Running Blind

Anyone who knows me can attest to the fact that running is a big part of my life. Since 2009, running has been how I decompress, stay active, and make friends. From co-organizing Bull City Beer Runners to logging neighborhood miles, running is sort of my thing. And, despite all of the vision I've lost over the last few years due to a rare and progressive form of optic atrophy called Wolfram-like syndrome, I'm not going to let it stop me.

The Catamount Climb Half-Marathon in scenic Cullowhee, NC has been my favorite race since I first ran it in 2012. The scenery is beautiful, the course challenging, and the crowd support second to none. On 9 April 2022, I'll be tackling the race once again with my wife, Nina, beside me as my running guide, making sure I don't run off the side of the mountain, fall into the river, or inadvertently bump into other runners. You get the picture. In the event that weather or other circumstances make it impossible to join in person, we'll be running our half-marathon asynchronously.

Since I'm putting myself out there, blind guy running vest and all, why not turn the race into an opportunity to fundraise for a cause near and dear to my heart, One Rare?

One Rare is a 501(c)(3)non-profit focused on improving the lives and futures of young adults living with rare conditions through education, recreation, and peer support. In August 2022, they'll be hosting One Rare Experience, a very special event for a motivated group of young adults living with a variety of rare conditions. Programming will focus on lifestyle and health, expression, art, sports, and employment. All travel, meals, activities, and supportive care will be provided to participants at no cost, wholly funded by One Rare through donations and grants. I hope you can join me in showing support for this very worthy cause.