From Rita Davis
The annual Bret Neylon 5K Race to Recovery was created in 2006. It was developed in an effort to assist Neylon – the varsity cross country and track & field coach, teacher, and friend to many in the Brownsburg community – and his family with expenses resulting from a biking accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down.
A very serious accident in a bicycle race June 17, 2006, resulted in a C4 vertebrae fracture. Because of his amazing efforts and continued support and assistance from the community, Bret and his wife, Tracie, have founded the Bret Neylon Paralysis Foundation, Inc.
The foundation is committed to improving the quality of life for people who suffer paralysis as a result of spinal cord injuries, with monies going to support spinal cord research and to assist paralyzed individuals with financial support for rehabilitation, medical costs, and assisting devices.
In 2010, the foundation will once again be assisting three very deserving individuals with monetary grants from the proceeds of the 5th Annual Race to Recovery 5K run/walk/roll July 17 at Brownsburg East Middle School.
The recipients of BNPF grants for 2010 are Ryan Carlisle, Eric Green, and Maciej Zurawski. Each suffers from paralysis as a result of a catastrophic spinal cord injury, and the grants will assist each in improving their overall quality of life.
Race details for the 5K Run and Walk
Date: Saturday, July 17, 8:30 a.m. ET
Location: Brownsburg East Middle School, 1250 East Airport Road
Registration: $20 in advance, $25 on race day
New this year: Children’s Fun Run (9 & under), 9:30 a.m.
Prizes: $100 prize for new course record (open division male/female)
Special awards: Overall male/female winners, male/female Masters winners, top pledge collectors
Registration & packet pick-up: 6:30 a.m. to 8 a.m.
Opening ceremony: 8:20 a.m.
Awards ceremony: Brownsburg East Middle School, 10 a.m.
Age groups
• 10 & under
• 11-13
• 14-16
• 17-19
• 20-24
• 25-29
• 30-34
• 35-39
• 40-44
• 45-49
• 50-54
• 55-59
• 60+
Race to Recovery 5K course description (this year’s course is fast and accurate!):
Starting on the north side of Brownsburg East Middle School outside Door 12, participants will go:
• West (right) on Airport Road
• North (right) on Odell Street
• East (right) on Sycamore Street
• North (left) on Hornaday Road
• East (right) on Ironwood Drive
• North ( left) on Ironwood West Drive
• South (left) on Robinwood Drive
• South (left) on Woodstock Drive
• East (left) on Airport Road
• North (left) at first entrance to the school
The finish line is located on the west side of Brownsburg East Middle School.
In 2009, the foundation was able to award a total of $18,000 in grants (contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by the law) to Lindsay Robison, Billy Bowman, and Brandon Garner.
Lindsay utilized the grant to assist in meeting her home health care needs as she continues to live on her own and maintain a job with the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies.
Billy and his family used the funds to assist in purchasing an accessible vehicle and to continue work on modifications to their family home.
Brandon and his mother used the funds to assist in his continued rehabilitation and transition home from the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana.
For more information, go to racetorecovery.org!