Those who participate in the The Quad City Times Bix 7 or any race do so for all kinds of reasons. For 22-year-old Molly Cain, she runs because this time last year - she literally couldn't.
"On March 30th, I was in my house and my bedroom was downstairs in the basement and I fell going to my bedroom down the stairs," Molly recalled on Friday, July 26th, 2013.
Molly, who was living in Colorado at the time of her accident but is originally from Port Byron, Illinois, was in a coma for 17 days before her mom was able to tell her what happened.
"She told me I couldn't walk," remembers Molly. "The right side of my body was paralyzed. I tried asking her - 'What?' - and I couldn't talk. Nothing came out and I realized this was real life and I really have a lot of work to do."
After three months of rehabilitation in Colorado, Molly came back to the Quad Cities and began the Genesis "LIFT" Program in Bettendorf. "LIFT" stands for Learning Independence for Tomorrow and is a treatment and support program for people with traumatic brain injuries... like Molly.
There, she re-learned how to write, walk, and talk. This week, she returned to say "Thank you."
"Molly is a fighter," Speech Pathologist Lori Dryg said. "That's just her in a nutshell. She's a giver. It takes a lot of resources to help people. Every injury is individual and now we're going to be able to give back to some of our patients because of her generosity."
By battling the BIX, Molly hopes people will feel inspired enough to give to the same program that gave her this second chance at life.
"I'm so excited just to make an impact in others lives," Molly said.
Every step on Saturday, July 27th, 2013 will be a reminder of the steps she took to get here and the person she's become.
"I've learned who Molly is and I love her. It's important to love yourself."
To give to "Molly's Run," go to www.genesishealth.com/give and follow these directions:
- Click on the "Give Online Now" Icon
- Under "Gift Information: Donation Foundation," Select "Genesis Health Services Foundation (Davenport)"
- Then from "Apply Gift To," Select "Other"
- Under "Specific Other," Enter "Molly's Run."
Checks (Payable To: Genesis Foundation, Memo: "Molly's Run") or Cash can also be sent to:
Genesis Foundation
1227 E. Rusholme Street
Davenport, IA 52804