Meet the Team
heading to LA!
Staci Alziebler | Nelson Arnstein | Donald Arthur | Russ & Anne Baker
Lance Benson | Ali Bergstrom
| Richard Bernstein | Mary Bryant
Andre Ditto |
Hakan Durantas | Artie Elefant | Susan Elefant | Adam Green
Peter Greenwood | Julia Hahn | Barbara Hochberg | Sylvia Krause
Ananias Malachi | Nadine M |
Tyler M. | Ivonne Mosquera | Laurie Newman
Leigh Nichols | Mike Oliva |
Andrew Romanelli | Melynda Schnee
Eileen Magilligan Sheldon | Evelyn Torres | Boubacar Traore | Cathy Troisi
Kyle Warendorf | Joan Wickham | Marie Wickham
Staci Alziebler watched her first New York City marathon in 2004, standing on the corner of First Avenue and 62nd. “Tears came to my eyes watching the strength and determination of these incredible athletes, and I could not believe the tremendous smiles on their faces. I wanted to meet them. I wanted to know more. I knew I wanted to be a part of it. It sort of sat in the back of my head for a few months, until January of 2005.
Everyone hits a bump in the road now and again. I hit what felt like a landmine. Wanting something constructive to do with my time rather than wallow in self-pity, I volunteered for Achilles through New York Cares. That first very cold January night, I walked carefully on the icy path with Nooria Nodrat. In a short time period, I learned that she was one of the most exceptional people I am ever likely to meet. And thus began my racing, my learning, my growing, but above all, meeting many incredible people. (There are too many to name!) I was hooked. And, I'm selfish. I love being a part of such an extraordinary team. I don't do it for them. I do it for me!
Nelson B. Arnstein, M.D., “This child will never speak; institutionalize him. Do not waste money, time or affection on him, for 100 percent given him, he could never return more than 10 percent”. This was the prognosis given to my parents by a well-known child psychiatrist in May of 1954 when I was just under two years of age. Because my parents had opposite Rh blood factors, I was born with severe jaundice and evidence of brain damage with partial deafness. This was treated by exchange transfusion, with a 50-50 chance of recovery.
Despite the above prognosis, my parents sought other professional opinions. Speech therapy and hearing aids, expert medical care and special schooling improved my condition so that I was talking by age 4 and was admitted to the fifth grade in a regular boarding school by age 10. Five years later I attended Hyde School in Bath , Maine , a pioneering institution for “character education”, to graduate in 1971 as valedictorian. While at Hyde, I overcame poor physical coordination to earn 8 letters in varsity sports and 3 school records on the cross-country, swimming and track teams. Needless to say, my fondness of long-distance running continues to this day!
While attending Pomona College in Claremont , California , I decided to pursue a medical career. A major part of this decision stems from the belief that my early background and struggles to overcome disability has created a genuine empathy for those who suffer and a will to help them with their physical and emotional problems. The hematologist who transfused me at 4 days of age turned out to be one of my professors at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. He was even there to cheer me on in the 1983 New York City Marathon! I now practice as chief of Nuclear Medicine at Kaiser Permanente in Bellflower , California .
As a member of the Achilles team, both as a Guide and athlete, it gives me a great pleasure to be able to return the same hope and encouragement to others that my parents and caregivers gave to me so many years before. 
Donald Arthur's journey with Achilles Track Club began two months after I had a heart transplant at age 52. It all started with a telephone conversation I had with Dick Traum. I explained to him my medical situation and he said to me "if I trained and work hard, I would be able to run in a marathon" I truly thought he was crazy, I just had a heart transplant I asked myself what was in his tea other than just tea leaves? Well, I reluctantly decided to go to one of their workouts and I was astonished by the Achilles runners some of them were blind, in wheel chairs, crutches, canes and these were just the visible disabilities. I asked my self what am I doing here with these people I don't have their problems. I was then paired with a guide and other walkers (I was dressed in inappropriate clothing totally unprepared for a workout).
As our conversation began to develop what I began to realize that these individuals had gone through more trials and tribulations than I could have ever dreamed and yet here they were determined to prove to themselves and to the rest of the world that nothing was going to hold them back from achieving their goals. That is when I realized I was my own Achilles heel. From that moment on Achilles became a part of my life. At present, I have competed in eight NYC Marathon and one Achilles Marathon - all under the banner of Achilles Track Club. I have also run in countless other races. The highlight of my journey with Achilles was being named World Record Disabilities Marathon Athlete 1998."
Russ and Anne Baker have been involved with running and cycling for over 20 years and this journey led Russ to Achilles and The ING New York City Marathon in 2005. Not as a participant, but as a Coach for his daughter , Achilles Team Member Melynda Schnee and as an Achilles Volunteer. Russ has traveled with TEAM ACHILLES supporting his daughter and all the extraordinary athletes that participated at Miami and Myrtle Beach . You will find Russ with a wrench and a tire pump assisting all the handcrank and pushrim athletes at the start of each marathon. On the trip to the Los Angeles Marathon the Father/Daughter team have recruited their mom to help out Team Achilles. Anne is ready to join the Team.
As for the Canine members of the team - they are: Moe (Rotweiler) she is 3 years old and is currently in training to be a Therapy Dog. She likes to take long walks with her mom and dad and sister Sadie. Sadie (Britney) is 4 years old and is currently in training as an amputee assist dog for Melynda. She loves to go on long runs with Russ when he is training for marathons. 
Lance Benson, a 32 year old male born without legs, completes the 26.2 mile marathon on a skateboard, using his only available strength, his upper body. He is a broker with Cushman & Wakefield, a major Achilles sponsor, in their Miami, FL branch.
Ali Bergstrom first became ill after a successful summer studying Orchestral Conducting at the Tanglewood Institute. It was hard to keep up with her studies in college after enduring multiple month long hospital stays. It devastated her life. In 2003, she watched the NYC Marathon runners run by her house, watching from her window, sitting in a wheelchair with both legs in casts. Suffering from a severe form of Rheumatoid Arthritis, her future seemed grim. She took a leave from school. The following year, in 2004, the marathon sped by her house again. This time she walked slowly after enduring a month of daily chemotherapy as she was about to start a brand new biotechnology medication. Many of the runners looked like her as they walked slowly with assistive devices, they wore shirts that read ‘Achilles’ and after Jimmy walked by surrounded by a team of volunteers, she thought “If they can do it, I can do it!”
Her first workout in December of 2004, she was matched with a volunteer, Clarissa, and together they walked .7 miles in 90 minutes. She had a terrible limp and stopped on several occasions. That February, in 2005, she walked her first race. She came in 3,941 while Clarissa came in 3,942 – dead last. Dick Traum was there with her for the finish, and her limp was getting worse. It was at that finish line that Dick looked up at her, told her it was okay, and introduced her to the handcycle.
Ali now had a vehicle for her speed. That spring, she began training with her coaches, Ricardo Corral and Dick Traum. At the Achilles Hope and Possibility 5 Miler, Ali placed THIRD in female handcycle and received a giant congratulatory hug from Trisha Meili (Chairperson of the ATC and author of ‘I am the Central Park Jogger, a Story of Hope and Possibility’) at the awards ceremony. That summer, Achilles gave her a handcycle to spend the time training upstate while she attended The Conductors Institute. Her arms were strong, she had the endurance of an athlete, she was responding excellently to her new biotech drug, and most importantly, she was gaining confidence from the races and her team. Ali returned to New York City late in August where she went on to place FIRST and set a new course record at a NY Medical College hospital race honoring Achilles. She then placed FIRST at the Continental Airlines Fifth Avenue Mile. Ali went on to be interviewed at the Manhattan Grand Prix half-marathon on the national television show Running. As she trained for the 2005 ING NYC Marathon, she was featured in a documentary about the Achilles Track Club. She ended 2005 after finishing 13th in the Female Handcycle in the 2005 ING NYC Marathon with a time of 3:29:15 all while finishing her post-graduate studies at The Juilliard School with a 3.67 GPA.
She is currently training for the L.A. Marathon in March and recently made the Achilles Track Club Triathlon Team for the NYC Triathlon on July 16th.
She believes that Achilles doesn’t just change lives. It gives life.
Richard Bernstein is one of the most energetic people to walk in a room. He is a 30-something trial lawyer litigator. He also is a visiting professor of political science at the University of Michigan . He has been extremely active in obtaining rights for the disabled. Most recently in his hometown of Detroit , he fought for the rights of accessibility in public transportation. Needless to say Richard won.
Richard has been blind from birth with congenital cataracts and severe astigmatism. He had the best education available growing up, but the one thing that was missing was his athletic ability. Nobody knew how to train him.
Richard says Achilles has set him free, as he is no longer confined to the treadmill. He is able to get out and run in the park like the rest of the human race. That he finds exhilarating.
Los Angeles will be his third Marathon. 
Mary Bryant, Director of Achilles at Walter Reed, has been associated with disabilities for over 30 years, when her oldest brother Don tripped and fell running in the home and became immediately paralyzed from the neck down. Twenty-five years and 84 surgeries later, Don became the first man to complete the NYC Marathon without use of his arms or legs, yet relying on his only available strength. With Mary at his side, he pushed his head into the headrest of the wheelchair, motoring it to move forward. Through the rain and thunderstorms, he never quit and insisted to “just keep going.” Today, Mary uses this philosophy in her coaching of disabled athletes. “Focus on your available strength and ability. Allowing walls of limitations in your life only get in the way. Break down those walls and just keep going toward the finish line!”
Andre Ditto, raised on the Lower East Side and spending 30 years there, experienced many challenges. The neighborhood (AKA:THE HOOD) was one that taught you all about survival. It was truly a unique experience. Since then, I have moved to New Jersey where life is a litte bit more calm. My family consists of one older brother and one older sister who live in other areas of new york and the U.S. My mom still resides in Lower Manhattan.
After many years of being involved with organized sports (football, baseball, basketball, etc) I decided to pursue jobs in the health field. My pursuit lead me to New York Sports Club, starting out as a guest and working my way up to fitness manager. Yes, it was quite a challenge, but it was worth every second. Presently and for the 5 years now, I've worked as a fitness instructor/developer of programs for an organization called Visions, A non-profit that facilitates rehabilitational and recreational programs for people who are visually impaired and physically challenged. This being one of the greatest challenges in my life having never worked with this population before. I am currently a member of Greenspeakers/Toastmasters, an organization that works with you on public speaking, a goal of mine for the future. My aspiration is to reach people and teach about taking better care of themselves and to depend more on the individual than others.
Hakan Durantas joined the Achilles Track Club in 1997, originally for companionship, and to get some exercise walking & jogging. That same year, he was the first visually impaired athlete to finish in the Achilles run (prior to what is now the Hope and Possibilities race). At first, he didn't believe the gentleman who said “you are the First Prize winner” so he began to walk away. But when the man said "well, if you don't want $1,000" Hakan realized he was telling the truth and went back to claim his prize.
In 2000, Hakan finished in the Achilles Marathon in Prospect Park and was named the New York City Road Runner's Club "Disabled Athlete of the Year." Since that time, he has run in 12 marathons, including the Maine marathon and is rumored to be one of the fastest blind runners in the world. Most recently, Hakan ran in the 2005 ING New York City marathon, where he proposed to his lovely new bride, Nihal, at the 7th mile mark. They were married the following week.
Hakan considers Achilles his family, cares deeply about the Achilles athletes and volunteers, and enjoys running.
Both he and his wife are looking forward to the Los Angeles marathon, March 19.
Artie Elefant is a 60 year old visually challenged person. He has been running since 1978. In 1979 he helped form the Morris County Striders a running club in Morris County New Jersey. Then in 1979 and 1981 he completed the NYC Marathon with a personal best in 1981 with a time of 3:53:20. When we moved to New York he joined the Achilles Track Club in April of 2000. Since then he has been an active member in the New York Chapter. Recently he has spearheaded a tandem biking program for the NY Chapter. Artie has completed numerous bike tours doing the 5 Boro bike tour in 2004 and 2005. In the summer of 2004 rode from Buffalo to Albany a distance of 400 miles in 7 days. Artie looks forward to more exciting events with Achilles.
Susan Elefant
loves to take photos, mostly of all her many friends at Achilles. She has participated in races with Achilles athletes walking in miles, 10 Ks and last year the More Marathon with Madeline. Susan believes that walking with Achilles has really kept her in shape both physically and mentally while being in charge of the Book Club too. Susan looks forward to the LA Marathon to take more photos of the racers and their volunteers. Achilles Athletes can do anything and they do it well everytime. Lets go to LA and have Fun.
Adam Green started running 3 years ago to lose weight (a desk job at an investment bank will do the trick!), and joined achilles about 2 years ago. Since Adam started he's run 3 marathons (2 by himself) and have run partial marathons for achilles athletes 3 other times. Then of course there are the numerous races in the park. Last year Adam started doing triathlons and is aiming to complete 2 half-ironman races this year.
Peter Greenwood is 21 years old and is currently working on his undergrad in psychology. At the age of 18 he was diagnosed with bone cancer and battled the disease for almost two years before he had his left leg amputated above the knee. Peter has been cancer free for six months, the longest remission in the past three years of his life. He spends his free time playing guitar and writing songs. Peter is very happy to be alive and some day wants to compete in the handcycle championships.
Julia Hahn
participated at her first NYC Marathon in 2004 as a guide with Christa's team. "After finishing they invited me to the Achilles Workouts and since then I am hooked." Julia has been running several races with the Achilles Athletes. She experiences it as an especially proud moment to cross the finish line with 'your Athlete'. Julia enjoys the training hours, the get together and the uplifting moments she can spend with the Athletes and Volunteers in and around the park. 
Barbara Hochberg got involved with Achilles for 2000 Marathon and had the Dick Traum guide to be a guide talk - 40 people squeezed into a small room at headquarters. As much as Dick tried, I was still amazed and not prepared by what happened. Dick really did try. My friend and I were the guides for a 40 something blind athlete from New Zealand . As tired as I was by the Brooklyn-Queen border at the famous mile 13 I just had to continue. The reason was Malcom, the athlete, did not give up. When we got to Central Park he took off . That amazed me that a blind man would want to run in a place he had never been. The courage of him and all the amazing athletes I have met in the past six years is what keeps me going in this "Achilles Family." LA will be my fifth marathon. Look forward to shaking up that other coast.
Sylvia Krause was born and raised in Europe before moving to Indiana 6 years ago. She always enjoyed volunteering, through the Military in Europe and later, as a volunteer with the P.A.L. program, coaching under privileged girls basketball and being a mentor. In February 2003, she moved to New York City, with Daren, her then husband at the time told her about New York Cares. She remembers him saying “bones“, that was her nickname, “you like helping other people, why don't you go to the Achilles workout and see what it is about”? She did on a Saturday morning in May 2003 and has been a part of the Achilles family since.
Sylvia had open heart surgery at the age of 20 years and ran her first Marathon at the age of 30 in Hawaii with a time of 4hrs and 35mins, her best time ever. She used to make all types of excuses as to why she couldn't do certain activities, until she met the wonderful athletes from the Achilles Track club. Each and every one of them are an inspiration to her and being around each individual and talking about their disabilities made her realize that she is happy and grateful for each day she wakes up. When she's feeling a little negative, she thinks of her Achilles family and that gives her the positive attitude she needs to continue her day.
Sylvia is so looking forward to L.A. and plans to guide whoever needs her!
Prince Ananias Malachi, a native of Guyana, suffered a traumatic brain injury, which partially paralyzed the right side of his body. But, his steadfast determination, hard work, and extreme positive outlook on life led to his successful recovery. Malachi joined the Achilles Track Club in 1988, and has completed nineteen marathons to-date.
Ananias enjoys long distance drives, traveling, bowling, and going to the theater. He also has a great sense of humor. Malachi is excited to visit LA for the marathon, so much so, that he is the one who inspired all of us to join him on the trip!
Nadine M. - Ty's mom - put her plans to further her career in financial planning
on hold when Tyler began his school based educational program for children with autism, in order to learn as much as she could about ASD and other pervasive developmental disorders. As Nadine is an adult with physical challenges from childhood, she understood very well what advantages he would have through early intervention and a comprehensive behavior plan that included involvement in extracurricular activities.
Nadine discovered Achilles Kids in 1999 and felt it would be a good way for Ty to get more exercise and also have an opportunity to enhance his socialization and communication skills in a welcoming, nurturing environment. Participation with Achilles has benefited them both. Through their participation in Achilles Kids, they have made many friends who are very dear to them and have had so many amazing experiences. Tyler's running has improved a lot over the years thanks to the support and training provided by the coaches and volunteers of Achilles kids.
Tyler is a few years away from marathon age but he is eager and ready to run the 5K in LA. You will spot Nadine very easily. She'll be the one out of breath trying to keep up with him!
Tyler M. has been an Achilles Kid since 1999. Over the years he has competed in countless races and workouts, including the Hope & Possibility 5 miler and participates in Achilles' social
activities. He has been at the finish line of the NYC Marathon cheering for others and hopes to be able to compete himself when he turns 18.
Tyler, a teen with autism spectrum disorder, has gained greater
independence, confidence and enhancement of his communication skills while becoming a strong and determined Achilles athlete. He has made many friends and has developed meaningful relationships, which is often difficult for individuals with developmental
delays to do.
Achilles Kids training is the foundation of his love of sports. At age 15 and over 6 ft tall, you can also find him on the basketball court at Project Happy with Penny, working on his dives in St. Bartholomew's Church pool with Natalie, at practice with the Bronx Special Olympics program, or swimming at the Bronx Y.
His family thinks that he is simply the best and has provided the support and devotion to seek the best options for him. He has adaptive physical education at his high school, NYC District 75's PS 176X, one of five schools New York State has identified as having effective programs for school aged students with autism. He enjoys performing with the school chorus as well as his volunteer clerical worksite at the Visiting Nurse Service in the Bronx.
Tyler's mom, Nadine, says “I thank God for him all day, every day. He is the wind beneath my wings. He is my hero. Ty is so awesome.” She will travel with him to the Los Angeles Marathon where he will compete in the 5K run.
Ivonne Mosquera, a native of Colombia, was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, cancer of the retina, at the age of two. After her diagnosis, both eyes had to be removed to keep the cancer from spreading to her brain, but that didn't stop her. After becoming a U.S. citizen in 1991, Mosquera went on to graduate from Stanford University in 1999 with a degree in mathematics.
Ivonne joined Achilles in 2001. With the support of many guides and volunteers, she has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, and become a long distance runner, completing three Marathons to-date. Her hobbies also include cross-country skiing, rock climbing, and singing.
She is running the LA marathon to represent the New York City chapter of Achilles, and to (by example) serve as an inspiration to all.
Laurie Newman joined the Achilles Track Club in 1995 walking with some very wonderful people. They'd train by walking up to 102 street and back to 90th. The going was slow, but the talk was fascinating. At the time, the goals were still the same, to finish and race and maybe do the marathon. They'd finish last in the races they entered, long after the finish line was taken down, even at the 5K races. But they WOULD finish. And they'd feel good. Later, Laurie started taking the guide dogs to the dog runs to play, let off some steam, and have a vacation from work. It was so rewarding to her, when Laurie would be spotted by a waiting guide dog who'd be ecstatic to see her, because the dog would know that the next 2 hours would be pure fun. And there have been so many special dogs that Laurie has had the pleasure of playing with. Achilles has been special to Laurie. She has learned so much from our athletes about courage and determination and has been inspired many times by them being athletes who face obstacles and overcome them. Laurie feels honored to walk besides an Achilles athlete, be it at a workout, a 5K or a Marathon.
Leigh Nichols recalls: 'Any day we don't get hit by a bus is the greatest day for us' Richard told her at breakfast after her first run with the Achilles group. The smiles around Leigh were huge, the conversation never stopped, the laughter seems present more times than not and the love of life is contagious with the runners in this group.Leigh knew this group of people was something she wanted to make apart of her life.
Leigh grew up in sunny Santa Barbara , CA and her sister and Leigh showed up on the doorstep of NYC 2.5 years ago with a desire for a new adventure and 2 bags of clothes each. The NYRR was originally a new way to meet people and the relationship with running has mostly been cyclical. Joining Achilles was an opportunity to bring the sport of running back into my life. This team of people Leigh wants to have in her life forever.
The longest race Leigh has completed thus far is the Army 10 miler in D.C.!
Michael Oliva has lived in New York (Westchester) his whole life, and had never run in Central Park until the summer of 2005. “I got back into running earlier this year and also started doing Triathlons. A friend introduced me to Achilles this summer and I ' ve been coming ever since.”
Mike says, “It ' s been a great experience. I think every Achilles athlete has an amazing story and has overcome enormous obstacles. I'm just happy to be a part of it!”
Being a triathelete himself, means that many of the Achilles's athletes can learn a lot about rigorous training, dedication, and enthusiasm about the sport of running. He says, “Watching everyone reach their goals and having fun while doing it is what it ' s all about for me. I had never met Ivonne until we did a 4 mile race together in September. Besides running into a table at a water stop, and Ivonne discovering that I "go by feel" instead of wearing a watch, we had a great race and set a PR. I think Ivonne will have an awesome race in LA. I am ecstatic about running LA and hopefully will be a part of many more marathons with Achilles!”
Andy Romanelli has been an Achilles volunteer for about 4 years. I started because I wanted to combine exercising with helping people. What I've gotten is so much more--some of the most rewarding experiences and greatest memories of my life.
I met Boubacar at a race about 2 1/2 years ago. I was planning on running with another Achilles athlete that day but he already had another guide.
Boubacar was going to run the race alone so I asked him if he needed help.
We ran that race together, and about 20 other races since including 3 New
York City marathons. From the first race, it was motivation for me to see
the reaction of other runners and spectators as Boubacar raced by, usually smiling all the way. Boubacar embodies the spirit of Achilles as he inspires others and lowers barriers by proving people with disabilities can do anything. I don't know how many times I've heard spectators and other runners, including elite athletes at the front of the pack of the New York City marathon, shout to Boubacar, "You're my hero." Boubacar truly is my hero and it is an honor to know him and to run with him.
I'm 38 years old and was born and raised in New York City. I'm a special education teacher in a public high school in Manhattan. I live with my wife Lisa and our dog Roan in Manhattan. The LA marathon will be my 6th marathon overall and my 4th with Boubacar.
Melynda Schnee, 37 from Aurora, Illinois shares life with husband David, two cats and 4 parrots. I lost my left leg fourteen months ago following complications from an auto accident.
As for my story, well it plays out like this. Nine years ago, I was a highly competitive amateur athlete with the hopes of going pro in Women's Mountain Biking. In a split second, I was on the ground with my foot and ankle in a twisted heap. I spent the next five years undergoing operation after operation to repair the damage, but nothing repaired the severe nerve damage that had taken place. In 2000 I underwent a procedure to implant a peripheral nerve stimulator in my leg. This was a miracle. I was pain free and walking again and I thought my life was about to make a turn for the better.
Well for what ever reason, one that I will never know I was involved in a car accident just six months after my operation that destroyed my stimulator and the nerves that it was attached to. It also caused a major head trauma that left me with seizures and a bladder injury that left me with a paralyzed bladder. I took this set back in stride. I had to fight back, the competitive nature in me would not go down without a fight. Three years, 62 hospitalizations, 20 infections and 8 operations later I decided enough was enough and there had to be a better way. After being hospitalized for two weeks in November of 04, I made one of the hardest decisions of my life on Thanksgiving Day. To give up my left leg for a better life. So on November 29th, 2004 I under went a transtibial amputation that has forever changed my life.
Last August I was introduced to the Achilles Track Club by Mary Bryant and the sport of HandCrank Wheelchair racing. With just three months of training under my belt I did my first marathon, the ING New York City Marathon, placing 10th with a time of 2:44.15. Not a bad time for your first marathon and just three weeks shy of my one year anniversary of my amputation.
I love the sport so much that I have continued to train and did the ING Miami Marathon on Sunday November 29th, just 14 months after my amputation. Placing first among the women and taking more than 30 minutes off my time (2:15.02) and fourth overall.
Eileen Magilligan Sheldon has been an active volunteer with Achilles since 1998. She has run and walked with Achilles athletes from around the world at various races including the New York City Marathon, the
Boston Marathon, the West Point Triathlon, and the Hong Kong Marathon. Eileen also participates in ultramarathons and ironman triathlons when she is not running with Achilles. She lives in San Francisco with her husband, where she is convinced the best running routes and trails exist.
Evelyn Torres says: “I was always a spectator and a volunteer during marathons that my friends participated in. Until six months ago, I met with Achilles members and they encouraged me to run with them at the park. I was inspired by their team spirit, enthusiasm, determination, courage, and strength that is when I decided to run my very first marathon in NYC 2005. I would not have completed the marathon without their encouragement and support. Achilles has definitely made a difference in my life, LA here I come.”
Boubacar Traoré, a torture victim and political refugee from West Africa, does not allow the amputation of his leg at the hip to dampen his spirit or to stop his desire to inspire others. Achilles has been the driving force physically and mentally for him. He has pushed beyond his physical limitations and the end result is one that he is so proud of. Boubacar has run in over 36 races, including three marathons. He ran his first marathon in November 2003, less than 5 months after finishing his first 5 mile race in 76 minutes, ahead of 60 able-bodied runners.
A highlight of Boubacar's career was his participation in June, 2004 when he was chosen to carry the Olympic Torch in New York City.
The Los Angeles Marathon in March, 2006 is an exciting race that Boubacar is looking forward to very much. He will race with his partner Andy Romanelli - both wanting to achieve a new personal record for a marathon.
Cathy Troisi started walking mega-miles, 2,200+ miles per year in 1991. She did that for three years.
First marathon: Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk, 1992; fundraiser for Boston's Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a 26.2 mile walk on Boston's course. September, 2006 will be Cathy's 15th consecutive Jimmy Fund marathon.
1994: walked LA marathon; Cathy's first 'sighting' of Achilles athletes; went to Jeff Galloway's running camp that summer as she was interested in being an Achilles companion to a blind runner. That finally materialized NYC, 1999. Was an Achilles companion to a wheelchair participant, NYC 1996 and a cancer patient, NYC 1998. That year at the Achilles banquet Cathy met Don Arthur. They have been looking forward to doing a marathon together.
First ultra: 1997; started using marathons to train for ultras. Cathy's done 29 ultras.
Joined the 50 States Marathon Club in 2001. Presently Secretary for the Board of Directors of the 50 States Marathon Club.
April 2006 will be Cathy's 12th consecutive Boston Marathon as a charity runner for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Coincidentally, Dana-Farber was offered as a consultation site for her daughter when she was diagnosed with colon cancer last May. She finished chemo in December. Dana-Farber and cancer fundraising is now a cause even more near and dear to Cathy's heart (and soles).
Kyle Warendorf is a 46 year old recovering couch potato. He started volunteering with Achilles in June of 2004, through NY Cares. The good news is that he's been with Achilles ever since. The bad news is he hasn't been back to NY Cares!
If someone had told him 2 years ago that he would be flying to LA to start his third marathon, he'd have suggested therapy. Achilles athletes changed that.
It's very difficult to remain inert in the face of the challenges they overcome every day.
He's gone from 0 to 15+ races in less than 2 years, from 4 milers to marathons, thanks to his friends at Achilles. It's given him a healthy counterbalance to all of the bread he bakes and eats!
Joan Wickham is originally from Streater Illinois . She graduated from the University of Illinois and became a United Airlines stewardess. This gave her the first taste of sunny California where she met her husband, John, who she has been married to for 53 years. Joan was very busy bringing up two children, John and Marie (Marie is guiding Ivonne Mosquera in the marathon) but she also had time to play tennis, bridge, golf, participate in charities, volunteer at the hospital and run a little antique and plant shop which she called "The Decorating Plant". She lives in Rolling Hills California , and is still an avid tennis player and hiker.
Her husband, John, has been ill for the last 8 months, so she has been spending most of her time in the hospital with him. She is very excited to meet the Achilles group, and to volunteer and help out in any way she can.
Marie Wickham is
originally from California and has a BA from University of California at Davis and a Masters in Bilingual Education from UCLA. She went to graduate school at the American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird) which led her to her job at Chase in New York. Marie currently works for JP MorganChase in the hedge fund credit area.
Marie originally got involved with Achilles through her friend Rob who went up Kilimanjaro with the Achilles group in 2001. He introduced Marie to Eddie and Ivonne and she feels like they became instant friends. Through them she met the rest of the Achilles group and started going to the Achilles workouts and functions which she loves.
Marie has a passion for running, and it is always special to find others who have that same love of running and to share it with them. Ivonne and Eddie are some of her best running buddies.
Marie did run Ivonne's first New York city marathon in 2003 as the chief gatorade and water girl and timer. They had a blast as Ivonne ran a 4:20. Then Eddie started training for Steamtown and wanted to do a 3:20 in order to qualify for the Boston marathon. He had a wonderful training group of friends and at the last minute Marie decided to join them in Steamtown. The picture above is from his finish where he qualified for Boston by 11 seconds. (Marie is the one collapsing on his back). That was one of the greatest experiences in a marathon in Marie's life. Marie strongly feels that she has learned more from her Achilles friends, then they could ever learn from her. Marie has made some life long friendships. According to Marie, there is nothing more important than family and friends. She is incredibly excited to be running the LA Marathon with her close friend Ivonne.
Contact Us
NYC Achilles Chapter
Staci Alziebler
salziebler@aol.com
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