As a pediatric physical therapist, I am lucky enough to get the chance to work with and learn from kids of all abilities on a daily basis. Having worked in the pediatric school, inpatient, and outpatient settings over the past 4 years, my eyes have been opened to the barriers that many families with children with disabilities face.  Something as simple as a trip to the park or the grocery store can be a marathon in many ways, making sure all necessary medical equipment is packed and any and all braces are strapped tightly in place. As a therapist, I constantly strive to find ways to decrease the burden on families, find local adaptive recreation opportunities, and celebrate their child’s abilities.  

I learned about Dare2tri a little over a year ago and was instantly inspired by the work that they do.  Based in Chicago, they serve kids, adults, and injured military service members with physical disabilities and visual impairments in the sport of paratriathlon.

I have volunteered with them numerous times in the past year and have been so amazed by the way that so easily provide individualized assistance for individuals of all abilities. They have athletes who have had amputations, spinal cord injuries, strokes, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, visual impairments, and blindness participate in their programs offered multiple times per week. They also host various camps throughout the summer and support athletes to participate in various regional and national races.  Adaptive equipment, transportation, and coaching are all provided by an army of staff members and volunteers at the lowest cost possible to athletes. I’ve learned so much about the sport of paratriathlon as well as inclusion as a volunteer and have referred many of my patients to their summer kids camp.

With all of that being said, I am so incredibly excited to share that I will be running the Chicago Marathon for Dare2tri this fall! This opportunity gives me the chance to help raise money to support their many athletes, camps, and weekly clinics/practices.  Additionally, I get to support and embrace the wonderful community that Dare2tri has created that celebrates inclusion, recreation, and individuals of all abilities.

Since recently moving to Utah, my training location is a little bit different than planned but I look forward to getting my miles in among the mountains! If you’d like to help support Dare2tri with me as I train, please check out the link below.  I would really appreciate any and all donations you can make. Thank you!