"I Saw My Calling to Help Others"
While serving in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan in 2006, Gretchen Evans suffered a life-altering brain injury, resulting in an abrupt end to her 27-year military career. The blast from a rocket that exploded near her caused her brain to swell, affecting her short-term memory, cognitive function, and sensitivity to light, and leaving her completely deaf.
As a U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major, Gretchen held the highest enlisted rank, and at age 46, she was in the prime of her military career. She was also an avid runner, having finished countless marathons since her early 20s.
"I had to rethink everything that I’d previously taken for granted—my job, my ability to communicate with others, and my future," she said.
Gretchen decided she wasn’t going to let her disability define her. She started to heal emotionally by learning about her injury through reading, taking classes, and engaging with organizations that provide support to wounded veterans.
Gradually, she was able to visualize her new life as a Deaf person with a traumatic brain injury who could inspire and encourage others like her. In 2019, Gretchen founded Team UNBROKEN to give her runs and other endurance events a purpose beyond the physical. All members of the adaptive ability team have endured some form of life-altering injury, illness, trauma, or disability.
"I saw my calling to help others raise money for their causes and give back to those like me," she said. The goal of Team UNBROKEN is to find different charities to commit to that align with their messaging.
In 2022, Gretchen won the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the ESPYs. She continues to participate in adventure races and events around the world with Team UNBROKEN. Her run at the United Airlines NYC Half this year will benefit Hope Story.
Read another inspiring story about an entrant in the United Airlines NYC Half, Jacob Hoyos, here.
The views expressed by those featured in our blog are their own and their inclusion on our website does not imply an endorsement by NYRR of them or their views.
Photo courtesy Capt. Robert Evans, Chaplain, US Navy (retired)