Adaptive
I was born in Pittsburgh, PA at Magee Women's Hospital and at birth it was discovered that I was born with a congenital birth defect called CETV or more commonly known as clubfoot. My situation is particularly severe, impacting both lower limbs, and medical doctors said I wouldn't walk as an adult. I’ve had extensive treatments throughout childhood including casting and Post-Medial Release surgeries on both lower limbs. This disability impacts my entire lower limbs.
Every day could be my last day walking.
With pride, I continue to push forward despite my challenges and invest time and energy into advocating for and empowering not only the disability community but any human that is suffering.
Competing
On occasion I still compete. I’ve won or placed in adaptive and traditional running competitions. I am the first bilateral prosthetic-orthotic user to reach the marathon and ultramarathon distances. I am always seeking to break physical barriers.
Running is the absolute most difficult sport for my physical disability, yet I love to run. I don't seek an easy road. I don't ask for you to level the playing field. I just want an opportunity to compete. I am here to furthest I can go before breaking.
In 2019, I placed second with my team in the 2019 Para Spartan World Championships. This race aired on ESPN and was the second Para Spartan OCR World Championship. I've also placed in running events that are non-adaptive. This may not seem like much, but know that doctors stated I wouldn't be able to walk as an adult and I am still clocking an incredible amount miles.