Until We Can Run Again

         Bernard Prince suffered from the very beginning! When he was born, he looked different. His upbringing was grounded in witchcraft.   Bernard suffered horrible “treatments” at the instruction of witchcraft healers. What Bernard now knows is that he has an extremely rare pathology called Kugelberg Welander Syndrome. Kugelberg Welander Syndrome is a form of spinal muscular atrophy characterized by muscle weakness and atrophy. This results from progressive degeneration and irreversible loss of specific cells in the spinal cord. Unfortunately, Bernard was not accurately diagnosed until his 20’s after suffering many falls and broken bones. 

          As a teenager, unaware of his diagnosis, Bernard had a passion for football, martial arts and athletics however he was unable to keep up with his friends. He suffered abuse and discrimination because others just assumed he was just lazy. Bernard even joined the Army but was unable to complete basic training and was further abused by his drill Sergeant.   Bernard's desire for running was born when his disease progressed and he lost his ability to run.  

           At this point, knowing his strength was poor, Bernard set aside his passion for athletics and in turn focused on his faith and music. Bernard overcame his abuse and suffering to become a Pastor, musician, author, husband and father. Bernard is now a retired Pastor from inner city Canton, Ohio. Canton, Ohio is also where Bernard attended Physical Therapy over the years at Aultman Hospital. 

          During the COVID pandemic, Bernard was advised to stop physical therapy to avoid risk of COVID exposure. He was mostly homebound during this time and his physical abilities continued to decline. He found himself in a darkness of social isolation and progressive disease. It was as if the world had forgotten him. 

        In 2022, Bernard returned to Physical Therapy. He had lost additional physical abilities, yes, but more concerningly he had lost his smile. During a Physical Therapy session, Bernard mentioned how he had never let go of his love for running. He mentioned that he would seek out track events on television to watch. Bernard then told me his plan to, “Run 10,000 miles as soon as I get to Heaven!” 

        This wrecked my heart in such a way that I had to act! Since then, our team has been fundraising to obtain a running wheelchair for Bernard. Currently, we are using a borrowed wheelchair from the Hoyt Association. We have already pushed Bernard through many races including the Canton Football Hall of Fame Marathon, The Akron Marathon and multiple 5Ks. Team Bernard raced over 80 miles in 2023!! In 2023, Pastor Bernard’s smile came back!! He has met many new racing friends. He is able to experience the excitement of racing and feel the wind on his face! He is no longer confined to a powerchair. 

         Bernard was reflecting on his past this year and he said, “I used to dream of just one time not being last.” Well, in one of our 5K runs this year, Bernard placed first in his age division! I will never forget his smile that day! As bright as the sunshine!