MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. --  Runners and supporters from across the local community gathered at the Goettge Memorial Field House March 15, to participate in the 5K run, “Joggin’ for your Noggin’.”

 The Brain Injury Association of North Carolina and Right-Hand Angels, a brain injury support group for Jacksonville, N.C., sponsored the run.

 The goal of events like “Joggin’ for your Noggin’” is to raise brain injury awareness and funds and to assist brain injury survivors and their families in North Carolina.

 BIANC began working with the Wounded Warrior Battalion-East, Wounded Warrior Regiment, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, in 2007.

 “BIANC and local brain injury support groups survive through donations and sponsorships,” said Jonna Roy, the business manager for BIANC.

 March is brain injury awareness month, but BIANC strives to continue the advocacy and support for brain injury survivors and their families year-round, Roy said.

 “I have a 4-year-old son with a brain injury, so our group does all they can to supports these events,” said Staff Sgt. Robin Bristow, an internal controls officer with the Marine Corps Base Dispersion Office, and creator of Right-Hand Angels. “We want both Marines and civilians in Jacksonville to know they have a place to turn for help.”

 Sgt. Billy VanVianen, an ammunition technician with Ammunition Company, 2nd Supply Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, was the fastest over-all runner, with a time of 15 minutes, 7 seconds.

 “I enjoy these events because they give me a new challenge while providing support for a greater cause,” VanVianen said.

 Runners were not the only participants in the event. Volunteers also played a key role.

 “I really wanted to support brain injury survivors and their families,” said Donald Moore, a Marine veteran and mathematics teacher at Jacksonville High School. “I found out BIANC was working with the Wounded Warrior Battalion, and I decided to volunteer.”

 Some of the volunteers had first-hand experience with brain injuries.

 “I survived three brain tumors,” said John Yoho, a Marine veteran. “I volunteer because I know how it feels to not be able to run any more, so I’m doing what I am able to do.

 For more information about BIANC, local brain injury support groups, or upcoming events, contact BIANC at 1-800-377-1464 or visithttp://bianc.net.