‘Strides for Spines\
Dignity Health Run raises
money for spinal cord
research, treatment
Runners and walkers of all ages are invited to lace up their shoes for the upcoming “Strides for Spines,” a 10K/5K/Kids’ Dash designed to raise money for spinal cord research and treatment at Barrow Neurological Institute.
The Jan. 24 event at Reach 11 Sports Complex in Phoenix is organized by local athlete and professional running coach Cristin Van Driel in recognition of the life-changing care she received at Barrow several years ago.
Dr. Randall Porter, Barrow Neurological Institute surgeon, and Cristin Van Driel, professional running coach
In 2000, Van Driel was on a training bike-ride in Wisconsin when a car slammed into her, causing multiple spine fractures, broken ribs and head trauma. The injuries left her paralyzed from the waist down, and doctors told her she might never walk again. Unwilling to accept her prognosis, Van Driel traveled to Barrow Neurological Institute at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix. It was there that neurosurgeons gave her the hope and treatment she needed to get back on track.
After several surgeries and intensive rehabilitation, Van Driel has made what many would call a “miraculous recovery.” She returned to a full training regimen and has competed in multiple running events, including the Boston Marathon. “Barrow gave me my life back, and I hope to inspire others in the way Barrow inspired me,” she said.
Strides for Spines is the second of four races in the Dignity Health Run Series. Racers may preregister for the 10K, 5K or one-mile Kids’ Dash at a discounted rate at StartLineRacing.com, or register the day of the race at 7 a.m. Start time is 8 a.m.
Upcoming events benefiting Dignity Health programs include:
- Walk the Fight for Parkinson’s – Feb. 7, 2015, a 5K run/walk and two-block fun walk at Tempe Beach Park, in support of the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center
- Laura’s Run – April 11, 2015, a 5K run, 1.5 fun walk, Kids’ Dash and doggie trot at Scottsdale Sports Complex, supporting the Norton Thoracic Institute
Registration for each event includes a custom finisher’s medal and T-shirt, pre- and post-race “runner’s brunch,” and real-time results and photos posted on StartLineRacing.com. Full-series participants receive 10 points for each event. Extra points are awarded to the top 10 finishers of each gender and top 5 finishers in each age group. The top 100-point earners will be entered into a Dignity Health drawing to win multiple prizes, including a VIP suite to a 2015 Arizona Diamondbacks game.
For more information, CLICK HERE.
To register, CLICK HERE.
