Dear Friends,

My name is Troy Adams. I’m a 24 year old male, currently living in Exeter, ON. I grew up just outside of Watford, ON. I’ve spent the past few years travelling with my job as a News Anchor and Reporter. I’m currently working for myFM as a News Director/Ops Manager.

On August 11, 2003 — I was involved in a MVC. To this day — I suffer from many body functioning injuries (sore joints/swollen back/heals/bad knees) as a result from this crash, but most importantly, I battle each and every minute of my life, the repercussions of my brain injury. Whether it’s depression, anxiety, bouts of OCD, anger issues, memory loss etc – running seems to be the one thing that can always ease my mind. It allows me a moment of Zen – where for a few minutes, I am once again in complete control of my thoughts. I’ve always enjoyed running and I use it as therapy.

Starting in April 2012, I will be starting my Cross Canada Run, raising money and awareness for Brain Injury Awareness, Education and Research. “Troy’s Run: Hope, Prevention, Education”, will raise money for the Brain Injury Association of Canada.

Every step and every mile count in this journey. Together we will help people understand and become better educated on topics surrounding Brain Injury. I’ll be starting my journey in St John’s, NL and will finish in Victoria, BC.

This journey will only be completed by the help of volunteers and sponsors. I will take the biggest load, but I’m hoping there are others who would like to become involved. Whether financially, emotionally, or spiritually – everything is needed and will help.

Please visit my website at www.troysrun.com for information on how you can become involved. There’s also video links, interviews, pictures and blog postings.

I’m on Facebook under Troy Adams, ‘Troys Run’ and ‘Cross Canada Run’. I’m also on Twitter @troyadams23

Together, we can be the change that’s needed.

Troy Adams
226-377-4565
Troyadams23@gmail.com
www.troysrun.com
www.facebook.com/crosscanadarun

Kitchener Rangers Team Captain Gabriel Landeskog, Defenseman Ryan Murphy, Ben Fanelli and Assistant Coach Troy Smith

Almost everyone knows about Lance Armstrong’s battle through cancer to prove that nothing can slow him down. His story has become one of inspiration to many around the world, including the Kitchener Rangers’ Ben Fanelli.

That is why Ben in partnership with the Kitchener Rangers has developed HEAD STRONG, Fanelli 4 Brain Injury Awareness: a program designed to raise awareness about brain injuries.

“Lance Armstrong overcame something that no one thought was possible and I want to replicate that in a different way with my injury,” Ben says. “I planned to run this triathlon months ago because I needed another goal. I decided to turn it into something bigger and found an association I would like to support.”

That would be the Brain Injury Association of Canada (BIAC). Ben will be collecting pledges online and raising funds through the sale of a HEAD STRONG t-shirt, $20 including tax available at the Outpost, the official store of the Kitchener Rangers, with proceeds going to the BIAC and its programs.

On June 5, 2011 Fanelli will swim, bike and run his way through the Subaru Triathlon being held in Milton, Ontario. He will participate in a 750m swim, a 30km bike ride and a 7.5km run and is asking for your support in raising funds for the Brain Injury Association of Canada (BIAC). Pledges for his cause can be made online or in person at the Kitchener Rangers office.

“A concussion is a brain injury now. In my area of life, which is hockey. I want to make it known that there’s a way to help”, says Ben.

Something that has definitely helped keep Ben motivated with these plans is the support he has had, starting with teammates Gabriel Landeskog and Ryan Murphy. “The three of us talked about it and (Murphy and I) said we can help you out and we can be your trainers,” Landeskog explains. “It’s one of those things we all wanted to do, and it’s really exciting.”

And when it comes to training, the three of them are always at it. “We’re probably the last ones leaving the rink,” Murphy laughs. “I am the vocal guy out there that keeps him going – Gabe is the guy who can work out with him. But we do our part and can’t wait to see him running, swimming and biking.”

Ben participated in his first triathlon a couple weeks ago, and now knows how hard he will need to push. “I know my body isn’t meant for triathlons, I’ve trained for hockey,” he says. “But everything I’ve done in my life I try to come out on top. I’m going to go as hard as I can the whole race.”

Ben also knows he has more than just the support of his family, coaches and teammates as he strives to achieve his goals, but also that of the Kitchener fans.

“It’s absolutely amazing to feel the support. I can’t even find words to describe it because of the respect I feel and the adrenaline it gives me to work harder, it’s amazing. At the same time, I need to show everyone that I will be back.”

So focusing on what he can do now, and helping a cause so close to his heart is what Ben is set on doing. He is proving what determination can do, just like his idol. And like Lance Armstrong, Ben is hoping this leads to something great.

There are 2 ways to help Ben Fanelli raise funds for the Brian Injury Association of Canada: CanadaHelps and PayPal. Please click on the images below to donate.

To all members and Friends of BIAC,
Ron Foreman our webmaster will be running in the Achilles St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run/Walk to benefit the Brain Injury Association of Canada but he needs your pledges. You can join Ron on the run or walk the course. You can also pull together your own team. All the information can be found below and here: Achilles St. Patricks Day 5km Walk Run Information and Race Registration Forms

If you are unable to participate and want to support Ron please email Ron to arrange your pledge or just send your cheque payable to Toronto Achilles and the funds will make their way to BIAC.

Race / Walk Information
The annual Achilles St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run/Walk is a five kilometre run or walk (your choice!) through the heart of downtown Toronto. Taking place this year on Sunday, March 14th, the run/walk starts and ends at Steam Whistle Brewing, The Roundhouse, just south of the CN Tower and the Rogers Centre on Bremner Boulevard.

In 2009, they celebrated their 10th year anniversary. Become a part of our tradition by enjoying the first spring Sunday morning run followed by a wee bit of Irish merriment, a hot bowl of Irish chili, and an ice-cold Steam Whistle pilsner. Come decked out in your St. Patrick’s Day best or your running gear. Either way, you can’t help but have fun at this unique event.

Register early to avoid disappointment—we’ve sold out the last four years!

Achilles St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run/Walk benefits Achilles Canada
The Achilles St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run/Walk sponsored by Irish Spring benefits Achilles Canada, a non-profit organization that provides people with various disabilities an opportunity to receive the physical, psychological, and communal benefits of running. The club offers training and support by able-bodied members to its Achilles athletes of all ability levels.

Raise funds for the Brain Injury Association of Canada
While the monies raised through the event fund the activities of Achilles Canada, it also offers other charities across the city the opportunity to raise funds for their programs. If you form a team, your team pays to enter the race, but 100% of the monies raised through pledges goes to your organization. It’s as easy as that! Last year (2009), more than $90,000 was raised by other charities who partnered with the event. Create your team. Please indicate that you want your funds to go to the Brain Injury Association of Canada.

In May 2004, Ian Young lived in Calgary, was active in the arts, music and culture. A general feeling of unwellness brought him to seek medical attention. Little did he know the diagnosis would be life altering as well as awakening. A rare disorder was growing lesions on his cerebellum. His condition deteriorated and he suffered several strokes leaving him incapable of many independent functions and with an unknown outcome.

Learn more about Ian Young and follow his Brain Train Ride.
Please donate generously to support Ian Young’s Brain Train Ride.

In May 2004, Ian Young lived in Calgary, was active in the arts, music and culture. A general feeling of unwellness brought him to seek medical attention. Little did he know the diagnosis would be life altering as well as awakening. A rare disorder was growing lesions on his cerebellum. His condition deteriorated and he suffered several strokes leaving him incapable of many independent functions and with an unknown outcome.

Learn more about Ian Young and follow his Brain Train Ride.
Please donate generously to support Ian Young’s Brain Train Ride.

VICTORIA HANDYSIDES
METRO EDMONTON
May 29, 2009 5:23 a.m.

Five years after a neurological assault was forecast to render him helpless, Ian Young is hitting the rails to tell why the mind is a terrible thing to waste.

The Brain Injury Association has chosen Young for an historic cross-country railway journey, on which he will share his story of hope and urge Canadians to protect their grey matter.

With recovery comes responsibility perhaps in an odd way, I was chosen, Young said. Finding a quality of life and letting others know it is possible in their darkest hours is so inspirational for me.

In 2004, he developed a rare neurological disorder and was given three months to live, and lost the ability to perform basic human functions. Ian took the advice of fellow survivors over white-clad clairvoyants,Young said.

Through rehab and determination, he is today living a normal life, and a national figurehead for brain injury awareness.
Young’s journey begins Tuesday from Vancouver. He hopes to inspire change of regulations in professional sports, in which concussions and cerebral injuries are common, and preventable.

This ride would not have been possible without the support of VIA Rail!