Virden Wins Cigna Falmouth Road Race Challenge Essay Contest
Posted Tuesday, 8 July, 2008
It’s been an uphill battle for Madison, Wis., resident Kim Virden. After a severe skiing accident at age 17 she suffered a traumatic brain injury that left her with a seizure disorder, vision problems and learning disabilities. Despite this, Virden has achieved goals many people without her challenges might find out of their reach.
In the 28 years since her accident Virden has run three marathons, carried the Olympic torch and started a local chapter of the Achilles Track Club, a non-profit worldwide organization that works to help people with disabilities compete in mainstream athletic events, in her hometown. Virden, 46, can now add to her list of accomplishments that she has been named the winner of the CIGNA Falmouth Road Race Challenge.
“I am thrilled to have been selected as the winner of the essay contest,” said Virden. “It’s been a long road to recovery for me, but one thing that has always been consistent is my desire to continue to be active and to never give up. I am honored to be running as a member of the CIGNA Running Team this August at the CIGNA Falmouth Road Race.”
In support of its mission to help improve health, well-being and security of individuals, CIGNA is once again, for the third consecutive year, serving as the title sponsor of the race. Virden, a software systems administrator, was one of many who submitted an essay this past February in response to CIGNA's nationwide call for contest entries that asked individuals who currently have, or have overcome, a life-altering disability or illness to share their personal triumph stories and why they want to race in Falmouth. As the winner, Virden and a guest will receive an all-expense-paid trip to participate in the CIGNA Falmouth Road Race Aug. 10, 2008 in Falmouth, Mass.
“Kim’s story should be an inspiration to each of us as she has overcome – what most would consider - insurmountable obstacles to live life to the fullest and to contribute to her community,” said Karen Rohan, president of CIGNA Group Insurance and CIGNA Dental. “We are very pleased to welcome her as a member of the CIGNA Running Team this year.”
Virden was named Athlete of the Year by The Achilles Track Club in 2007 and was recently recognized by the Brain Injury Association with an Individual Achievement Award for her life’s work and giving back to the community. Since she started the Madison, Wis., chapter of the Achilles Track Club in 2005, membership has grown to almost 50 active members in just three short years.
To learn more about the CIGNA Falmouth Road Race and Kim’s road to the race, visit CIGNA's website at www.cigna.com/falmouthroadrace.
About CIGNA
CIGNA Corporation (NYSE: CI) and its subsidiaries, with total assets of $44 billion and an employee base of approximately 26,500, constitutes one of the largest publicly-owned employee benefits organizations in the United States and throughout the world. Its subsidiaries are major providers of employee benefits offered through the workplace, with products and services including health care, group life, accident and disability insurance, dental, vision, behavioral health, and pharmacy.
About the CIGNA Falmouth Road Race
The Falmouth Road Race was founded in 1973 and has been named the “Best USA Road Race” by Runner’s World magazine. It has also been featured in Life Magazine and Sports Illustrated, as well as on CBS television and ESPN. In 2005, it was named in Sports Illustrated “One of the 25 essential things to do in the summer.” It was the only road race listed. Proceeds from the race benefit Falmouth school programs and youth organizations. The race annually receives more than 25,000 requests for entry forms and fills its field of 10,000 in less than a week. For more information visit www.FalmouthRoadRace.com.
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