First-place finish fueled by community, heart and patriotism

MOUNT PLEASANT—As communities across America gathered to celebrate Independence Day and the 250th anniversary of the nation, one story unfolded in Mount Pleasant that highlighted hope, perseverance and the power of people coming together.

For the past five years, Joey Lower has volunteered at Intermountain Sanpete Valley Hospital, working alongside Field Logistics Manager Melissa Reese. One of Lower’s favorite traditions each year was participating in local Fourth of July parades. So, when the hospital decided this year to shift its focus from sponsoring a parade float to supporting community initiatives that promote mental well-being, physical health and other important social needs, Lower was understandably disappointed.

Knowing how much Lower enjoyed participating in community celebrations, Reese dreamed up a new idea. She approached his parents about entering Lower in the Mount Pleasant Independence Day 5K. With their enthusiastic support, Reese presented the idea to Lower, and he was immediately excited.

Preparing for the race became a team effort. Each Monday during Lower’s volunteer shift, he and Reese practiced on the hospital loading dock.

“Part of the practice to get ready for the 5K race was each Monday, for a few minutes during Lower’s shift, we would go out to the loading dock, and I would practice running and pushing him up and down the loading dock area,” Reese said.

Those practice sessions were about more than training. They helped build confidence, determination and anticipation for a goal neither of them had accomplished together before.

Race day arrived as the community celebrated 250 years of America. Lower sat proudly in his wheelchair beside Reese at the starting line of his first 5K at 6:30 a.m. They were supported by Reese’s husband, Troy, and their son, who stood ready to help on the steep hills.

The challenge was shared by the entire team. At times during the race, Lower would candidly say, “This is hard!”

His words reflected what everyone involved was feeling. The hill was steep. The effort was real. But so was the determination.

“I would run as much as I could,” Reese said, “and then Troy would take over some of the uphill sections while I reset, and then I would take over again.”

Together, they pushed forward, one hill, one step and one act of encouragement at a time.

As they approached the finish line, the emotion of the moment became overwhelming. Reese, Troy, their son and Ben Robison joined Lower for the final stretch, helping him complete the journey.

With cheers from the crowd and tears in many eyes, Lower crossed the finish line.

The team not only finished the race but also earned a first-place medal for his age group. But the true victory was bigger than any medal.

It was a reminder that the strength of a community is found in the way people support one another. It was a celebration of friendship, inclusion and the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to participate, achieve and be celebrated.

In a year dedicated to honoring America’s past, Lower and Reese’s journey reflected values that have defined the nation for generations: resilience, determination, compassion and service to others.

“At Intermountain Sanpete Valley Hospital, we believe that health is built not only through excellent medical care, but through connection, belonging, and community support. Lower’s story is a beautiful example of what can happen when people come together to lift one another up.”

Inspired by the experience, Lower has already decided his participation in the Mount Pleasant Independence Day 5K will become an annual tradition. Every Fourth of July, Lower, Reese and their support team plan to return to the starting line, ready to tackle the course together once again.

Because sometimes the greatest victories aren’t measured by crossing a finish line first—they’re measured by the people who stand beside us every step of the way.