Ken Garrison grew up in Chicago before moving to Rolling Meadows. He has been running for four years, when he and his wife Val decided to take up running as a couple, he and his wife have run multiple marathons. It’s their 2nd Chicago Marathon, running both for Family Empowerment Center. He’s also ran Ultra Runs, such as the Lakefront 50K (31 miles). Val and Ken run together everyday. This is the one recreational thing they have exclusively done together and it has brought them closer. Val had been a runner before Ken, as she ran cross country in H.S . She has brought Ken along with her in her love for running. Currently, Val is a Cross Country coach for Christian Liberty, which gives her a lot of experience in the running circuit. Ken is a construction superintendent. They have two children, Kenny (12) and Emily (10). Kenny is beginning to follow in his parents’ footsteps as he is running two 5ks. Their family has been attending Harvest Bible Church for 13 years and Ken and Val have been serving with the Children’s ministry for the last 10 years, while their children have been involved.

Ken heard about FEC through Steve Pawela, who was previously involved with FEC setting up the facility’s HCAV. When asked what he likes most about FEC, Ken responded: “Its grassroots. Scott and the Center strive more closely to what the book of Acts says we are to live. A lot of humble poured out Christians work here, reflecting Christ, and loving their neighbor as themselves.”