Hey everybody --
Thanks very much for visiting my fundraising page for the 2009 NYC Marathon. Any donation, however big or small, you'd be willing to give will go a long way and would be very greatly appreciated. Below are some testimonials from Achilles participants that will show you just how special and meaningful this organization is to the people it affects. Thanks again for all your continued love and support, and I look forward to seeing you all on the streets of NYC on Nov 1st!
Best,
Aman
"Achilles has given me a new meaning in life after I got hurt in Iraq, I don't know what I would do without them. They give me something to do now that I can't use my left leg. Achilles is something to look forward to now that I'm still recovering at Walter Reed. I now feel better because of them. They got me off my butt and got me active again and it feels really great to be able to belong to something while I’m here at Walter Reed. Everyone at Achilles is so kind and lovely. Oh my goodness I couldn't think of a better crew to run Achilles." -Army SPC Candice Reed, Freedom Team member
"In June of 2007 we made a trip to NY City to meet the Achilles Freedom Team. Since then my husband, retired Captain Chris Ayres, has participated in three marathons. I have been able to meet some amazing people and forge lifelong friendships with spouses, warriors and team members alike. Had we not been afforded this opportunity we would have never met them. I feel like we are going home when we pack up and head to a race. Each of the team members, along with their families have become a part of our family. I actually miss them when we leave. The volunteers and staff are amazing. They plan, execute, and motivate with the hearts of angels. The best thing about Achilles is they gave my husband his spark back. You see before he was wounded he would run as far and long as he could every day. Seeing him smile on that hand cycle crossing the finish line for the 1st time is something I will NEVER forget. The Achilles Freedom team and those who donate to Achilles are forever in my heart. I have been changed by the individuals who strive to be the best they can be no matter what they have faced in the past. They have inspired me to be a better person. For that I am thankful. To close all I can say is GO ACHILLES!! "
-Renee Ayres, Wife of Ret. Cpt Chris Ayres
I first heard of Achilles from the Marine Liaison at the Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton and she mentioned the possibility of running in a marathon with their sponsorship. I was wounded approx a year earlier and had just began being able to run again. Being sponsored in that marathon made it possible for me to set a goal, the most important aspect of training for me, and to stay focused on that goal, which has helped my recovery process as well. Without Achilles sponsorship, the idea of running a marathon never would've occurred to me, so I owe them a great deal.
Tim Kerrigan
Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans
