Over the Rainbow plans race to honor resident.
Val Nora, seated, with her cousin Grace Martinsen. Credit: Robin Subar
She was the queen of the castle.
That’s how Over the Rainbow resident Michael Pearce described Valerie Nora, another resident who recently died.
On July 12, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., OTR will host the Val Nora 5k in her honor. The race will have an inclusive 5k and 2k option with the ability to walk, run, or roll.
All proceeds will help OTR provide essential health and wellness services to residents, such as art therapy, wheelchair yoga, cooking classes, balancing a checkbook, and other skills for living independently with a physical disability.
Over the Rainbow is a nonprofit in Evanston with other locations in the Chicago area that provides affordable and accessible housing, along with services for adults with physical disabilities who want to live independently.
Pearce was in a motor vehicle accident at age 18. For the past 10 years, he has been a resident at OTR. He said it is one of the best places on planet Earth for someone with a physical disability to live because it is so accessible and adaptable.
Living in a community with others who also have physical disabilities is inspiring, Pearce says. They come together for holiday parties and art classes, or events such as the race to connect and learn each other’s stories, he said.
“I feel like this building can propel you into whatever you want to do,” Pearce said.
