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 defects, most notably 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 surgery on both lower limbs. This disability impacts my entire lower limbs. I also needed major reconstructive surgery on my jaws and I require a lifetime of treatments for other limb issues.
Each 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 prosthetic-orthotic user to finish an ultramarathon and the first bilateral user to finish a 26.2 marathon distance. 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 see how far 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.
I want you to know that my adversity is now my purpose. I know that you too can flip the script on your adversities.