Marathon of Love

This a little late in posting, but as it was VD day yesterday it has some relevance.

Here’s the press release:

VALENTINE’S DAY ENCORE PRESENTATION OF MARATHON LOVE CHRONICLES A COUPLE’S MIRACULOUS JOURNEY FROM A PARALYZING ACCIDENT TO THE BOSTON MARATHON

– Hour-Long Special Following the Tragedy-to-Triumph Fairy Tale of Jamie and Lynn Parks, Airs Saturday, February 14, at 8 PM (ET/PT) on Discovery Health –

(Los Angeles, CA.)-Just before her wedding day in 1987, Lynn Parks’ dream of walking down the aisle was shattered when a devastating car accident left her comatose and clinging to life. Miraculously, she awoke seven months later to find that her fiancé, Jamie, had never left her side. However, her struggle was not nearly over, as she had suffered a brain stem injury rendering her unable to ever stand or walk on her own again.

Fast-forward to 2008-this amazing husband-and-wife team has now run more than 12,000 miles and completed several marathons-and are the proud parents of an 8-year-old daughter. On Saturday, February 14, at 8 PM (ET/PT), Discovery Health presents a Valentine’s Day presentation of MARATHON LOVE, an engrossing hour-long special that weaves together professional footage with Jamie’s personal home videos to tell a tale of true love, perseverance and the power of the human spirit.

Even during the darkest days after the accident, Jamie’s faith never wavered-and after seven years of grueling physical and speech therapy, he and Lynn finally walked down the aisle on their wedding day. An avid runner, Jamie began to push Lynn in her wheelchair as he ran the one-mile loop through their Chicago neighborhood. Soon after, the couple began entering races, eventually qualifying for the ultracompetitive 2008 Boston Marathon.

While the Boston Marathon was a lifelong dream for Jamie and Lynn, they will tell you that it doesn’t compare with another miracle that occurred eight years ago. Doctors had told Lynn that because of her injuries, she would not be able to have children-but in 2000, Lynn gave birth to a healthy and happy girl, Annalyn. As a baby, Annalyn sat on her mother’s lap as Jamie pushed them in more than 50 races. Now 8 years old, Annalyn shares her parents’ passion and often accompanies them on their daily runs.

MARATHON LOVE is an inspiring account of a family coming together that serves as a moving reminder of the power of love and the strength of the human spirit.