My name is Kellan Shipman, and I am a 16-year-old adaptive athlete from Ohio. I was born with spina bifida, a condition that affects my spinal cord and mobility. Despite the challenges I face, I have found freedom, strength, and passion through seated track and field.

I currently compete in the 100m, 400m, and 800m events, as well as the seated shot put. This past year, I won both a State and National Championship in the seated shot put. I am currently chasing down the national record and am looking to break it this summer! Racing and competing give me a way to push past my limits and show others that disability doesn’t mean inability—it just means I do things a little differently.

In addition to track and field, I love taking on longer road races like 5Ks, and I am currently training for my first half marathon. Whether I am sprinting on the track or pushing through the miles on the road, I am fully committed to growing as an athlete and showing what is possible through determination and community support.

To take my training to the next level, I am currently raising $5,000 to purchase a custom-built racing chair. For the past four years, I have been competing in a standard chair that isn't properly fitted to my body's measurements, which has become a significant obstacle. This new, specialized equipment is essential for me to continue training and competing safely and effectively. A custom chair will be perfectly tailored to my body, which will maximize my speed, improve my form, and—most importantly—help prevent injuries.

I am reaching out to local businesses like yours because community support means everything to athletes like me. Your donation, no matter the size, will directly help me reach my goals on the track and beyond.

I would be incredibly grateful for your partnership. Thank you so much for your time and for considering being a part of my journey. With your help, I can keep racing toward my dreams and that national record!