Earlier this week, CCRC vice president, Erica Zimmerman had the opportunity to meet an amazing brother and sister duo, Nancy & Jose Chavarria.  Nancy and Jose suffer from muscular dystrophy, but with the help from “myTEAM Triumph”, they will both participate in their first ever road race this Saturday April 28th at the Run for John 5K.

“myTEAM TRIUMPH” is an athletic ride-along program created for children, teens, adults and veterans with disabilities who would normally not be able to experience endurance events such as triathlons or road races.

Mike Andersen contacted this national group to provide the specialized wheelchairs needed for the event. He then formed (2) three man teams to push the couple. The teams met this evening at St Joseph’s Church for a practice run. After a couple laps around the church parking lot to make sure that Nancy & Jose were comfortable in their chairs, the group ran a short section of Haig Mill Road.

The participants with disabilities are known as “Captains,” and the athletes who have the honor of pushing and pulling the Captains on the course are called their “Angels.”

The “Angels” on Team One: Mike Andersen, Thierry Urbain, Sean Coleman. “Angels” on Team Two: Alan Haigler, Taylor Andersen, and Kasey Carpenter.

Please come out Saturday at 8:30 to the Run for John 5k to support and encourage ‘myTEAM Triumph” ! The smiles on Nancy and Jose’s faces should make it all worth while!