Everyone was there for Cody.
The runners and volunteers at Veterans Park listened intently when Sandy Clanton provided an update on her injured son, Cody Clark.
Clark, a 2010 Great Bend High School graduate, was severely injured when he and a friend, Michael D. Tysver, were rear-ended by a suspected drunk driver in Scottsdale, Ariz., after Kansas State’s Fiesta Bowl game in January.
Clark and Tysver were riding in a pedi-cab back to their hotel room after an evening of celebration. Clark has been in a coma since the Jan. 4 accident, and spent several months in an Arizona hospital. Tysver received spinal cord injuries, but was able to walk and talk and returned to Kansas for rehabilitation.
Clanton said Cody has paralysis on his right side, but has started eating the last few weeks, a promising sign.
Cody does not communicate verbally, but often gives signals that he appreciates his mother’s attention.
“He will let you know things and he’ll respond to certain things,” Clanton said “Sometimes he’ll wave or give you the Peace sign when I take his picture.”
Clark recently moved to the Meadowbrook rehab facility in Gardner, where he continues to undergo daily physical therapy.
Clark’s family continues to incur medical bills. Saturday’s benefit race was coordinated by Dean Nuss, who grew to understand Cody’s situation through the family’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/PrayingforCodyClark).
“I want to thank Dean Nuss and all of the volunteers who helped today,” Clanton said. “I’m sure Cody would be amazed by how many people who have supported him.
“It’s awesome that so many people go out of their way to do things for us,” she said. “Dean does not know my son personally, but knowing me inspired him to help us. I know Cody is so humble and appreciative of everything people have done in his behalf.”
“I’ve been a Facebook friend of the family and wanted to organize something in Cody’s behalf,” Nuss said. “But it made me appreciate how much work and detail goes into coordinating a race.”
Nuss, director of Pay It Forward ministries, is a member of Runners of Barton County. Runners competed in a 1-mile fun walk and 5K and 10K runs. T-shirts and donated prizes were awarded. Musical entertainment was provided.
Medals were awarded to the top three finishers in each age group.
Ann Schmitt (23;02) posted the fastest 5K female time and 14-year-old Kerby Depenbusch (17:57) was the fastest male.
Leslie Taylor (52:49) posted the fastest 10K female time and Dean Nuss (50:26) ran the fastest male time.
“Several runners are training for a marathon, so they were happy to get out and run,” Nuss said. “We were  really happy with everyone who attended.”
Sisters Barb Thoren, wearing neon leggings; and Sandy McMullen, sporting a green Mohawk, captured the prize for most stylish outfit.
Cody’s sister Ashley, a Kansas State student, also attended the Fiesta Bowl in Phoenix.
“Cody is a big-time football fan, a big fan of the Kansas City Chiefs,” Clanton said. “Going to a bowl is sometimes a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You don’t ever expect anything like this to happen.”
She said it’s easy to get frustrated and challenging to stay positive. She gets through each day knowing she is her son’s most ardent advocate.
“I have to keep the faith that God is healing him,” she said.
The Meadowbrook rehab facility in Gardner offers full-time skilled nursing for patients. But Clanton has helped her son get through a few close calls by monitoring his situation like any mother would do.
“It’s struggle every day to take care of appointments. I’ve learned you have to keep pushing for Cody and be his advocate,” she said. “I would do that for any of my children. I always know when he needs more medical help.”
She said Cody’s affectionate nature helps her attitude.
“It’s responsibility to take care of him and I know he’s a great young man,” she said. “When I look at him, he knows I’m there. He’s always been an affectionate kid who would hug and kiss you.”
Sandy returns to Great Bend as often as possible and one of her daughters, Stacey, has returned to Barton County to take care of her home. When she’s back home, she’s busy taking appointments as a hair stylist.
She said she’s resigned to the likelihood that Cody faces tough challenges. She is hopeful that some day his brain will recover and he’ll find a more normal life.
“I never expected it to be this long and we don’t know what Cody’s outcome will be,” she said. “I know that Cody is a fighter and he knows we have a bond. The only assurance I have is I will keep Cody in my life.”


5k Awards
Females
20-29 – 1, Ann Schmitt 23:02; 2, Stephanie Vasquez 49:18; 3, Colette Meeks 49:18.
30-39 – 1, Cindy Sandy 26:12; 2, Jessica Poe 27:24; 3, Erin Hemphill 30:55.
40-49 – 1, Sandy McMullen 26:45; 2, Kathy Briney 29:12; 3, Barb Thoren 31:41.
50-59 – 1, Sally Dreiling 29:29; 2, Nancy Klepper 30:50; 3, Rose Duvall 32:57.
Males
9 and under – 1, Skyler McMullen 29:35.
10-19 – 1, Kerby Depenbusch 17:57; 2nd, Garrett Slater 26:41; 3, Gunner Mayhugh 26:41.
20-29 – 1, Brandon Nuss 22:17.
30-39 – 1, Robert Williams 24:43.
40-49 – 1, Scott Brantley 32:31.
50-59 – 1, Jim Smith 19:49; 2, Kirk Fish 27:61; 3, Alan Stein 28:49.
10K Awards
Females
30-39 – 1 , Kelsi Glynn 56:22; 2, Lisa Klepper 59:27; 3, Carrie Feist 59:39.
40-49 – 1, Leslie Taylor 52:49; 2, Rhonda Vonfeldt 1:02:05.
50-59 – 1, Kimm Achate 1:07:34.
Males
30-39 – 1, Nick Taylor 52:48.
50-59 – 1, Dean Nuss 50:26; 2, Mike Klepper 51:50.