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The 2nd Annual “On A Roll” event kicked off to benefit National Spinal Cord Injury Association (NSCIA) on Saturday, September 29, 2012 at the Dinwiddie General’s Football Field in Virginia .
The ‘On A Roll’ event was created by NSCIA member James Bryant Neville, Jr. who was spinal cord injured in a car crash 31 years ago at the age of 17. Three decades later, Bryant has a successful career, a loving wife and three sons.
‘On a Roll’ celebrates the publication of Bryant’s book, “How I Roll – life, work and love after a spinal cord injury”, recounting his 30-year journey after a life changing injury and supports his national partnership with NSCIA to improve the lives of others living with SCI/D.
Runners lined up and ran a new course that seemed to please all. It was a little cloudy to start with but the rain held off and it turned out to be perfect running weather. The kids ran around the Dinwiddie General’s Football track to support this worthy organization as well.
Bryant was on hand to meet and greet and share in the excitement as this hard working team of volunteers raised over $33,000 to benefit NSCIA. Bill Fertig from NSCIA and Sharon Drescher from the Spinal Cord Injury Association of Virginia were on hand and thrilled about the support of their organizations.
The runners and sponsors worked very hard and the community came out in force to raise awareness for those that face challenges from a wheelchair. There was an obstacle course for those who wanted to face some of the basic challenges like: wheeling a wheelchair through sand, or navigating a ramp that is not to code and very steep. Football season is here and throwing a football from a wheelchair was another fun challenge. There was a tractor train ride for the kids and antique cars for the adults. Food and drinks were also sold to raise money for the cause.
James Bryant Neville, Jr. with Sharon Drescher
The day seemed to bring about a profound realization. Mr. Neville’s book shows how one individual faced his spinal cord injury and new challenges head on. It was a little gray and stormy to start, but through hard work and dedication lead to a great success. The event day was like that, a little stormy to start, but ended with great excitement about how much money was raised, a community came together and people shared in the door prizes and the fun.
‘On A Roll’ will help those that face a challenge–a spinal cord injury that they might not have been prepared for. This event, however, demonstrates that they will not be alone in their journey toward independence. There will be people to help them discover an active lifestyle. What a great event! Lots of fun and a true example of how a community can make a difference. Be sure to come next year. I know it will be bigger and better than ever!
If you would like to donate, please visit http://www.spinalcord.org/chapters/onaroll/ or go to www.sciava.org.
Photo and article provided by www.mobilitysupercenter.com.
