Why I Walk the Bellin Run: Joy Trimble, Green Bay

April 14, 2011

Last February, I had a series of unexpected episodes (later found to be complex migraines that imitate stroke) that left my body so weak I could not walk without assistance, and even then, I could only go a few feet without risking collapse or fainting.  

My balance was all but gone. My muscles were weak. I found myself using a walker at the age of 36. I couldn’t take care of myself, let alone my family. Hopes of doing my favorite activities (such as swimming, bike riding, ballet and taking long walks) seemed dim.

Several times a week I went to Bellin Health’s west side facility (near Austin Straubel International Airport) for physical and occupational therapy. It was there that I saw posters on the wall for the 2010 Bellin Run and determined that I would work hard enough to be in the 2011 Bellin Run (as a walker).  

I have worked very hard with the help of a fantastic therapy team and friends and family cheering me on. Today, I have regained a lot of my strength, and most of my balance and coordination.  

I am going to be in this year’s Bellin Run/Walk as a walker and I will be very proud to cross that finish line!

Share Your Story
Are you running to meet a personal challenge? Maybe you’re running in memory of someone or in place of someone who is physically unable to participate. Maybe you are doing the Bellin Run just because you can.

In any event, share your story with us. Send us a few paragraphs (key emphasis – a few paragraphs) on why you’re participating in the Bellin Run and we’ll include your short stories on our website’s blog at http://www.bellinrun.com
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E-mail your reasons for running (or walking) to Femi Cole at [email protected]. Put “Why I run/walk the Bellin Run” in the subject line. We’ll be watching for your stories.