Abby Brinkman 5K Run/Walk

Abby’s House was dedicated in November, 2008, in memory of Abigail Brinkman who was completing her 4th year at Indiana University School of Medicine when she died in a tragic scuba/boating accident in 2005 while serving a rotation in Tropical Medicine at the Hillside Clinic in Eldridgeville, Belize. The dormitory provides much needed housing for 15-16 medical, nursing, PA and physical therapy students from around the world. She received her M.D. posthumously in May, 2006.

The first Abby Brinkman 5K Run/Walk was held in 2006 and it has become an annual event. Her longtime friend and fellow classmate, Amy Macy, organized this race for the past 13 years and this year is being coordinated through the Foundation for Youth. Abby was a graduate of Columbus East H.S. and Hanover College and was a beautiful, multi-talented and outstanding young woman who had hoped to continue to do medical mission work after becoming a physician.

The proceeds of this event goes to help maintain Abby’s House at the Hillside Clinic.  Abby had planned to become a pediatrician and her parents believe she would be thrilled to be remembered in this way. The additional participation by the Girls on the Run adds a special dimension as a remembrance of her love of children.