Cap'n Kimmer Keeps Rolling out the Awards!

"The CIGNA Falmouth Road Race Challenge" is an essay contest where the winner, and a guest, will receive an all expense paid trip (up to $5,000) to participate in the CIGNA Falmouth Road Race in 2008. The contest is open to U.S. residents, who have a life altering disability or illness, or have overcome a life threatening disability or illness to tell us their personal triumph stories and why they want to race in Falmouth.

And our Kimmer is a winner!!

Madison, Wis., resident Kim Virden wins essay contest

PHILADELPHIA – May 21, 2007 – It's been an uphill battle for Madison, Wis., resident Kim Virden. After a severe skiing accident at age 17 she suffered a traumatic brain injury that left her with a seizure disorder, vision problems and learning disabilities. Despite this, Virden has achieved goals many people without her challenges might find out of their reach.

In the 28 years since her accident, Virden has run three marathons, carried the Olympic torch and started a local chapter of the Achilles Track Club, a non-profit worldwide organization that works to help people with disabilities compete in mainstream athletic events, in her hometown. Virden, 46, can now add to her list of accomplishments that she has been named the winner of the CIGNA Falmouth Road Race Challenge.

"I am thrilled to have been selected as the winner of the essay contest," said Virden. "It's been a long road to recovery for me, but one thing that has always been consistent is my desire to continue to be active and to never give up. I am honored to be running as a member of the CIGNA Running Team this August at the CIGNA Falmouth Road Race."

In support of its mission to help improve health, well-being and security of individuals, CIGNA is once again, for the third consecutive year, serving as the title sponsor of the race. Virden, a software systems administrator, was one of many who submitted an essay in February in response to CIGNA's nationwide call for contest entries that asked individuals who currently have, or have overcome, a life-altering disability or illness to share their personal triumph stories and why they want to race in Falmouth. As the winner, Virden and a guest will receive an all-expense-paid trip to participate in this year's CIGNA Falmouth Road Race.

Kim's story should be an inspiration to each of us as she has overcome – what most would consider - insurmountable obstacles to live life to the fullest and to contribute to her community," said Karen Rohan, president of CIGNA Group Insurance and CIGNA Dental. "We are very pleased to welcome her as a member of the CIGNA Running Team this year."

Virden was named Athlete of the Year by The Achilles Track Club in 2007 and was recently recognized by the Brain Injury Association with an Individual Achievement Award for her life's work and giving back to the community. Since she started the Madison, Wis., chapter of the Achilles Track Club in 2005, membership has grown to almost 50 in just three years.

To learn more about the CIGNA Falmouth Road Race and Kim's road to the race, visit CIGNA's website at www.cigna.com/falmouthroadrace.