The group gathered at the State Capitol today to make sure brain injury victims would be on the minds of Missouri legislators this session.

Matthew Kurz was put into a coma when his car was crushed in an accident. The accident also confined him to a wheelchair, but the deepest damage isn't visible on the outside.

"All the neurons in his brain pulled apart. We did not know if Matthew was ever going to walk or move, or take care of himself," Matthew's mom Brenda said.

Now Brenda has to help her son with small tasks such as putting on a shirt.  That is why she and her son joined supporters at the Capitol. They want more legislation to help brain injury victims as well as tougher seat belt laws and helmet laws.

Brenda has made her own efforts to raise awareness.  Smith-Cotton High School students raised money for Brenda's "Journey for Hope" project, a walk and 5K run to be held on Sept. 19. 

Brenda said she keeps fighting for hope because, "Legislation would be helpful for those of us who have a marathon. A journey that will never end taking care of our loved one with a brain injury."

Brenda is most proud of the lives Matthew has touched along the way.

Journey for Hope is a brain injury and awareness walk and 5K run. The event is set for September 19, 2009 at 9:30 A.M. The race starts at the Matthewson Exhibition Center on the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia, and proceeds go to brain injury survivors in Missouri. For more information, call 660-829-4100.