Now I Can 5K

Today, our family ran the Now I Can 5k.  The race is to provide awareness and financial support for the Now I Can Foundation (http://www.nowican.org/).  The foundation is a not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to providing intensive rehabilitation to children with disabilities – many of which are severe musculoskeletal disabilities.  Using the latest techniques and the ‘Neruosuit’ (an orthotic suit worn by the children to teach the brain and body correct patterns and posture of movement) the group is able to teach these children to do things that they could never do previously – encouraging the end response, “Now I Can!”

Matt’s brother, Mike, has been leading this organization for about a half of a year as its Director and had worked so hard to make sure that this race was a success.  As his senior project in the BFA program at UVU, he selected this organization to highlight and try to bring additional publicity to the group.  He spent some time with children and documented through photography their struggles and victories.  These images were then compiled in a beautiful book and exhibited in the Orem library for a period of time.  During the exhibition, KSL even took a few minutes to highlight his work on the evening news.  Upon graduation, the organization was so pleased with his passion for the organization and his other skill set that they selected him to act as Director for the Foundation.  He has done a wonderful job as evidenced by a great race and happy kids.  Several of the kids were able to walk the mile and finish through the finish line with a loud round of applause and cheering.  How inspiring and fun!

We met a lot of good friends at the finish line.  Mom and Dad Ririe, Steven, Ashlyn, and Mike & Natalie's family were all there.  Lisa's brother Bryan also came in hopes of winning the overall prize.  He finished 6th with a sub-20 minute finish.  Not too bad!  Also, MGIS, Matt’s current employer, was a corporate sponsor for the group.  As a result, a handful of MGIS employees ran/walked the 5K and we were able to take some pictures.

All of our Family (Matt, Lisa, and Benson) ran the 5k.  It was our first race with the jogger stroller which worked just fine – but it definitely uses some different muscles and is a little bit more tiring having the jogger to push for 3.1 miles!  At the finish line, we pulled Benson out to let him jog across on his own.  Great job Benson!  All in all, it was a great day, with great people, and a successfull race!  Thanks Mike!