The first Memorial Day run was held in 1988 in honor of Amy Thompson, an incredible young woman whose will to live gave hope to all those affected by TBI. The 2026 run honoree is Amy Renee.

In 2018 the Memorial Day Run, held in historic Loose Park, Kansas City, MO, was renamed Going the Distance for Brain Injury. The run continues as a tribute to the courage and determination of individuals who’ve been affected by a brain injury.

The Memorial Day Going the Distance for Brain Injury Run will be held on Monday, May 25, 2026 at Loose Park.

To learn more about the run, visit biarun.org. Facing a brain injury is a difficult challenge. The Brain Injury Association of Kansas and Greater Kansas City is here to help at 913-754-8883

GOING THE DISTANCE FOR BRAIN INJURY 2026 HONOREE

AMYRENEE SHELDON

AmyRenee is a graduate of Kansas State University. During her undergraduate studies, she survived a near-fatal car crash that resulted in a traumatic brain injury. Despite facing discrimination, misinformation, and widespread misunderstanding about brain injuries, she persevered. AmyRenee holds a BS in Secondary Education and a BA in Elementary Education, and she will earn her MS in Special Education this May. She currently works as a paraprofessional in a local school district, supporting students as they learn and grow.

In addition to her work in education, AmyRenee has been a cast member of the Kansas City Renaissance Festival, where she performed her own stage show for four seasons. She also has a trained, registered therapy dog that she enjoys taking to various facilities. In her free time, AmyRenee enjoys reading, sewing, learning, and cheering on her Kansas State Wildcats. EMAW!