Joshua and I became friends during fifth grade science class. I looked forward to seeing him everyday, because his smile lit up our entire classroom. Before long, Josh would start seeking me out, and he would get annoyed if I didn’t come over to say hello immediately! Although Josh has a genetic disorder called MECP2 Duplication Syndrome, which makes it difficult for him to move around and communicate as a “typical” fifth grader, it was clear that he loved being treated like “just one of the kids”.

I come from a family obsessed with running! As a family, we usually participate in more than fifty races a year. Then came an idea that changed how I would look at racing forever!
A parent of one of my friends noticed how well Joshua and I worked together during the fifth grade science fair. She had previously seen runners push people in Team Hoyt Running Chairs during local races, and she thought that I could push Joshua in a race.

The rest is history! I spent the summer practicing pushing a borrowed Team Hoyt Blade. I started with strength training, then advanced to pushing my (patient!) sister in the chair for practice. Finally, I felt ready to practice with Joshua. We both LOVED racing together!
Running is one of my favorite hobbies, because watching Joshua laugh as we go over bumps, dance to the music, and cheer when the crowds cheer for us is like nothing else I have ever experienced! Running races together with the Team Hoyt Blade fills both of our hearts with joy! We have run four races together, and hope to do many more.

I am a sixth grader now, and I am working to raise money to purchase a Team Hoyt Blade that can be used by student runners throughout my school district to push their peers who may not be able to run themselves in local races.

-Paige Spooner