Media Coverage
The Josh Speidel Family Foundation
Every journey of recovery is worth celebrating.
Inspired by Josh Speidel's courageous journey, we champion individuals affected by traumatic brain injury through the healing power of faith, sports, movement, and community. We empower survivors to run their marathon — stride by stride, mile by mile.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Our Story
Our Story
Every recovery is a marathon, and Josh Speidel has run every mile with courage. After a 2015 car accident left him with a traumatic brain injury, the path forward was unclear. Yet, Josh pushed through the toughest "miles" of his life with faith and community at his back. From the basketball courts of the University of Vermont to his graduation in 2020 and his wedding in 2024, Josh has turned a tragedy into a triumph. His story is the heartbeat of this foundation—a reminder that with support, we can all run our life's marathon.
That journey sparked a calling: to build a bridge for others walking a similar path. What began as one family’s private fight for recovery evolved into Run Your Marathon — The Josh Speidel Family Foundation. Our mission is to help TBI survivors and their families reclaim hope through the healing power of sports, movement, community, and faith. We believe the same strength that carried Josh can empower every survivor to reach their fullest potential and beyond.
We believe no one should have to run their marathon alone. Whether you’re a survivor taking those first difficult steps toward recovery, a family navigating a new reality, or a community rallying around a loved one—we are with you. Stride by stride, mile by mile, we’re here to help you run YOUR marathon.
For Survivors & Families
Need Support?
We provide grants to help TBI survivors and their families run their own TBI marathon. Whether it’s reclaiming physical strength or finding peace through faith, we’re here to support your goals. We provide funding for: *Adaptive Sports & Equipment: Getting you back in the game. *Movement & Rehab: Therapy sessions or gym memberships to keep you moving. *Community Support: Connecting you with local resources and networks. *Spiritual Growth: Resources to help navigate the emotional toll of recovery. Your marathon is unique. Tell us what you need to take that next stride.
Apply for a Grant
Support Our Mission
Support Our Mission
Your donation helps fund TBI recovery programs, sports-based healing initiatives, and direct support for survivors and their families. Every dollar fuels another step toward hope.
Run Your Marathon is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are tax-deductible.
What We Believe
What We Believe
A world where TBI-affected individuals find strength, purpose, and hope through sports and community engagement.
01
Faith-Driven Service
Guided by our faith, we lead with compassion and integrity.
02
Resilience and Hope
Every story matters. We honor perseverance and foster optimism.
03
Empowerment Through Sports
Movement heals. Sports as tools for recovery and growth.
04
Community and Connection
No one runs alone. Inclusive spaces for support and celebration.
05
Integrity and Compassion
Honesty, kindness, and respect for each individual's path.
Champions
Grant Recipients
Caitlyn B.
Caitlyn Barr was born a healthy baby girl on 5-13-11. At the age of 21⁄2 she kept complaining of a headache. The hospital we took her to said it was the flu. She continues complaining so to Riley Hospital we went to. They also said she had the flu. However, there was a doctor there that said something was not right, did MRI, she was diagnosed with AVM -- Arterial Vascular Malformation, they said it was like an aneurysm. As she has gotten older, her health has declined. Her left side has been affected by the AVM. When you look at her, it looks like she has had a stroke. Caitlyn cannot use her left hand at all; it is completely closed tightly. Due to where the AVM is located at, they cannot do surgery. The AVM is deep in her brain. So she had a radiation treatment in August of 2025 to try and shrink it. But since the radiation has declined in some areas. She has had seizures most of her life, this is one of the biggest changes since radiation, the seizures have gotten worse and more frequent. Caitlyn is now in a wheelchair, due to not being able to walk for a long time. She does get tired very quickly. She can't be left alone due to her health problems. She falls quite a bit. In December of 2024, when she was 131⁄2 years old she had back surgery to help with the scoliosis. She has a rod on her back along with 22 screws and plates. Riley Hospital has told us that her AVM is the biggest one in the country. Caitlyn loves people, she can carry on any type of conversation with anyone. She does have issues with learning; she is at first to second grade level. With your help, we are ready to start school at home in a couple of weeks. We do know that things will continue to get worse for her, her saying is "we can get through anything as long as we have each other." One other thing about Caitlyn is she is the sweetest girl I know, not just because I am her grandma, but she is the strongest person I know. She has been through a lot in her 15 years. Our favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Run Your Marathon is honored to support Caitlyn in her marathon with supplies necessary for her to be successful in her homeschool environment.
Benjamin A.
Benjamin experienced a brain injury that resulted in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), cerebral palsy, and microcephaly. He has quadriplegic cerebral palsy, meaning all four of his limbs are affected. Benjamin continues to make incredible progress. "We are incredibly grateful for this grant. It is being used to help cover the cost of a physical therapy intensive, where Benjamin will work on skills such as weight bearing, sitting, crawling, balance, and overall mobility. Unfortunately, intensive therapy programs like this are not usually covered by insurance. This grant is helping make this intensive possible for Benjamin. Opportunities like these are often financially out of reach for many families and we are incredibly grateful! Thank you for believing and supporting Benjamin." Run Your Marathon is honored to join Benjamin, his family, and therapist in his marathon. Keep going Benjamin...the sky is the limit!