Walk, run, roll or stroll with L.I.F.E.

Get ready to lace up your shoes and walk, run, roll or stroll at the 27th annual Bridging the Gap event. Living Independence for Everyone (L.I.F.E.) of Mississippi hosts the fundraiser on Oct. 5 starting at 9 a.m., with registration at 8 a.m.

This event is aimed toward empowering special-abled individuals, showing folks that they are more than their abilities. Participants will be crossing the historic Mississippi River Bridge. 

Handicapable Van & Mobility Products, one of L.I.F.E.’s sponsors for Bridging the Gap.

“We chose Vicksburg because of the beautiful scenery … and the bridge because of where it’s located,” said Shirley Reed with L.I.F.E. “We wanted to empower people with disabilities so that they can feel independent. Often when people see individuals with a disability, they see their wheelchair at first, but you have to remind them that they are a person as well.”

Bridging the Gap is a fundraiser for L.I.F.E. of Mississippi, and funds go toward helping individuals who are physically disabled become more independent.

“All of the proceeds go to our different agencies,” Reed said. “They help with fixing wheelchairs, assisting with ramp accommodations and purchasing any medical supplies that are needed.”

Registration for the event is $25 and payments can be made by visiting the organization’s website or by mailing the fee to L.I.F.E. of Mississippi’s main office (4116 Washington St., Vicksburg, MS 39180). Participants can also register the morning of the event.

Scott Crawford, L.I.F.E. Advisory Council, and Desmeon Thomas, healthy opportunity transition specialist with L.I.F.E.

The fee will pay for access across the bridge and a T-shirt.

L.I.F.E. of Mississippi would like to extend warm gratitude to the City of Vicksburg and Ameristar Casino for being sponsors of the event.

For more information, contact Shirley Reed at 601-594-7555.