ALBANY, NY: June 29, 2017 – Athletic trainer and passionate brain injury advocate Douglas Sawyer announced today that he will bike 3,600 miles to raise awareness and funds to support the Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS). Sawyer’s ride will commence in Portland, Ore. on July 9 and will conclude nearly four weeks later in Battery Park in New York, N.Y.
“I’ve been wanting to do something like this for years, but finally got the courage to go through with it,” said Sawyer. “I have such a strong connection with the cause as I know several people that have suffered a traumatic brain injury and have not fully recovered. It is hard seeing people go through the experience alone. My hope is that this ride will help raise awareness of brain injury and provide much needed financial support for BIANYS.”
Sawyer has been an athletic trainer for more than 20 years and has worked with countless athletes that have sustained concussions. He also serves as the newsletter chair and editor for the New York State Athletic Trainers’ Association, a partner organization to the Brain Injury Association of New York State.
“We are extremely grateful for Douglas’s commitment and dedication to raise awareness of brain injury,” said BIANYS Executive Director Eileen Reardon. “In addition to his athletic ability and his service to the brain injury community, Douglas’s passion and devotion to ride across the country to raise funds for our organization means so much to us. We wish Douglas and his cycling partner Douglas Forsyth a successful trip and look forward to celebrating with him when he returns to New York.”
An estimated 5.2 million Americans currently live with disabilities resulting from brain injury. Every year, falls, assaults, strokes and other incidents result in brain injury for tens of thousands of New Yorkers.
For more information or to donate to BIANYS, visit www.bianys.org. For live updates of Douglas Sawyer’s cross-country ride, like BIANYS on Facebook and follow BIANYS on Twitter and Instagram @BIAofNYS.