MISSION STATEMENT:
The Festival of Miles Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the sport of track and field and give back to athletes in need. The Festival of Miles, which takes place each May, is a track meet that showcases the sport at all levels featuring youth competitors, masters runners and some of the world's best athletes. Each year all proceeds from ticket sales go to an athlete/athletes in need.
THIS YEAR'S ATHLETE IN NEED:
Chris after the Chesterfield Turket Trot
CHRIS LISTER- We have announced that proceeds from the fifth annual Festival of Miles presented by Under Armour will go to the family of Chris Lister.
Lister, 25, is currently in the early stages of rehabilitation as a result of the multiple injuries including severe head trauma he suffered after being hit by a car in a local road race this past winter. Doctors originally told the Lister family that Chris would not survive. It has now been more than three months since the accident and his condition continues to slowly improve.
Chris, a graduate of Francis Howell Central High School and Lindenwood University, began running races a little over a year ago. His enthusiasm for life and the positive impact he has had on so many others is best exhibited in the more than 56,00 visits to his caringbridge.com page HERE. We encourage you to read Chris' story and get to know him through the kind words of so many friends.
The Festival of Miles Foundation was able to speak with Rick Lister, Chris' father, for a little more insight into Chris' story:
1) What is the latest on Chris' condition?
Chris is in the early stages of his rehabilitation. He has exhibited several movements and responses that have been encouraging and point to the possibility of significant recovery. A prognosis for his eventual level of recovery will not be know for many months. Chris continues to fight and overcome multiple setbacks from infections and post traumatic developments.
2) What are some of the major challenges your family is facing now and in the coming months?
Our biggest challenges are the likelihood that Chris will be transferred to a hospital in southwest Missouri to finish his rehabilitation. Family interaction is a major part of any traumatic brain injury patient's therapy, so our ability to support him will be greatly reduced. While we don't have specific items identified to date, the therapists are telling us that we will likely need special equipment at home that may not be covered by insurance.
3) What does the support of the Saint Louis community mean to you and your family?
Support from our family, friends and the St. Louis community is what has enabled us to have the strength to navigate this journey with Chris. As a family, we would not have made it this far without each act of kindness that has been extended to us. the running community in particular has been incredible in their support of Chris and his situation. We have had countless conversations with runners that started with, "You don't know me ....". The response and support offered to Chris and our family has been the most humbling experience of our lives.
4) Is there anything that you'd like us to include that you want people to know about Chris?
Until this accident, his mother and I had no idea how many live Chris has touched. The most common thing we hear is about his constant smile and infectious laugh. We've heard stories about how he calmed nervous students before a final exam by building their confidence that they were fully prepared. He is a driven individual who sets goals for himself and plans the path to achieve them. Like his running, if it was worth doing, it was worth excelling and doing his best. The motto that he used repeatedly was "Be Excellent" and that's exactly what he strove for in everything. Chris is a friend to everyone and cares deeply about the people closest to him.
Entry fee to the Festival of Miles is just $5 and ALL PROCEEDS benefit the Lister family.
If you would like to donate to the Festival of Miles Foundation please contact Jen Rosario at jenrosario13@gmail.com.
click here for our board of directors
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