For Atlanta artist Angie Aparo, Saturday’s headline performance in Historic Fourth Ward Park is more than just another gig.
“It’s about community,” he told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
He's playing the National Stroke Association's Comeback Trail 5K run/walk because he knows a stroke can happen even when someone is in seemingly good health — as he was last April when he suffered a stroke.
“I came back strong from stroke and have returned to my music career with a newfound appreciation for life,” Aparo said. “Music saved me and now I want to share my gift with others by playing a few songs.”
Runners and walkers will follow a scenic route that loops around the park and connects to the Eastside Beltline Trail. The event is open to participants of all abilities and features different paths to accommodate all fitness and age levels for stroke survivors and the public. Participants will either have the option to complete a 5K course or choose a shorter route.
“The recovery journey that every stroke survivor goes through can be very personal and challenging,” said Robyn Moore, CEO of the National Stroke Association. “With these engaging 5K Comeback Trail events, we want each survivor to feel validated and empowered by their journey, while learning from the experiences of others.”
Registration for the Comeback Trail 5K opens onsite at 8 a.m. Saturday, costs $25 and incluces a T-shirt. Children under 5 are free. Aparo will play during pre-event activities and tell his story and play a song during the 9 a.m. opening ceremonies.
To register online visit www.comebackstrong.org.
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