Miracle Run

Published 12:00 pm Thursday, August 20, 2015

When Alexander Hamilton was born, doctors said he would never be able to walk or talk. Seven years later, he is capable of doing that and more.

With the help of the Moody Miracle League, he has transformed into an active and happy child, who has played four seasons with the team and has even learned how to hit a pitched baseball.

Alexander is one of the Moody Miracle League players who will be attending the inaugural Summer Fun Run on August 29, in Moody. Alexander’s favorite event he has participated in through the Miracle League was the Atlanta Braves baseball camp. The Miracle League travelled to Georgia for an afternoon spent running drills with Atlanta Braves players. Following the camp, players attended the Braves’ game that night.  Alexander loves to go to Braves’ games with the Miracle League, among other events they host. The group makes trips to the beach, goes bowling, learns to fish and has Christmas parties for the players.

Alexander lives with his grandparents, who make sure he is able to attend every event possible. His grandmother is Nikka Wombacher, who has volunteered as a Miracle League coach to ensure he felt comfortable. His grandfather, Bruce Wombacher, also volunteers with the organization.

Nikka Wombacher says that the league has given Alexander so much confidence, “Alexander used to be very reserved and shy, but now he is so confident and has made so many friends through the group.” The best part about the Miracle League for Nikka is the support system, “There is a whole moral support system that I didn’t even know existed here. It’s all these people with children going through the same struggles, and everyone is there for each other, and they’re completely accepting of everyone.”

Another player is Jamie Duffel, 52. She has been a member of the Moody Miracle League since it was founded. When asked what she liked most about the Miracle League, she said, “It really makes dreams come true. Growing up, I always wanted to play softball but I wasn’t able to.” The Miracle League in Moody has made that dream a reality for Jaime. It has also been a wonderful opportunity for her to get out of the house and make friends. She says that without the Miracle League, she would not have any activities in the community to be a part of. Jaime will be participating in the Summer Fun Run, but won’t be alone. She has the support of 10 friends running with her, including some of the Miracle League coaches that she is close to.

The first annual one-mile Summer Fun Run will be held August 29 at the Moody Miracle League Park. This event is open to the public and free admission. Donations are encouraged to help support the organization’s efforts to provide its members with activities to participate in. The day will start at 8 a.m. with the inaugural Fun Run. The day will be filled with other competitions, including races for specific age groups. At 9 a.m. there will be a baseball game played by the players of the Moody Miracle League. The public is encouraged to stay and cheer on the teams.

In addition to the activities mentioned above, there will be raffles for gift cards, valued up to $250. Sponsors of the league, including Target, BP, Coldstone Creamery and iTunes, have donated gift cards to help raise funds for the organization.

One thing that sets the Moody Miracle League apart from other leagues in the state is that they host activities throughout the entire year. While the main event of the organization is the baseball season, the group has event year-round to keep players involved in the community.

The Moody Miracle League has open registration throughout the entire year and welcomes anyone to join. Events like this are not possible without the support from the community. You can visit the Go Fund Me page to donate.

For questions regarding The Miracle League, contact Mary Chambliss at (615) 300-3047.