Runners Statewide Rally in Support of Paralyzed Athlete
Issue date: 2/3/10 Section: News
By Michael Youmans
Rotunda Reporter
Starting 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.
Rotunda Reporter
Starting 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.
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