Emily Neufeld will always be a bright light in my life. In high school I was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa and have had my vision gradually decline to the point that last year I was considered legally blind. Comfortable laughing with me about my vision, Emily was always on the lookout for a hole or step that could lead to a rolled ankle or worse. Our family’s relationship, has been natural and wonderful, full of history and love. Tragically, cancer took Emily last summer.

Not long after Emily’s passing, I saw that one of my closest childhood friends from Northbrook, Liz Michael, was competing in triathlons and raising money for an organization called Dare2tri. After donating to the cause, I received a thank you call from Liz that would have a huge impact on me. Liz explained to me that Dare2tri was a non-profit organization working to positively impact the lives of athletes with physical disabilities and visual impairments by developing their skills in paratriathlon. Thinking of me and my condition, she told me she had dreamt about guiding me in a triathlon and would I be up for it. My response was a quick and enthusiastic yes!

Always thinking of others, Emily would have loved to have participated in an organization like Dare2tri. A wonderful athlete, she would have taken so much joy from helping others in the way that Liz is helping me. It is this spirt that has inspired me to train, to compete and to work towards supporting Dare2tri. Liz and I will be competing in my first triathlon on July 23 in Wauconda, IL. In honor of Emily, I’m hoping to raise money for Dare2tri as they continue to look out for others the way Emily used to look out for me.

Raising Funds and Awareness for Dare2tri - ONE SUPPORTS MANY

Dare2tri's Race2Raise program is comprised of athletes who want to make their race(s) more meaningful by supporting many! Athletes raise funds and awareness for Dare2tri by competing in triathlons, endurance races, or any type of race throughout the season.

All funds raised go directly to Dare2tri to support our athletes with physcial disabilities and visual impairments and our programs. Many individuals with disabilities have expensive medical bills, and adaptive sports equipment is not covered by insurance. At Dare2tri, we believe that by remaining active, athletes build confidence, autonomy, and self-worth in both sports and in other areas of life. We empower athletes to believe they can do anything they set their mind to. The finish line is just the beginning. 

About Dare2tri: Launched in 2011, Dare2tri works with athletes of all ages and all ability levels from beginner to elite. We serve youth, adults, and injured service members who have a physical disability such as amputation, spinal cord injury, stroke, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, and those with visual impairments and blindness. Dare2tri is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. To learn more, visit us at www.dare2tri.org.