the race, even if you can’t make it to Tempe.”
Virtual teams register online and then run, walk or roll the 5K, 10K or 1-mile distance they pledged. It doesn’t matter where they walk, run or roll, just as long as they log their time and submit that to BIAAZ. The virtual totals are ranked with all the other in-person participants.
That means they can still fully participate without having to be at Kiwanis Park in Tempe on Saturday, March 23 for the in-person portion of the fundraiser.
Importantly, participating virtually doesn’t mean missing out on many of the event’s highlights. Virtual teams get all the swag, including a T-shirt and medal, community building, opportunities to make new friends and – maybe most importantly – bragging rights as in-person participants. This is largely thanks to the brain injury community’s already robust and active social media community. Anyone participating virtually is encouraged to post photos, chat with other teams online and engage in any way they can with the overall event.
“If you have a survivor that can’t make it to Kiwanis Park, we want to see that,” Skranak said. “So tag Brain Injury Alliance on social media and we’ll make you feel like you’re part of the race, even if you can’t make it to Tempe.”
For the approximately 600 people who will participate in person, there’s going to be a great mix of new events and old favorites.
This year, things will kick off with a pancake breakfast before the race.
Everyone is excited to see event Chairman Clayton Echard, the former NFL player for the Seattle Seahawks. More recently known for his role on The Bachelor Echard hopes his personal experiences of personal growth while overcoming the darker sides of fame, as well as witnessing other professional athletes grapple with the aftermath of brain injury, will inspire more people to support the brain injury community.
Skranak, the event’s co-chair, will be there as well. She’s a brain injury survivor and military veteran who went on to be crowned Miss Gilbert in 2020. As the only disabled military veteran to compete in Miss America, Skranak is keenly aware of how brain injury can be an “invisible” disability.
It’s just one reason the idea of virtual participation excites her, as well as how inclusive the event is for people of all levels of physical ability.
As in previous years, Tempe Mayor Corey Woods will be there to lend his enthusiastic support.
Best of all, however, are all the teams who participate, both new and old. Everyone who attends Run, Walk & Roll invariably leaves with new friends and a renewed appreciation for the sheer resilience of the brain injury survivor community.
“Brain injury survivors face an uphill battle on their road to recovery, and events like the Run Walk Roll 5K/10K are a crucial step in their journey,” Skranak said. “By coming together to raise awareness and funds, we can provide essential support and resources to help these individuals rebuild their lives and reclaim their independence.”
Proceeds from the marathon fund Brain Injury Alliance’s socialization and recreation programs, including Camp Brain, a week-long sleepaway camp for brain injury survivors. Camp Can Do is held a fully-accessible ranch in northern Arizona that is equipped to let campers of all physical abilities participate in most, if not all, traditional camping activities, from horseback riding to hiking.
Whether you want to raise funds as a marathon participant or be a sponsor, one this is for certain – anyone can be a part of the 2024 Run, Walk & Roll event.
ABOUT BRAIN INJURY ALLIANCE OF ARIZONA
The Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona (BIAAZ) is the only statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of adults and children with all types of brain injuries through prevention, advocacy, awareness and education. BIAAZ also houses the Arizona Brain Health Resource Center, a collection of educational information and neuro-specific resources for brain injury survivors, caregivers, family members and professionals.
What began in 1983 as a grassroots effort has grown into a strong statewide presence, providing valuable life-long resources and community support for individuals with all types of brain trauma at no charge.
The Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona:
- Works with Congressional Brain Injury Task Force
- Houses Arizona Brain Health Resource Center
- Hosts virtual and in-person support groups for survivors and families
- Has Statewide Opioid Use Disorder & Cognitive Impairment Response team with peer support, training, and family wraparound services
- Facilitates Brain Health Advisory Council
- Manages statewide Help Line: 888-500-9165
