Brain Injury Association of MA Returns to Falmouth Road Race

From the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts: The Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts (BIA-MA) is pleased to announce it will be returning to compete in the 45th Annual New Balance Falmouth Road Race with Team BIA-MA on Sunday, August 20.

While the race is often described as a “fun run,” 11,000 racers–including some of the world’s elite runners–will descend upon Woods Hole this month. BIA-MA welcomes ten runners to Team BIA-MA this year, each with their own personal connection to brain injury: Roberto “Bob” Cabral (North Dighton, MA), a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) survivor and BIA-MA support group leader; Joy Richard (Waltham, MA), both an avid BIA-MA supporter and runner; Dawn LeBorgne (Southwick, MA), who runs on behalf of her husband, a brain injury survivor; Michelle Havey (South Boston, MA), family member and friend to brain injury survivors; Allison Bowhers (Medford, MA), who suffered a concussion in 2016 and has used running to regain her health and wellness post-injury; Dr. Michael Anthony (Shrewsbury, MA), a brain injury survivor seeking to make a personal statement about the resiliency of brain injury survivors.

Several team members return from last year’s Team BIA-MA: Courtney Farrell (Hopedale, MA), who runs for her sister, Ryan, a brain injury survivor; Katie McNamara (Clinton, MA), who runs on behalf of her mother, a brain injury survivor; and Janelle Hickey (Roslindale, MA) who runs for her mother, a survivor who has been supported by BIA for over 20 years. Friend to the Farrell family and new teammate Angela Burdette (Enfield, CT), completes the team of ten.

“We are excited and thankful to have another incredible team of racers who are determined to help us raise awareness for brain injury,” BIA-MA Executive Director Nicole Godaire said. “It is inspiring to watch these racers accomplish their personal milestones, especially those who are survivors themselves. They spread hope and determination throughout the community of brain injury survivors we support every day.”

Though the Falmouth Road Race is not intended as a charity race, the “Numbers for Nonprofits” Program allows nonprofits to both fundraise and participate. To support Team BIA-MA in the 2017 Falmouth Road Race, please visit the FirstGiving team page. More information can also be found here.

BIA-MA is the first and oldest organization in the state to offer support and resources to brain injury survivors and their families. They provide prevention programs, educational trainings and legislative advocacy. Next month, BIA-MA will be hosting their Annual Walk & Roll, returning to three locations across the state of Massachusetts. Registration is currently open at biama.org/walk.

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