Runners Statewide Rally in Support of Paralyzed Athlete

By Michael Youmans
Rotunda ReporterStarting Jan. 18, a fundraiser began for Clint Mooney, a Longwood freshman and member of the cross-country team. The cause, "50,000 Mile Challenge" encourages runners from across the state to run and receive pledges from donors for each mile ran.

On Oct. 3, 2009, Mooney was involved in a serious car accident where he was ejected from his vehicle after hitting a deer. He was initially taken to the trauma unit at the MCV Hospital in Richmond. He suffered broken ribs, broken arms, a punctured lung, as well as damage to the brain. He was paralyzed from the chest down.

The ultimate goal is to raise $50,000 for Mooney and his family for travel expenses for his treatments, lost wages, and medical costs that exceed what insurance will cover.

"The running community immediately just bonded to help a fellow runner," said senior Ben Byrnes, one of the project's organizers. "The solidarity of them running for him is pretty cool." The fundraiser will most likely be a dollar per mile, or more.

Mooney, who is currently receiving treatment at Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, is apparently doing well. "As far as I know, he's really in good spirits, laughing, joking.making the most of it, which just shows his resolve," said Byrnes.

"It's a 50,000 mile challenge for him. So far, we're still looking for more runners, but I think the next phase of it is trying to get corporate sponsors," Byrnes continued. Byrnes encourages people who may know runners in executive positions at companies to talk to them, to see if their companies would like to contribute.

As the campus rallies around Mooney through his recovery, Longwood's cross country team has especially been there for their teammate, supporting him and raising funds as he recuperates. Last semester, the team sold wristbands as a fundraiser, which was successful. "The wristband fundraiser raised quite a bit of money, about $1,300," said sophomore, cross-country team member, and Mooney's friend Darren Simpson.

To match his positive outlook on life, Mooney's physical condition is apparently looking better as well. "I know that right now Clint is doing great. He is no longer paralyzed from the chest down, but from the waist down only," said Alex Strittmater, a sophomore cross country runner, also friends with Mooney.

Mooney is not letting this setback break his spirit. "He is looking forward to possibly doing races in a wheelchair. He is very proud of himself and has been, for the most part, very happy. He is still the same cheerful, funny Clint," said Strittmater.

It has been said that often through the darkest of days, comes light. Very often, it takes something tragic to occur for one to fully appreciate everything they have. "Each of us looks at Clint's accident and knows quite well that it could have been any of us. Personally, I try to not take running for granted as much as I did before. Sixteen-mile runs are not now, and most likely never will be my idea of a perfect Sunday morning, but I try and remember that our buddy, Clint, will never be able to do them again. It puts things into perspective and causes us to at ourselves and the simple things we take for granted in our lives," said Simpson.

Through the newfound appreciation for everything life has to offer, the team has remained hopeful for their teammate and friend. "Every practice and race, Clint was in our thoughts and we would finish each practice and race by having a cheer for him. Before every race we would pray to God for saving his life and dedicate the race to him," said Strittmater.

The challenge is due to continue on until Feb. 18, and according to Byrnes, "Whatever we have at that point, we'll give to his family."

Byrnes is hopeful that the fundraiser will be a success. He said, "The running community is always really strong, there's always a good motivation behind people when they go running. When you're running, you rely on each other so much, and when one of your brothers falls at the wayside, we're like, 'we need to help him up.'"

For more information regarding the "50,000 Mile Challenge," learn how to get involved, or to donate money or miles, visit http://milesforclint.wordpress.com/ or e-mail milesforclint@gmail.com.