Taylor Morris and Danielle Kelly Say Cedar Valley is Inspirational; Couple Wants to Give Back

It has been just over a year since Cedar Falls native Taylor Morris stepped on an improvised explosive device while serving with the U.S. Navy in Afghanistan.

Since then, while recovering from losing part of all four limbs in the blast, Morris and his girlfriend Danielle Kelly, also of Cedar Falls, have been flooded with attention. They have been the subjects of interviews, fundraisers, awards and even a parade in Morris's honor.

Now they want to pay some of that support forward and give back to the community that has given them so much.

"People have told us time and time again how inspiring we have been," the couple said in an email. "The truth of the matter is the way the community rallied together to support one of their own is inspiring us."

That's why they're hosting a Glow Stick 5K Run fundraiser for a second time this year, but this time with a twist. Last year their friends organized the event to raise money for them. This year, the couple decided to still hold the event - but to donate all the funds to someone else.

They are asking for nominations of inspirational people from around the Cedar Valley. One of those inspirational people will receive the funds raised at this year's Glow Stick Run.

"We have been extremely fortunate to receive so much support from the community this last year," Kelly and Morris wrote. "It has been hard for us to find the words to explain just how appreciative we have been for every form of support we have encountered throughout this journey, but this is our way to give back in a very small way."

The Glow Stick Run will happen Aug. 24 at 9 p.m. at Gateway Park in Cedar Falls. The runners are encouraged to cover themselves with glow sticks, so that the whole group glows in the dark along the route.

Nominations of inspirational people are due Aug. 4, two weeks before the race. Several finalists and their stories will be featured on the Taylor Morris Glow Stick 5K event page on Facebook, where the community will be able to vote. The person who will receive the funds will be announced at the end of the race.

"We understand other people in the community have experienced hardships but pushed through or are pushing through; striving to come out on top. We know the community has lots and lots of people who live a selfless life that is inspiring to those around them," Morris and Kelly wrote. "We want to hear about all these individuals. We want to recognize these inspirational people."

Glow Stick 5K Run Details and Nomination Form:

Date: August 24th
Where: Gateway Park in Cedar Falls
Time: 9 p.m.
Price: $25 (Students: $20)

To sign up/Enter please download and print information sheet and mail in your money/information as directed.

Sign up sheet —> Taylor Morris Brochure – Glowstick 5K

To nominate someone who inspires you: www.taylormorris.org/5k 

Facebook Event Page
Promo Video: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=4911474542717

Race Festivities begin: 7:45 p.m.
Race Begins at 9 p.m.
Music after-party at The Hub begins after race.