Tractor Fun Run 2026: Beneficiaries and Routes
The annual Floyd County Tractor Fun Run takes place this Saturday, Aug. 15, and benefits two young Floyd County boys, facing complex medical battles.
The annual Floyd County Tractor Fun Run takes place this Saturday, Aug. 15, and benefits two young Floyd County boys, facing complex medical battles.
Registration opens at 8 a.m. on Saturday at Arlie Thompson's Farm (992 Christiansburg Pike in Floyd), and the ride will begin at 10 a.m. Cost is $20 per participant (drivers and riders) with children under 14 riding for free.
Learn more about this year's beneficiaries and the route below and at www.floydcountytractorfunrun.net.
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Brady Donahue. Photos Courtesy of Floyd County Tractor Fun Run
Brady Donahue
Brady is an extraordinary young man whose kindness, compassion, and quiet strength leave a lasting impression on everyone he meets. He possesses a servant's heart, consistently placing the needs of others before his own. Whether offering words of encouragement, lending a helping hand, or quietly praying for someone in need, Brady reflects a level of faith, humility, and selflessness that inspires all who know him. His love for animals has fueled a lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian.
Brady is also exceptionally gifted in both art and music. His creativity shines through every piece he creates and his dedication often makes him the last student to leave the art room, completely immersed in his work. Music is another of his greatest passions, particularly playing the drums. Those who know him well recognize his remarkable sense of rhythm and natural musical talent. Brady also enjoys spending time outdoors with his Trail Life troop and has developed a deep appreciation for history. One of his personal goals is to visit every historic home and museum featured in Virginia's 250 Passport program.
Brady's journey as a lifelong heart warrior began before he was born. At 20 weeks gestation, his family learned that he had congenital heart disease, forever changing the path they expected their lives to take. Since then, Brady has undergone multiple open-heart surgeries at Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters in Norfolk, Virginia. Each surgery has brought its own challenges, yet Brady has faced every procedure with extraordinary courage and resilience. In December, Brady's family received the heartbreaking news that his tricuspid valve was failing. Then, in April, they learned that his pulmonary valve was also failing, marking another significant setback in his lifelong battle with heart disease. Since then, his health has steadily declined.
Today, Brady's medical challenges extend far beyond his heart. His physicians believe he may be experiencing progressive lung failure, likely related to scar tissue from his previous surgeries. He is also gradually losing his vision and has profound hearing loss in one ear. Together, these complications have dramatically changed nearly every aspect of his daily life. Not long ago, Brady could spend hours exploring the outdoors, creating artwork, enjoying music, and making memories with friends and family. Now, even routine daily activities require careful planning and frequent periods of rest simply to conserve enough energy to get through the day.
Watching such an active, joyful young man lose so much of his independence has been heartbreaking for those who love him. Yet Brady refuses to let his circumstances define him. Instead, he continues to choose hope. He greets others with kindness, offers encouragement even while carrying burdens of his own, and faces each new challenge with remarkable courage and steadfast faith. His resilience serves as a powerful reminder that true strength is measured not by the absence of hardship, but by the grace and determination with which it is endured.
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Hammond Taylor and his family. Photos Courtesy of Floyd County Tractor Fun Run
Hammond Taylor
Some of life's most extraordinary journeys begin in the most unexpected ways.
For Hammond, that journey started with what appeared to be an ordinary fall—something most parents of an active two-year-old would consider part of childhood. However, when he continued to experience discomfort the following day, his family trusted their instincts and scheduled an appointment with his pediatrician. That decision would ultimately prove life-changing.
Initial testing, including an ultrasound, provided few answers. A subsequent CT scan revealed a significant finding: a 10.2 cm × 6.1 cm arachnoid cyst located adjacent to Hammond's brain.
Hammond was promptly referred to the pediatric neurology team at Duke Health for further evaluation. Specialists determined that the cyst was a Category 3 arachnoid cyst—the largest classification—and one he had likely been born with. The cyst had caused a 5 mm midline shift of his brain and was placing increasing pressure near his left optic nerve. To relieve the pressure, protect his developing brain, and preserve his vision, his medical team recommended surgery to safely restore normal cerebrospinal fluid circulation. With faith, hope, and confidence in his physicians, Hammond and his family moved forward with surgery on March 30.
Today, just four months after surgery, Hammond is thriving. While his journey continues, each follow-up appointment and MRI brings encouraging progress and renewed hope. Ongoing monitoring remains an important part of his care, but every milestone serves as a testament to his remarkable recovery and the exceptional care he has received. Hammond's story is about far more than a medical diagnosis. It is a story of courage, perseverance, and the enduring power of hope. It is a reminder of the importance of trusting parental instincts, celebrating every milestone, and recognizing the extraordinary strength that can be found in even the youngest hearts.
Hammond's joyful smile, resilient spirit and determination continue to inspire everyone who has the privilege of knowing him. Although his journey is still unfolding, one thing is already certain: he has met every challenge with extraordinary courage, and his story will continue to encourage and inspire others for years to come.
2026 Route
Right on 221 East Main Street
Left at traffic light Rt. 8 South
Left on 710 Storter Knob
Right on 710 Woods Gap
Left on 637 New Heaven Rd
Left on 860 Shooting Creek
Right on 681 Franklin Pike
Left on 682 Harvest-wood Rd
Right on 600 Sandy Flats
Left 679 Poor Farm Rd
Right on Rt.221
Left on 679 Bethlehem Church Rd
Right on 608 Sunny Ridge Rd
Right on 608 Hale Rd
Left on 612 Stonewall Rd
Left on 673 Coles Knob
Right at Peaceful Settings Farm
LUNCH BREAK
Right on 673 Coles Knob
Right on 679 Bethlehem Church
Left on 686 Moores Rd
Left on 615 Christiansburg Pike
Return to Arlie Thompson's Farm
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