Central Texas had quite the presence in this year’s Twin Cities Marathon in Minneapolis. Two local runners were selected to be in the Medtronic Global Heroes program, and I was honored to be one of them.

The Medtronic Global Heroes celebrates those who are able to participate in long distance running despite having medical devices to treat conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, spinal disorders, chronic pain or neurological disorders.

Each year, Medtronic, the world’s largest medical instrument supplier, selects a group to run in the race. They are individuals who are accomplished runners and benefit from advancements in medical technology.

This group was comprised of runners from nine nations other than the United States, including Canada, Chile, China, Finland, Italy, Serbia, South Africa, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Jill Braswell of Waco participated in the program. She benefits from a pacemaker to treat an arrhythmia.

Jill elaborated on the experience upon returning to Texas after the race.

“Participating in the Twin Cities Marathon as a Medtronic Global Hero is truly a once in a lifetime experience,” she said. “It is a life changing event, much as giving birth to your first child. Not only for the honor bestowed upon you by the Medtronic Corporation, but for the opportunity to spend four wonderful days with 24 inspiring and courageous individuals from all over the globe.”

Aside from participating in the race itself, Global Heroes awarded a travel package to fully experience a weekend in the Twin Cities, plus a $1,000 donation to a charity of choice.

I am excited to have been the second Global Hero representing Central Texas. I qualified for the program for having undergone a spinal fusion at age 18 to treat scoliosis.

Despite my condition, I have completed a marathon, two half-marathons and several road races. It’s a testament that medical devices can truly enable an active lifestyle. The donation from Medtronic was sent in my name to the National Scoliosis Foundation.

One can qualify to become a 2011 Global Hero by completing distance races with a medical device. Click here for more information.