When Grit Meets Grace

Christian Fox’s Journey of Recovery

Writer Shannon Severson // Photography Courtesy of the Fox Family

When then-14-year-old Christian “CJ” Fox took to the track in his beloved sport of motocross in September 2022, a tragic accident changed his life — and the lives of his family and friends forever. He suffered severe injuries to his body and brain and was not expected to survive. After six months in the hospital, he returned to his Anthem home unable to eat, speak or walk.

CJ conquered the odds and has made remarkable progress over the last three years. His fight continues — but it’s an expensive one.

The Grit Like CJ 5K race on Saturday, Dec. 27, at Peoria’s Rio Vista Community Park will raise needed funds for many of CJ’s therapies and treatments that are not covered by health insurance. It is a celebration of his determination and also a space for other families who have endured life-altering accidents to share their stories.

“Dedication, determination, perseverance and grit are all words to describe Christian,” his mother, Lori, explains. “He went from being told he would never survive or do anything again to breathing on his own, communicating with his eyes, and moving medical mountains each day. He does not give up and wants to show others that God is certainly real and working through him each day.”

Lori says she and her husband, David, hope to use some of the funds raised to purchase a specialized “journey frame” that will allow CJ to stand and walk with assistance.

Lori’s coworker and friend, Emily Claus says the idea came to her on one of her own runs.

“My husband and I have been blessed by the Fox family’s friendship and encouraged by their faith in God,” Claus explains. “I’d been reflecting on how hard Christian had been working, and the word ‘grit’ kept coming to mind — it’s a word I heard his parents use to describe him and it perfectly captured his spirit.

“‘Grit Like CJ 5K’ popped into my head almost immediately. I genuinely believe it was the Lord’s prompting. I pitched the idea to Dave and Lori, and they were on board. Since then, a lot of people have been supportive in getting it up and running. 4Peaks Racing has been an incredible partner.”

The Grit Like CJ 5K is more than just a race. It’s a celebration of CJ’s astounding determination and resilience. The event sends a powerful message of hope and encouragement to anyone facing life-altering challenges.

As participants make their way around the park’s scenic lake and adjacent New River Trail on either a 5K or 1-mile trek, they’ll have the chance to connect with CJ and his family as well as other families and individuals who are battling back from life-altering accidents and will benefit from the funds raised.

“What we’ve learned through this journey is that all families need help,” Lori says. “We want to serve families with similar struggles. In the hospital, we brought food, sent inspiring messages, prayed for others and helped create a space for other families to share their stories.

“Since Christian has been home, he has donated supplies, equipment and therapy tools to other families who do not receive all they need for their children. Christian wants others battling the same struggles to not give up — to keep going and to find strength in God, for there is a purpose in all of us.”

As the day dawns on the Grit Like CJ 5K, so will the positive inspiration of the Fox family and their many supporters. Ultimately, the race is a testament to the transformative power of community, faith and the indomitable human spirit embodied by CJ. It’s a light that shines brightly for all to see — a light of hope, a message that no one must battle alone and anything is possible with faith and grit.

Grit Like CJ 5K Race

Saturday, Dec. 27 // 9 a.m. // Rio Vista Community Park // 8866 W. Thunderbird Road, Peoria // $30+ // 4peaksracing.com/events/grit-like-cj-2025