Meet Eugene. Eugene is a member of Back on My Feet Atlanta. Back on My Feet is a national for-purpose 501(c)3 organization that uses running to help those experiencing homelessness change the way that they see themselves so they can make a real change in their lives that results in employment and independent living. Here is Eugene’s story.
Here are things you should know about Eugene:
He is a veteran, and he loved serving and protecting his country.
He came home from Afghanistan in 2011 with plans for barbecues, and instead found a foreclosure notice on the door. His wife left a note that said the only married him for his military salary, and she was gone with all of his money.
He lost his home that he had owned for 11 years. He loved to cut the grass. After sleeping in a laundromat for weeks after arriving home from Afghanistan, Eugene decided to seek support. With no money for a bus fare, he walked 8 hours to Fort McPherson to talk to VA representatives.
How and why did you get involved with Back on My Feet?
I am really health conscious, and I wanted to be in the best physical condition possible. Society says once you get a certain age you can’t do things, but I want to prove you can. I played professional football in 1985 (US Football League), and I feel like I could still compete. (Eugene is 54) It is important to me to stay in that condition. I love to sprint the end of a long run to show I have the power to run 40-60 yards just as fast as if I was fresh.
Once I got involved with Back on My Feet, I realized it is so much more than running. Back on My Feet is my family. They helped me get my life in order, through running, job training, and love.
Eugene started running in December, 2013, and just a few short months later, he finished his first half marathon in March of 2014. Since then, Eugene has run:
· 1 full marathon, 3 half marathons
· 2 – 15Ks
· 3 – 10ks
· 1 – 4 miler
· 8 – 5Ks
· He’s logged over 700 miles
At Mizuno, we believe that sports have the power to transform. More specifically – we truly believe that every mile can change you. Each run brings a new experience to each runner – transforming them along the way whether they realize it or not! How has running transformed you?
Running has made me a better person. It has made me more of a thinker, more patient, more relaxed, more humble, and more grateful. I am more caring towards others. Running is a community. When I see people struggling in a race, especially the elderly, I want to help them finish. In the 2014 Peachtree Road Race, I saw a woman that was struggling toward the end. I took her arm and got her to the finish line. She introduced me to her husband and her family. That was special.
When you see people who love running – pregnant women, families, children, and older people – how can you not get excited?
Eugene was the 100th member of Back on My Feet Atlanta to move into his own apartment. He works part time at both The Home Depot and the VA.
“Back on My Feet gave me the tools and courage to succeed. Things I could have never imagined are now open to me. This is what we need to feel normal and get back on our feet. Just to know someone cares.” ~Eugene
Learn more about ways you can be involved with Back on My Feet, visit their website: http://www.backonmyfeet.org/get-involved