Overcoming, running and inspiring

by Sara Wales on 01/24/2013

Story by Ernie Kasper

I was a rehab assistant who dealt with post op hip surgeries and frequently provided aid in rehabilitating stroke survivors in an acute facility. I loved my work and I loved the people that I tried to encourage and support in their walk for freedom and independence. After several years being in the field I suffered a stroke during my lunch break and became one of the ones I so dearly loved to inspire. After the initial shock of finding out that I had suffered a stroke at such a young age (34) I decided to fight for my therapy. Treatment didn’t go as planned and support was barely if non existent. I chose to take it into my own hands and begin to read, walk, talk and run! I wanted a new dream, a new hope and so I began to run for change. I have currently run up to 37 km… I am proud of every bit of blood, sweat and tears that were put into accomplishing the impossible! I believed in what God had for me and that I would never be left alone. So here I am!! Believe in who you are and that you are precious…

Dreams were meant to be broken

but what we do with the pieces

how we survive

that is what defines the very nature

of our existence

our purpose

the character of inspiration!

Ernie has a very inspiring facebook page called Way of the Dove, here is the link

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Way-Of-The-Dove/159043010803248?fref=ts.

You can follow him on his journey of running 7 miles in 70 cities. He hopes to encourage others struggling with various illnesses.