LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - On Saturday, November 22, Lock Haven University will sponsor its 3rd Annual Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk. Proceeds will go to the Star Fund and to the Brian Keefer Medical Fund. Former Pittsburgh Steeler running back Rocky Bleier will be on hand to support the event.

The Star Fund benefits families with children with disabilities. The Brian Keefer Medical Fund was established to assist the Keefer family. Brian Keefer was a junior at Lock Haven University majoring in health and physical education, now paralyzed because of a spinal injury incurred during a gymnastics event last summer.

Bleier himself is no stranger to adversity. A late-round draft pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bleier was drafted into the U.S. Army. He was sent to Vietnam and was wounded when his platoon was ambushed. With rifle wounds and grenade fragments in his legs, Bleier was barely able to walk. Refusing to accept defeat, he fought his way back and won back his spot on the Steelers. He eventually earned a spot in the starting backfield, and had a stellar career. He scored the “go-ahead” touchdown in Super Bowl XIII and when he retired from football at the end of the 1980 season, he did so with four Super Bowl Championship rings.

Bleier is now a motivational speaker, sharing the life lessons that helped him to overcome adversity. One of his key messages is “Successful people are just ordinary people doing an extraordinary job.” Bleier’s struggles and eventual success are documented in the book “Fighting Back” and in the ABC-TV movie of the week by the same name.

Bleier will sign autographs for participants and supporters of the Turkey Trot, asking that people make a donation to the fundraiser. Keefer and his parents will also attend the event.

Pre-registration for the 5K Run/Walk is $15 and $20 on the day of the event. For further information, contact Patricia S. Lally, 570-484-2824 or plally@lhup.edu.