For the Reporter

A 5K family fun fun/walk benefit has been organized to support paralyzed gymnast Jacoby Miles. The Nov. 16 race will begin at 9 a.m. at the Bonny Lake Lowe’s, 19911 S. Prairie Road E.

Proceeds from event will help pay for Jacoby’s ongoing rehab expenses.

Lowes, the City of Bonney Lake, and Fleet Feet are sponsoring the event.

“Although Jacoby can’t run herself, lend her your legs for 3.1 miles and make a difference,” said Melanie Roach, organizer of the event. “100 percent of the proceeds from this event are to pay for Jacoby’s ongoing rehabilitation expenses.”

The date of the race marks the one-year anniversary the Puyallup native was left paralyzed from the mid-chest down after she landed on her neck on a routine dismount off the uneven/parallel bars.

Jacoby’s therapy costs approximately $3,000 a month, which is not covered by insurance. The goal of the 5K race is to raise enough money to extend her level of therapy for one more year, organizers said.

According to Roach, the lifetime cost of caring for a paraplegic is $5 million and $10 million for a quadriplegic with many of the expenses not covered by insurance.

“The first two years after an SCI (spinal cord injury) are the most critical in terms of increasing Jacoby’s chances of regaining functionality,” said Jason Miles, Jacoby’s father.

According to Miles, Jacoby’s motor function remains the same since the injury except for some new left wrist extension. She has regained a great deal of muscle strength in her shoulders, biceps and upper torso from her therapy. In addition, she has an increased awareness of deep sensory and pressure feeling throughout her entire body.

“Jacoby spends six hours a week at home with exercise therapists working on balance, strength and riding an electronic stimulation bike. She also works out in a pool once or twice a week,” Miles said.

Jacoby, a Rogers High School sophomore, attends classes full time, helps coach at Roach Gymnastics and Cheer twice a week, is active in her church youth group and volunteers at her church’s children’s club.

In addition, she loves going to Seattle Mariners and Sounders games, concerts, high school football games and gymnastic meets.

Entry for the 5K is $40 for individuals 17 and older, $20 for kids 16 and under, or $100 for a family. Kids in strollers are free.

Register at www.goteamjacoby.com.