After Kit left Chicago and came back to NRH to begin full time rehabilitation, an article by Ellen Walker, RN was written about him for a celebration of Nursing Week. The title was "Expect a Miracle". It was written to encourage all those on the nursing staff who care for patients with traumatic injuries through their darkest moments. By the time Kit was mobile again (in a wheelchair) his sister, Laura, had found T- shirts for all of us with the logo of an angel and the words "Expect A Miracle". That was our family photo and message to everyone that Christmas. Later, after Kit was home again for good, he decided to call himself the 'Miracle Kid'.

Setting goals is something Kit learned from his team of professionals. He wanted to stand instead of sit, walk instead of being wheelchair-bound, rely on a cane instead of a walker, and still hopes to jog someday. He has wanted to go on an organized walk for several years, but couldn't find one to suit his abilities. He talked to the Rhythm of Hope dancers about a short walk during their end of year party. It didn't happen then, but the idea was there. His mother, Kim, and Karen Luffred of Brain Injury Services picked up the ball and "Miracle Mile" was born.

Brain injury has affected others in Kit's family in a physical as well as emotional way. His father, Rick, had an acoustic neuroma removed in 1999, soon after his nephew, Connor, suffered a devastating bout of bacterial meningitis at 6 months of age. Both of these involved injuries to the brain and brought with them physical consequences, and resulting rehabilitation.

Through the Northern Virginia Brain Injury Association, we got to know other survivors and their families. Each story is different, but the recurring theme through them all is that you can never lose hope no matter what new challenges you face. The TBI experience alters the survivor's life forever. It affects everyone else who knows the survivor in some way. In the beginning there is a real sense of grief over the dramatic change in pre-injury hopes and dreams which for most are lost or altered forever.

Walking and eventually to jog have been major goals throughout. Kit has had wonderful help and support along the way. He wants to give something back to the community in recognition of all that has been done for him and for us. We want to bring brain injury to the attention of our local citizens, and hope that through awareness of the consequences, others will be saved from this disability and all it entails. We feel it is important to celebrate the successes of ALL brain injury survivors, who have each met overwhelming challenges with courage and hope. We hope the Miracle Mile will open the eyes of all who see us to the joy of living which survivors feel so deeply.

Brain Injury Services, have been major players in Kit's recovery and that is why they have been singled out at this time to receive any profit from the 'Miracle Mile'.

We thank you for your help in making this dream a reality for our community. Survivors truly are very special people whom we all should have the privilege of knowing.