Paige and Josh
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
- Published in Share Your Story
Run4Dre
Andre “Dre” Travis is 38 years old and was born with Cerebral Palsy. He receives full time care from Growing Wings Adult Services, but that hasn’t limited him to a full life. He doesn’t take no for an answer, and will continue to push himself and others to what he defines as success. Dre is a motivational speaker who instills in kids to not let anyone define their limits. That anything is possible. Alongside motivational speaking, he’s a poet, and also will be releasing an album soon. Dre started competing in races back in 2013 with the assistance of Jason “Zeke” Petrie. Zeke was a caretaker/driver for Dre and wanting to get into better shape, decided to start pushing Dre in his wheelchair for additional fitness. Dre fell in love with the freedom of going fast. He often said he felt like flying. Dre and Zeke competed in multiple marathons and triathlons together over a 3 year span.
In 2016, Zeke, along with 4 other Barberton High School graduates started pushing Dre as a relay team. Run4Dre was formed and consisted of Duane Milford, Brian Bidlingmyer, Dean Jones, Zeke Petrie, and Alan Bittinger. In 2019, Mike Mattingly was added to the mix as an alternate when Zeke could not compete. The team has been blessed to be a small part of getting Dre across finish lines in the jogging stroller being used, but wanted something better for him. However, funding just wasn’t falling into place. Leading up to the 2019 Akron Marathon, the team was introduced to Brent and Lucas Ransom. Brent would be pushing his son Lucas in a wheelchair for the marathon. When the team saw the Blade Hoyt racing chair that the Ransoms were going to use, admittedly, we became a bit jealous and knew that we needed to get one.
After the Akron Marathon, and leaning a bit on the funding success that Brent and Lucas received, funding for a new chair took shape quickly. With the assistance of leftover funds from Brent and Lucas, additional help from The Barberton Community Foundation for allowing some funds to transfer, and a quick fundraising sprint, money for a new Blade for Run4Dre was secured. The Blade was christened at the Youngstown Marathon where Jeff Chalmers, a 9 time Boston Marathon veteran, would attempt to qualify himself and Dre as a duo team for the 2021 Boston Marathon. Jeff had previously pushed Dre at the Akron Marathon in 2015, but hadn’t pushed him since. Qualifying and racing in the Boston Marathon has been a dream of Dre’s, and knowing that Jeff would be his pusher gave him the confidence that this could be the year that it finally happened. With a finish time of 3:17:04, Dre and Jeff posted a qualifying time for the 2021 Boston Marathon. Jeff will be running Boston for the 10th time in 2020 on his own, but will return in 2021 as Dre’s engine. Run4Dre looks forward to being there to support and cheer them on in 2021! Jeff said after the Youngstown race that the qualifying time would not have happened if not for pushing the Blade. With the Blade on hand, our team looks forward to more runs, more marathons, and more inclusive running in general. Being a small part of Dre’s journey is a blessing for all.
Team Run4Dre
Dre and Jeff Chalmers Qualifying for Boston Marathon 2021!
Dre and Lucas
Dre and Jeff Chalmers Youngstown Marathon 2019
- Published in Share Your Story
Stephen and Erik
I first had the opportunity to push my disabled son, Stephen, who is currently 10 years old, in a 10K in December 2014. We used a modified wheelchair owned by the Landrunners, the Oklahoma City running club. Stephen enjoyed it so much, that we purchased a multi-purpose adaptive wheelchair. Since that arrived in May 2015, we have run multiple races together, and every Saturday we go running around the neighborhood. Stephen has almost outgrown his current chair, and we are hoping to have a Hoyt Blade II by the end of the calendar year.
Once I learned that running with Stephen was a possibility, I wanted to give him every opportunity to enjoy the freedom of have the sun and wind in his face as he moved; he can walk, but due to low muscle tone, can only run about 25 meters at a time. Stephen is at his happiest when we are running. His joy brings me joy. Our new goal is to run a sub-20:00 5K together; our current PR is 21:30. Our time spent running is our special time together, our father-son bonding time. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. The attached photo is of us running the 2016 Oklahoma City Memorial Half Marathon.
- Published in Share Your Story
Jackie loves her Hoyt Running Chair
Jackie was introduced to the world of Team Hoyt on her 13th Birthday, when she participated in her first 5k. For three years she did Races in a special needs jogging stroller. This year on her 17th birthday she received her custom Hoyt Running Chair in her favorite color purple. As well as making her much more comfortable especially on longer races, her racing Chair gives her angel pushing her a much more ergonomic chair to push. As she is looking to do more half marathons and marathons, the chair is a definite advantage. Thanks to Hoyt Running Chairs for making these fantastic running chairs. Also thanks to Team Hoyt New England runners and especially BJ Williams for lending Jackie your legs so she can feel the joy of “running “
- Published in Share Your Story
Deb and Preston
Most of my adulthood was spent walking for exercise. I actually walked everywhere. When my boys were young I would push them in a jogging stroller and we would sing, count daffodils, learn Spanish… this was our quiet time. My son, Preston has Mitochondrial Disease and we knew he may be in that jogging stroller a bit longer than our older son Alex was. But it was okay because Preston enjoyed our walks together. When he was 9 years old he was invited to run with Team Hoyt Virginia Beach. This was much better than walking with mom, now he found speed. While I was walking the half marathons he was running with Team Hoyt and finishing much quicker than I was. This was great for Preston but I wanted to be the one to cross the finish line with him.
In the summer of 2012 I decided to run. February of 2013 I ran my first 14K with Preston. When we crossed the finish line together we were both hooked! Not only were the races fun but the training was fun too. Preston has his bluetooth and we both sing together and laugh at funny things we may see. We stop to take pictures of special things or even just pics of us having fun. Gummy bears are a must for our races, Preston says that the purple ones make me run faster.
In May, 2015 my friends surprised me with a Hoyt Blade Running chair. This totally changed our way of running! First, Preston loved it because there was more room for him and much more comfortable. He also loved it because it allowed me to attempt to run faster, which Preston loved. It also opened another world to us and that was biking together! Our Blade has a bike boom that attaches to my bike and we were now able to ride together. In July 2015 Preston and I joined 2300 cyclist and rode from Philadelphia to Atlantic City to raise money for children of fallen police officers and fire fighters. We didn’t know anyone and were such novices to the cycling world. We had each other to get us through the 65 mile journey and that is exactly what we did.
Yes, crossing the finish line or accomplishing the miles you set out to conquer are important but the most important part is being together. This is something Preston and I do together. Mother and Son! Something we can both do. Preston’s Legs may not cross him over the finish line but his heart is big enough for both of us to get to that finish line. His strength is what he gives me to push my body a little harder. Our passion is what hopefully may inspire others to run for someone else, who cannot, or ride with someone, who’s legs cannot pedal. What is important is you are together, accomplishing something so big and creating memories, they may never have had.
Submitted by Deb Markley Buenaga
- Published in Share Your Story
Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon 2016
If you have never thought about running a marathon, put the Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon on your list. Yes, I said ‘never’. 8 months ago, I was barely a novice runner and it wasn’t until I met Bob and Ia Hilliard, that they convinced me to run their Marathon. While it may be the toughest course in Ireland, or as the locals like to put it, “The Gentle Slopes of West Cork”, I promise, it is worth it.
The breathtaking scenic views, the smell of the ocean, the multi-colored ponies, the castles, and going “down the rabbit hole” that is Rathbarry, the scenes are out of a fairytale. But it was the people who truly made the experience one of the most inspiring and motivating trips of my life.
- Published in Our Friends
100km de Millau Marie Jo and Phil
On Saturday September 24, 2016, Phil Kaminski and his wife, Marie Jo, will compete in the 100km de Millau, France’s most famous and oldest 100 km race! The two of them will race along the Tarn, make a round trip between Millau and Saint-Affrique, and pass under the Milau Viaduct. They will take in all the sights, and experiences together, as Marie Jo is pushed in a Team Hoyt Running Chair by Phil.
- Published in Our Friends
Pitbull Love
Hello Everyone, meet Daisy! Daisy is a 4 year old, pure-bred, American Staffordshire Terrier. She is a foster pup from the organization, Last Hope K9, and has been in my care for almost one year now. Daisy loves coming to the Shop at Southbridge Tool and Manufacturing. She gets to play with all her buddies (Mike and my Father), sit in on our meetings, and be a part of The Blade manufacturing process. From riding in the Blade, to testing out the most durable carrying bag materials, Daisy is always happy to help.
- Published in Our Friends
Les P’tits Potos
Les P’tits Potos is a one-of-a-kind team in France. Les P’tits Potos translates to “The Little Buddies” and they are located just along the France / Luxembourg border.
We knew they were a special team even before meeting them over the summer of 2015. In any picture, whether running or posing, the members of Les P’tits Potos always look like they are having a great time! They are a team of around 200 members (growing over the span of 1 year) and in any race they work together and stay together as a pack.
- Published in Our Friends