Patrick Cogan has a degenerative neuromuscular disorder called Friedreich's Ataxia. This disease has left Patrick all but confined to a wheelchair.

He has also refused to allow that same disease to define him.

He is working on increasing his speaking engagements to schools and organizations where he speaks of overcoming adversity.

Last year he completed his first Olympic triathlon and has set his sights on a Half Iron in September 2015.

Proper equipment for a physically challenged athlete is impertive to success, but unfortunatley the equipment comes with a high price tag. I'm hoping with this GoFundMe account we can raise enough money to remove one obstacle out of Patrick's way.

Patrick currently uses a recumbent trike with the remaining strength in his legs, but realizes the eventual need for a recumbant hand trike. He also uses a push-rim (racing) wheelchair for the run. This was his most immediate need as it was bought used,is too small, uncomfortable and unreliable for him to continue racing in. Thanks to your donations he was able to purchase a pushrim chair made to fit just him.

As Patrick's coach I can tell you first hand that he has not allowed Friedreich's Ataxia to hold him back. I'll be damned if not having the financial means does. It is my goal to raise funds to chip away at the cost for a new push-rim wheelchair, handcycle, and indoor training frame for the wheelchair. 

No donation is too small. It takes a village. Let's keep Patrick rolling!

- Melissa Whitten