Support Britten's Race to Recovery







On February 27, 2017 around 7:00pm, my brother, Britten Olinger, was in a terrible car accident. He was hit by an erratic driver in Black Mountain, NC. Britten is currently in ICU at Mission Hospital Trauma Center in Asheville, NC.

He severed his spinal cord at the C7/T1 vertebrae. He has fractures in his pelvis/lower back, he has a broken left arm, he has traumatic injury to his lungs, and he has a small brain bleed. He is currently sedated on a paralytic.

My brother may never walk again. Britten has been a track and cross country coach for all of his adult life. He began his coaching career at Patrick Henry High School in Glade Spring, VA, and then he coached at Abingdon High School in Abingdon, VA. Britten then moved to the collegiate level, and after a few years, worked his way to becoming the Head Indoor/Outdoor Coach at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, VA. He is currently the Head Track & Field Coach at Montreat College in Black Mountain, NC.

To say that my brother loves to run is an understatement. Britten achieved many achievements on the track in high school as well as running cross country in college at The University of Virginia College at Wise in Wise, VA. He has studied the art of running, he has mastered the technique, and he has positively impacted numerous athletes in his coaching career. We have faith that God has a plan; there is a reason and Britten has the will.

He is an inspiration to so many people. He is a true servant to God. His smile, oh man, his smile! His smile can light up the room and his laugh is contagious. Britten has the ability to make you feel important and he has a personality that draws you to want to know him. 

My brother has a higher purpose than to simply coach track. My brother uses his life to lead others to God. Every person he meets can sense the "good" surrounded by my brother. For this tragedy to happen to a man of God, assures us that there is a plan for Britten far greater than our own understanding.

Britten's recovery will take years and his entire life will be changed forever. He will also spend a considerable amount of time in ICU and will be sent to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA for rehabilitation. He has a long road to recovery; however, he has all the training to win the race.

Did I mention he has a 10 month old baby girl and another baby on the way? His daughter Kolbie is his whole world and his wife is due in October 2017! Britten is married to Samantha Olinger of Virginia Beach, VA. They have been together since 2009 and they were married in 2014. They live an active lifestyle and even have 3 large dogs.

We are asking for your help. Please consider donating to help Britten win the race! He has been training his whole life, and God has placed the toughest road in front of him. I have complete faith my brother is strong enough, because he is #BrittenStrong. If you feel lead, share this story with others at your work, church, and social media.

The money will be used to support his pregnant wife and his precious daughter. It will be used to cover surgical costs, hospital bills, and travel expenses. The money will also be used to accommodate the requirements Britten will need with his injuries; including a home renovation in order to make their house wheelchair accessible, as well as a wheelchair-friendly van.