Meet Sarah Heller, effervescent ninth of nine sisters, tireless ambassador of Achilles International (NYC chapter), devoted member of Church of the Epiphany, enthusiastic greeter at Shake Shack, unbroken traumatic brain-injury survivor, and steely marathoner – nearly a dozen times over.

Sarah in November is competing in the golden anniversary edition of the New York City Marathon, the world’s largest. Once again, she’ll take on the towering bridges and cavernous streets of the five boroughs, exactly like champions Paula Radcliffe, Meb Keflezighi, Mary Keitany and Lelisa Desisa – albeit at a more-human pace.

But Sarah won’t get to the start line alone. She will be backed by the dedicated staff and volunteers of Achilles, which helps children and athletes with disabilities compete in mainstream sports, from marathons to mini fun runs – in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and across the globe.

To the uninitiated, Achilles is more than one grueling race in November. It’s about building resiliency and confidence, forging friendships and connections, and creating a community whose resources and supports are called upon year-round – maybe especially in a pandemic, as we found.

But the running sure is fun.

Sarah and the team behind her -- an ever-changing cast of running guides and friends -- hope you’ll consider supporting her 2021 marathon run and the work of Achilles International, this year and beyond.

(Your tax deductible gift goes directly to Achilles International.)