WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Racers are getting ready to lace up their shoes for the 15th Annual Cantrell Center 5K and 1-mile Fun Run.
The Cantrell Center says its mission is to train and support people on their health and wellness journey, fight obesity and make a difference beyond the race.
However, this 5K isn't just a race. It promotes a healthy lifestyle and addresses obesity in Central Georgia.
Tassie Cantrell is the owner and CEO of The Cantrell Center in Warner Robins.
She says her passion is to help people and teach them the healthy habits of life.
"If we can have a healthy Georgia, we're going to be contributing to a stronger America," Cantrell said. "If you commit to this, you can begin to develop a habit. As we begin to develop those habits, we begin to reap those benefits of the changes that are happening within our bodies."
When it comes to reaping the benefits, Ronda Deppen has relied on her physical therapists to help her get back on track.
"I was actually given less than 1% chance of ever walking again, and I told the doctors no," Deppen said.
Deppen had an abscess on her spine that erupted last year, leaving her a paraplegic.
With determination, she raced in the 1 mile Fun Run last year using her walker.
Deppen says she's working hard for this year's race.
"Just keep pushing," Deppen said. "You want something to happen, you have to make it happen. You can't lie down and just let the doctors tell you it's not going to happen, you're not going to be able to do this. You have to tell yourself and you have to fight for it, and that's what I'm doing."
Braxton Hurt is one of Deppen's physical therapists, and he's worked close with her for the past year.
"She's a living walking testament that anything's possible when you put your mind to it and when you put in some hard work," Hurt said. "What she doesn't realize is that she's inspired several other patients."
Deppen says she looks forward to running the race with her Lofstrand crutches, and seeing the community support and cheer everyone to the finish line.
"They support me one hundred percent and I can't explain what kind of motivation that gives me," Deppen said. "Knowing that they believe in me makes me believe in myself."
The race is on Saturday, starting at the Cantrell Center.
The 5K starts at 8:30 a.m. and the 1-mile Fun Run at 9-15 a.m.
Proceeds benefit Atrium Health Navicent's Beverly Knight Olson Children's Hospital.
Our very own Katelyn Heck will be EmCee-ing the race too!