JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – At the Gate River Run, one event is dedicated to celebrating the resilience of athletes with disabilities: the Brooks Rehabilitation Challenge Mile.
Among those taking part this year is one of News4JAX’s own, show director Matt Harms.
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This is Harms’ third year participating in the Challenge Mile, a one-mile course designed for athletes with physical challenges.
A few years ago, his life changed dramatically when he developed a severe infection after stubbing his toe on a wrought-iron coffee table.
“I got an infection that went up my leg. I got sepsis. I ended up going to the hospital,” Harms said. “They couldn’t save anything below my knee to make a viable stump, so they had to take it off right above my knee. And that was within 24 hours.”
Adjusting to life as an above-the-knee amputee has not been easy. Harms said day-to-day tasks — even getting around his kitchen or apartment — were difficult at first, and he struggled with depression.
“A couple days would go by, I wouldn’t even leave my bedroom, maybe to get something to eat, but then I’m going right back to bed,” he said.
One turning point, he recalled, was as simple as opening the blinds.
“I just went, opened the blinds, and let some sunshine in. That totally helped me,” Harms said.
He credits Brooks Rehabilitation for helping him through those early weeks after his amputation.
“I was there for three weeks, and everybody there was so awesome,” he said. “I owe Brooks a lot.”
Harms’ progress is reflected in the way he’s taken on the Challenge Mile each year.
The first time, he completed it in a wheelchair. Last year, he used two canes.
This year, he aims to rely on just one cane and walk more of the route, pushing himself both physically and mentally.
“The joy that everybody has doing it is wild, like it’s through the roof,” he said. “It makes me feel good. People are out there, yelling, cheering.”
Harms said the support from the crowd, his News4JAX colleagues and Brooks staff has helped him keep moving forward.
He hopes his journey sends a message to others who may be dealing with depression, disability or major life changes.
“There is light out there, and there’s people out there that can help you,” Harms said through tears. “Let the light in, you know? We’re not guaranteed tomorrow, but we can work today for a better tomorrow.”
Harms plans to keep coming back to the Challenge Mile year after year — both to honor the care he received at Brooks and to show others facing similar challenges that a disability does not define them.
The Brooks Rehabilitation Challenge Mile follows the 15K portion of the Gate River Run and brings together athletes of all abilities in a show of perseverance, community, and hope.