2277 Highway 36 West, Suite 200 Roseville, MN 55113-3830
Phone: 612-378-2742
Toll Free: 1-800-669-6442
Fax: 612-378-2789
E-Mail:info@braininjurymn.org
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Press Release
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Corey Koskie Announced as Honorary Chair and Ambassador of 2008 Walk for Thought to Benefit Minnesotans with Brain Injury
Seventh annual event to raise funds for programs
(MINNEAPOLIS - June 26, 2008) – The Brain Injury Association of Minnesota proudly announces that, Corey Koskie, former Minnesota Twins third-baseman will be the Honorary Chair and Ambassador the Walk for Thought. Koskie will be leading his own Walk team and will be part of the pre-Walk program at the Como Park location in St. Paul.
The Walk is a Celebration of Life, Hope and Healing and to honor the 100,000 Minnesotans who live with a disability due to a brain injury, along with their families and loved ones.
On Saturday, October 4, 2008, the Seventh Annual Walk for Thought will take place at three locations: St Paul's Como Park, Duluth's Canal Park and Rochester's Silver Lake. Registration begins at 9 a.m. At 9:15 a.m., Don Shelby, WCCO TV News Anchor and host of the Don Shelby Show on WCCO Radio AM weekdays, will emcee the pre-Walk show at the St. Paul location. The Walk starts at 10 a.m. This year the goal is to raise a minimum of $110,000 to provide support services, community outreach, education services, advocacy and awareness and prevention activities. We want to outpace last year's Walk which reached a record-high of 1,200 walkers and $100,000 enabling the Association to connect over 22,000 Minnesotans to needed support services.
Representing the Association during the Walk is Corey Koskie who played third-base for the Minnesota Twins from 1998-2004. On the field, Koskie was notable for being one of the most athletic third-basemen while off the field he is known as a man of integrity, strong values, and faith. In July 2006, Koskie's baseball career and life changed dramatically when he took a seemingly innocuous tumble in pursuit of a pop fly, causing a minor traumatic brain injury.
Koskie's concussion left him unable to return to play, plagued by dizziness, vertigo and chronic headaches. Since then, Koskie publicly disclosed his disability and rehabilitation, which have made him an inspiration in the community – a "home town hero" in another capacity.
Koskie's inspirations are his wife, Shannon, his three sons and their faith. Day by day, he continues to work towards getting his life back. He also wants to help others who suffer from a brain injury and help high-school athletes understand head injuries.
"For the past two years my family and I have suffered through the unseen pain and frustration from my brain injury. I want to help raise awareness about brain injuries. I invite everyone to join me in the Walk for Thought to raise funds to support resources and education services for the 100,000 Minnesotans that are affected by a disability due to a brain injury. Together we can bring this injury to light."
Of the over 100,000 Minnesotans living with brain injury, as many as 25 percent are unable to return to work or school one year after their injury. Traumatic brain injury is the leading cause of death and disability among people under the age of 45 in the United States, occurring more frequently than breast cancer, HIV/AIDS and multiple sclerosis combined. Falls and motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of brain injury in Minnesota.
The three mile walk accommodates wheelchairs, strollers and any special needs and is open to anyone wishing to form a team or walk on their own. Teams and individuals may register online at www.braininjurymn.org or by calling 612-378-2742 or 800-669-6442.
About the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota
Celebrating 24 years of service, the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota is the only statewide non-profit organization dedicated to serving the 100,000 Minnesotans who live with a disability due to brain injury, their loved ones and the professionals who work with them. The Brain Injury Association of Minnesota has programs and services designed to enhance the quality of life and bring the promise of a better tomorrow for all persons affected by brain injury. For more information, please visit www.braininjurymn.org or call 800-669-6442.
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