Janelle Morrison (Calgary Triathlete) Seriously Injured in Car Accident

"Every memorable act in the history of the world is a triumph of enthusiasm. Nothing great was ever achieved without it because it gives any challenge or any occupation, no matter how frightening or difficult, a new meaning. Without enthusiasm you are doomed to a life of mediocrity but with it you can accomplish miracles."~Og Mandino
1923-1996, Author of A Better Way To Live

"Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall" Confucious.


Update as of November 25:


From Jordan Bryden:


Janelle Has had both her ankle and her elbow/ arm repaired in her latest surgery. This is the last surgery that she will have to undergo. RIght now the focus is on getting her rested so that (hopefully) tomorrow they can extubate her so she can start breathing on her own. Janelles mom told me that she asked J to try to move her right ...leg today, and she was able to wiggle her toes. I think this is a promising step forward.

All the donations that have been collected online will be sent to Joy Morrison so that Janelle has access to that money when it is needed. All you notes (that have been sent to tricommitment@gmail.com have been saved and will be given to J as soon as she is well enough to read again.

Thank you so much for your support!

How to donate:


http://web.me.com/jordanbryden/tricommitment/Spin_a_thon.html

Update November 24:

http://triathlon.competitor.com/2010/11/news/canadian-professional-triathlete-in-a-coma-after-car-accident_17098

 Donations can be made directly to help support Janelle's recovery.  Information is located here:

http://web.me.com/jordanbryden/tricommitment/Spin_a_thon.html


Outpour of Support for Calgary Triathlete Injured in Car Accident CALGARY, Alberta (November 23, 2010)-

Former Calgary schoolteacher turned professional Ironman triathlete, Janelle Morrison, was involved in a serious head on collision west of Revelstoke, B.C. on November 21. Janelle is currently listed in stable condition however has suffered extensive injuries.

Due to the serious nature of her injuries Janelle had to be airlifted hospital in Kamloops, BC where she is currently in the Intensive Care Unit. Doctors state that had it not been for her exceptional physical condition, she may not have survived her injuries.

At the time of the accident Janelle was en route to Calgary to attend a Spin-a-Thon fundraiser for her and TriCommitment teammate Jordan Bryden, on Saturday, November 27. In spirit of Janelle, an athlete that never shies from adversity, TriCommitment will proceed with the Spin-a-Thon fundraiser in her honor as planned.

“Janelle is an incredible athlete and a great friend,” said Rose Serpico, co-owner of Calgary retailer Tri-It Multisport. "She is a fighter who knows how to push through adversity."

In 2008, Janelle Morrison left her full-time job as an elementary school teacher to pursue her Ironman dream in Penticton, BC. In her professional debut at Ironman Canada in 2009, Janelle raced to an overall 3rd place finish.

“Janelle and I face the same challenges of balancing training against earning a living as other professional athletes. We use fun events like this Spin-a-Thon as a way to give something back to the people who are kind enough to donate to us as emerging athletes”, said Bryden who is a London 2012 Summer Olympic hopeful. “With Janelle’s accident, we will be raising money not just so that her and I can compete, but just so that she can race again.”

TriCommitment, a unique innovative triathlon team comprised of Morrison and Bryden, aspires to share the sport of triathlon with others while raising money for emerging Canadian triathletes.

This Saturday TriCommitment will hold the Spin-a-Thon Fundraiser from 9:00am to 2:00pm in Eau Claire Market. The event has already garnered the support of star Canadian triathlete champions Simon Whitfield and Samantha McGlone who both donated signed championship race suits to the event’s evening auction.

Approximately 100-150 athletes and friends are expected to attend the indoor ride to support the athletes, supported by local coaches and fitness companies. Auction items will be on hand will include a jersey and signed hat from Lance Armstrong, and donations from many Calgary retailers.

The Spin-a-Thon will be followed in the evening by an after party and auction at 6:30pm at Spur Gastropub.

Donations will be accepted at both events for Janelle and a fund will also be set up in Janelle’s name to provide her with financial assistance during her recovery.

Participation in the fundraiser Spin-a-Thon and/or Party is open to the public, and registration is still open at www.tricommitment.com.