Jon Crais has been in a wheelchair ever since a car accident caused a severe brain injury.
Before the accident, Crais broke track records at school and enjoyed the great outdoors.
“He was sitting in his wheelchair and this was early on, and I said, ‘Tell me, what is going on?’ and he said, ‘I miss my life,’ ” his mother said in a video about Crais.
That's why Crais still wanted to fulfill his longtime dream of running a marathon. His wish finally came true with the help of several organizations (ConnectAbility, The Kyle Pease Foundation, and The Ability Experience), a volunteer named Thomas Odom, and three unexpected marines.
Like the bride’s father who walked her down the aisle despite his inability to walk, Crais was able to finish the Marine Corps Marathon thanks to the kind hearts of strangers. Starting at the one-minute mark, Crais' strong spirit also shines through.
The wife of Odom, who was pushing Crais most of the way, shared the heartwarming video on Facebook along with a few touching words.
“One of the most moving days I've ever been apart of! So proud to know these guys and all the amazing assisted athletes!” Mallory Smith Odom wrote, later adding, "This finish yesterday was a small glimpse into the unbelievable world of assisted athletes. They are all true heroes."
Please SHARE this unbelievable video to inspire everyone you know!
One of the most moving days I've ever been apart of! So proud to know these guys and all the amazing assisted athletes! Jon Crais, the young man in the wheelchair, suffered a traumatic brain injury from a single car accident almost 22 months ago. He was in a coma for 3 months and overcame many obstacles to be as far along as he is today. He has always wanted to run a marathon. With the help of a local North Georgia organization, Connectability, which provides support for families affected by disabilities, Jon met my husband Thomas. These two were then connected by mutual friends and interests to The Kyle Pease Foundation, who partners with The Ability Experience to race in the Marine Corp Marathon. This finish yesterday was a small glimpse into the unbelievable world of assisted athletes. They are all true heroes. It was a true honor for both of them to participate in the People's Marathon. Connectability: https://connectabilityinc.org/learn-about-us/The Kyle Pease Foundation: http://www.kylepeasefoundation.org/The Ability Experience: http://www.abilityexperience.org/A Small Story on Jon and his journey: http://www.firstgiving.com/team/302001
Posted by Mallory Smith Odom on Sunday, October 25, 2015
