On September 16, 2009 our son, Justin Gabriel, sustained a traumatic brain injury from an accidental fall next to his apartment in Austin, Texas. Following his accident, Justin spent 2 weeks in intensive care at the University Hospital at Brackenridge in Austin. The neurologists at Brackenridge Hospital gave Justin a 10 % chance of recovering. In early October, Justin began his rehabilitation at Texas NeuroRehab Center (TNR). We're proud to report that Justin has so far exceeded the early prognoses. Over the last 5 months, after enduring several surgeries, intense therapy, and tremendous family support and love, Justin continues his progress today. Justin now resides at Deer Creek specialized nursing care in Wimberley Texas. Jeri and I expect that his stay at Deer Creek will be a short one. He desperately needs to return to Texas NeuroRehab to get the therapy he needs to recover.

Due to health insurance limitations and depleted financial resources we have embarked on a number of fund raising activities to support Justin's rehabilitation. His community, family, and friends have been gracious in their support for Justin, but the spiraling cost of health care has forced us to continue all efforts to support our son with his journey back from this injury. Our plan for Justin as of today is to get him back to TNR as soon as possible. Once he meets some very achievable goals at TNR, we will seek to complete his rehabilitation at CORE in Dripping Springs Texas. Those friends, family members, and caregivers who have witnessed Justin's recovery thus far know that he has come a long way and believe he will recover. It is to this end that my family remains humbled by the kindness of so many.  However, the work is not complete. We expect that Justin will need another 6 months to a year of intense therapy before he is able to come home. Justin has exceeded his health insurance allotted, 60 days of rehabilitation per calendar year. So we must continue our fund raising efforts to support our son's recovery.  Because Justin was so fit at the time of his accident he survived where most would not have.  I invite all interested parties to participate in any one of the upcoming fund raisers to support the recovery process for Justin. Your support with this amazing recovery process will give him the therapy he needs to recover. 

Sincerely,

James, Jeri, Justin, Johnathan Gabriel

Justin was raised in the Austin and Buda Texas area. By middle school, he attended the Hays School District. Justin enjoyed and competed in many sports, but during high school he turned his full attention to running and track. After competing in state championships and The Texas Relays he was offered a scholarship at Adams State College in Alamosa Colorado. Off Justin went to Colorado. After two years of training at high altitudes, his focus changed to other endeavors. Never leaving the track and cross country family, Justin would spend summers working at RunTex in Austin Texas. Justin sold shoes, did race preparation, filmed races for different organizations and became a popular figure in the Austin running community. Besides running, Justin loved cooking, writing poetry, music, cycling, hunting, fishing, and girls.  Did we mention that Justin also loved the Austin music and social scene, and girls!   Running, however, was his passion.  Justin delayed his senior year in college to immerse himself in the running world yet again. Most know this business as the center of health and fitness in the Austin Area and Justin had the privelege of being a part of it.  He was in great shape prior to his injury and had won or placed in the top tier of many large races in the Austin area.

May 8th, 2010

Location
Quail Creek Country Club
San Marcos, Texas.

Quail Creek is located in San Marcos, just off interstate 35 between Austin and San Antonio.  From Interstate 35, take Exit 205 and follow Highway 80 east (toward Luling) for one mile.  Exit Highway 21 (towards Bastrop) and turn left under the overpass.  Drive one mile to the well-marked club entrance on the left (just pass the railroad tracks). 

The needs for Justin are so great.  Please consider sponsoring a course hole or donating to help contribute to this fundraiser.  

Please contact Winn Smith for sponsorship opportunities. 

Registration Information Coming Soon

Following the conclusion of the tournament, a BBQ fundraiser and silent auction will be held at the country club

For volunteer opportunities and needs for this event, contact the organizers!