KPF On The Rise During Busy Fall

Hello Kpeasey friends...On behalf of Brent and me, we would like to wish you all a very happy holiday season. 

The Kyle Pease Foundation has had a tremendous year due to the efforts of all of our fans, donors, sponsors and supporters. 

This past fall has been one for the ages culminating with our 7th Annual Bowling with Kpeasey event. The fun-filled fundraiser was a rolling success with most of our athletes in attendance. The event included laughter in abundance as well as selling the Kpeasey swag, the launch of Justin Knight's new book, A Knight in Shining Armor, great food and some awesome raffles and give-aways. Overall the event was a rousing success. 

One of the highlights of the event included the announcement of The Jake Vinson Family Grant. This was a special one as we awarded two recipients of the grant. Sherry Adams and her family received a grant to help facilitate the construction of a  handicapped bathroom to allow Sherry to gain more independence. Noah and

Naomi Williams also received a grant to put towards a new van to get Noah to all of his activities. There wasn't a dry eye in the place. We were thrilled to once again have The Vinson family in attendance to announce and congratulate the winners. The memory of Jake will always be a part of who we are and what we stand for. 

Thank you to all who came out to Stars and Strikes to participate and volunteer for the event. 

And now a few words from Brent: Bowling with KPeasey actually started in 2009 before The Kyle Pease Foundation was actually born.  Kyle, with the help of some of his friends and aides, set up a bowling event.  That first event benefited Reaching for the Stars, an organization supporting individuals with Cerebral Palsy.  Kyle ran and organized the event on his own and helped to raise a little more than $3000 dollars.  

When the foundation was formed in 2011 we elected to continue with an inclusive event, bowling, that was the original vision of our founder.  Today we raise nearly $25,000 annually at bowling, which allows us to support our local 5K/10K races for ALL our athletes!  The joy we gain from helping disabled individuals find joy in endurance sports is a true joy and we look forward to continuing to share our mission.  Thank you all for allowing us to serve and for helping us grow year in and year out!


Together We Wheel

We did do just a bit of racing this season including a visit to NY and the New York City Marathon. Brent and I, along with with Ricardo Aranda and Matt Sour visited the Big Apple and had a blast during our redemption tour. Ricardo soaked up every famous NYC landmark that the city had to offer including Times Square, and the world renowned Katz's Deli. It was great to see Ricardo so excited even before the race. His enthusiasm was contagious. 

The race was equally amazing. It was surreal as Brent pointed out the spot along the course where our wheel exploded last year. This year, no such mishap as we blazed through the streets of the city in record time. We also were able to talk about the organization during an interview with USA Today and on our local station 11 Alive Atlanta. See more images on our facebook photo album.

The week before we were in the Nation's capitol for the Marine Corps Marathon. It is incredible to roll through the streets of DC with all those historic monuments and landmarks as a back drop. The MCM had many of our teams participating at their highest level and it was a true honor to celebrate it with the Abilities Experience. Nine KPF teams participated and had an incredible experience. What I love most about the event is the fact that it brings all of us together as a KPF family. Laughing, competing and just hanging out creates an unforgettable experience. 

The foundation would not be possible without our athletes,

sponsors, supporters, board members. Once again, we thank you for making 2016 one to remember and we look forward to what 2017 has in store. Stay tuned for updated race info coming up on our website very soon.

Until then....remember that Where There's a Wheel, There's a Way!

KPeasey Says Good Bye To Publix and Hello to a Busy Fall Calendar

Hey guys, 

We hope everyone is having a good end to their summer. This is always a fun time for the Kyle Pease Foundation, as the fall is one our busiest times of the year. But, before I dive into the upcoming happenings surrounding the foundation, I want to start on a personal note. 

A few weeks ago, I decided to step away from Publix, so that I could help the foundation grow, while continuing my work at Piedmont Hospital. Publix will always hold a very special place in my heart, because it was the first job that I held. They gave me a platform as I was welcomed into the work force and got to know and serve some very special customers. 

The Peachtree Battle Publix was more than a place to go to work. It

was a community. It was family. In a way, the Kyle Pease Foundation is just like that. It embodies many of these same qualities. So, thank you, Publix for letting me be a part of your family for 14 years. You have helped me grow in more ways than I can express, and I will forever be grateful for that experience. 

Our teams are ready for the Marine Corps Marathon. They have completed two warm up races in the past two weeks. It is not too late to donate. If you would like to make a donation, click here. Our very own Justin Knight is getting ready to tackle Augusta, as well as, three teams that are competing in the Savannah Rock and Roll Marathon. Finally, Brent and I will be competing in the New York City Marathon.

A couple key dates to remember:

Camp Wheel Away: October 9-11 at Camp Twin Lakes

Bowling with KPeasey on November 13th

We just want to thank everyone for their continued support of KPF. We are grateful for each and every one of you. And don't forget, together we wheel!

Kyle

KPF Athlete Ryan Whitley Experiences His Aha Moment at John Tanner Tri

Hello Kpeasey Nation,

As we get ready to run into our busiest season of the year, we can't help but look back at some of our incredible summer events. We kicked off the summer with the Virginia Highlands Summerfest in June, followed by the iconic Peachtree Road Race. At Peachtree our involvement grew by leaps and bounds and was only exceeded by our The Lekotek 4-miler, which became our largest team event race ever. 

One would think that that would be the pinnacle, but it just keeps on getting better at our favorite local triathlon The John Tanner Tri the Parks Triathlon. 

If I may, the whole reason why we started this foundation was to let every person have their moment, whatever that might be. Their moment to shine or experience life at it's very finest. 

This past Saturday, at the John Tanner, Ryan Whitley had his aha

moment where he realized just what it meant to be a triathlete by finishing the race on his own two feet. It was his first triathlon and after walking across the finish line surrounded by cheers and tears of joy, Ryan's smile traveled from ear to ear. This is my personal mission; for the foundation to help provide every athlete with the opportunity to smile and to enjoy their race day to the fullest. Ryan certainly filled that bill for me.

Please take a minute and relive Ryan's incredible finish line experience below. 

As we get ready for the fall events, which will culminate with Bowling with Kpeasey in November, we cannot wait until the Marine Corps Marathon in the Nation's capital in October. They don't call it the People's Marathon for nothing. The MCM will challenge our athletes, but will give them a purpose and  personal achievement that no one can take ever away from them. 

If you are interested in making a donation to support one of our Marine Corps Marathon team pages please visit, our website support page and select the KPF team of your choice. 

We are so excited about being a co-sponsors to Golf with Jake as Jake Vinson and his family will always have a special place in our hearts. Speaking of this special family, it's not too late to sign up for the Jake Vinson Family Grant. The deadline is 9/15. Applications are on our website. 

Camp Wheel a Way which is always a fun time is approaching on October 9-11. Do not miss out on this incredible weekend. For more information visit our website as well. 

Thanks always for all the support. We can't wait to kick off the fall and for all of the Kpeasey family to have a great time. Until then, 

Together We Wheel...Kyle

And the Winner of the Inaugural Assisted Division of the Peachtree Road Race is...INCLUSION!

Ricardo and Matt win the Inaugural Assisted Division Peachtree Road Race.
PHOTO BY JORDAN D. HILL/JORDAN.HILL@AJC.COM

Hello K Peasey Nation...If you think the weather has been hot during the month of July, the Foundation schedule has been scalding. 

KPF started off the month on America's birthday with Atlanta's iconic race, The Peachtree Road Race, the largest 10k in the entire country with over 60,000 participants. That's a lot of athletes!

Peachtree even has a wheel chair division which was made up of 62 athletes this year. Brent and I have been working very hard along with the Atlanta Track Club and The Shepherd Center to create the first assisted division in the race's long and historic history. 

The inaugural assisted division was made up of five teams with the winners being Ricardo Aranda and Matt Shechtman who finished in a blistering time of just over 38 minutes. 

In an article published by the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Matt thanked Ricardo for his reassurance as "Schectman’s endurance weakened over time".

“Ricardo is an amazing lead and he keeps pushing me the whole way. He talked me off the ledge and kept me going. He’s an awesome puller.”

He continued, “The Peachtree is all about inclusion,” Schectman said. “Sixty thousand different people out here with 60,000 stories.”

It was a very historic Fourth of July with fire works all through the day and a perfect day to celebrate both independence and inclusion. What a perfect pair as in many ways the two travel hand in hand. 

Two days after Peachtree, Brent and I packed our suitcases and hit the road in the KPF RV with a final destination of Muncie, IN for the Muncie 70.3 1/2 Ironman.

It was great to see some familiar faces on the course each of which inspired us to a personal best of 33 minutes for the 1.2 mile swim. We followed that up with a great bike portion of 3:56 for the 56 miles ride and followed that up with a very solid 1/2 marathon for a personal record of 6:28:00.  

We can't thank KPF athletes Tina and Naomi Hicks enough as they made their way to IN to support us. 

Brent is participating in his own full Ironman race this weekend in Sonoma Valley, CA at Vineman. We will be rooting him on and encourage him to spend more time on the course than in the vineyards. 

We are getting ready for a very busy schedule with the Lekotek Fun Run on August 13, a local triathlon on August 27 and then the People's Marathon aka the Marine Corp Marathon on October 30th in the Nation's capitol just a few days before the presidential election.  

Don't forget to check out our site for information about Bowling with Kpeasey, The Jake Vinson Family Grant and of course, Camp Wheel a Way!

As always, Together We Wheel!

The Kyle Pease Foundation: What a Long Strange Trip it's Been

What a month it has been.  To say we are tired would be an understatement.  But this is our "Fall tour".  This is our race season.  Come December it is time for the Holiday cheer!

If you have been under a rock, you probably missed Jon Crais finish a marathon under his own power.

Or perhaps you missed the news that 50,000 people ran a marathon in NYC just a week later.  Brent and I had our own "interesting" time at that race.

 

And if that wasn't enough...Justin Knight went out and completed an Ironman in Panama City the following weekend.

 

To say we are proud is an understatement.  To say we are overwhelmed is a bit off too.  But, we still need your help.   

 

 

Please consider joining us at our bowling event this Sunday. Tickets are available in advance by clicking the bowling link.  If you cannot attend we kindly ask that you consider a donation.  

 

Consider this:

 

Marine Corps Marathon Registration fee: $151

Typical 5k fee: $35

Jogging Chair: $850

Race Chair: $3300

Tandem Bike: $12,000

Boat: $800

Race Day Transport: $100

 

There are many things you can support.  We would love it if you select one of the items listed above and consider that to be your holiday donation to KPF. Even $10 will go a long way towards helping even more athletes reach the finish line. 

 

Please consider your continued support of The Kyle Pease Foundation and the athletes we serve.

 

Together We Wheel

 

Kyle and Brent
 

   

 

  

 

 

Kyle Pease Foundation Brings Disabled Athletes to Their Feet

We're coming down, but only slightly, after an incredible weekend as the Kyle Pease Foundation set up ship in the Nation's Capitol for the Marine Corps Marathon. Once again, we co-sponsored with The Ability Experience and it was phenomenal event. Even the uncooperative DC weather could not dampen our spirits.

We saw many of our friends including the famous Rick Hoyt, who together with his father Dick pioneered the entire ability running movement, as well as spending some Q-time with Ainsley's Angels. There were many heavy tears shed as two of our team members got to rise from their running chairs and walk across the finish line under their own power. John Crais, who was guided by Thomas Oden, and Jason Dorn ,who was pushed by Kyle Thomas, both contributed moments that  onlookers will never forget. John's moment is captured in the story link above.

The highlight for me was getting to hang out with some of the KPF families before and during the race. Jessica Minton's husband Bryant and son their Grant, as well as, Naomi Williams, Noah's mom entertained me nearly all weekend. It was quite an experience being on the sidelines with all the marines and the sounding of the cannon.

I couldn't be more proud of the Kyle Pease Foundation. Hats off to all the volunteers who raised money and pushed 26.2 miles through the beautiful country that we live in.

The fun continues this weekend as Brent and I compete in the Big Apple at the NYC Marathon, followed by a very quick turnaround and trip south as we'll join J-dude, Justin Knight and his team in Ironman Florida in Panama City. One hundred and forty point six miles separates J-Dude from history as the first KPF athlete to become an Ironman.

As if that's not enough, We have our Bowling with Kpeasey event on November 15th from 3-6 PM at Stars and Strikes Bowling to celebrate all of our athletes, as well as, the awarding of the Jake Vinson Family Grant.

Don't forget my new children's book "Where There's a Wheel, There's a Way" will make it's debut to the public at the bowling event where I will be signing copies with my co-author Todd Civin. We will have regular and LARGE print editions as well as audio DVD versions and a limited number of 2016 "WTAWTAW" calendars.  Can't wait to see everyone there.

Keep your eyes open for next weeks special blog with Justin Knight's Ironman Florida preparation and comments from the team. Brent and I gotta go catch a plan to NY...so we'll turn the rest of the blog over to Noah William's mom, Naomi for her thoughts on the Marine Corps Marathon weekend as well as the inspiring words of Mike Ragan, our friend, teammate and all3sports colleague, who started the weekend off with his inspiring words.

Naomi Williams:

The weekend was A-MAZE-ING!! It's always fun to 'run' a race, yet this race was special as I got be a cheerleader, not only for my son, but for ALL of the athletes. I won't ever have the chance to be a soccer mom, but this weekend gave me the same euphoric high!! Waiting with anticipation for Noah and Kevin to come around the last corner and into eyesight, beaming with pride as they crossed the finish line - that was the equivalent of watching the winning goal.

For Noah, it provided an opportunity to be successful and experience what it feels like to be a winner. He LOVED being around people who embraced him for him. Noah has a special connection with Kyle and it is beautiful to watch their interaction. In addition, I realized that life is a team effort just like this race. Everyone plays a vital role no matter how insignificant they think it is!

Mike Ragan:

I met Brent Pease a little over two years ago, when I started working at all3sports.  Soon after I learned of his work with his brother's foundation.  In spring of 2014, Brent invited me to consider running my first marathon at the Marine Corps Marathon with KPeasey. 

 

The experience of training last year was amazing; the purpose I felt every day with every run.  Brent paired me with Tina and her daughter, Naomi.  Since they lived almost three hours away from me, the first time we met was a month before the race, but we hit it off right away.

We both arrived for the race in Washington, D.C. a couple of days early, and we were inseparable.  We spent hours at the Expo checking out the booths, and we even met Sean Astin, who starred in Rudy and Lord of the Rings.

Race morning found us ready to run.  The assisted athletes were sent off five minutes before the rest of the field, which helped me look good.  I ran the first mile in 8:45.  On the official time my first mile read a scathing 3:45.  I'm sure this helped my coach find several new athletes.  After the first 10k, I notice that Naomi was waving with both hands in a strange way.  I asked if she was okay, only to have her reply, "I'm done!  Where's momma?"  How did we make it through the race?  Singing!  We sang "Let It Go" from the movie, Frozen, The Wheels on the Bus, and Old MacDonald.  Needless to say, there were tons of animals on the farm that day. I averaged an 8-minute mile for the first twenty miles and then the wheels fell off...of my run. 

 

I hit the wall and struggled through the last 10k.  In the last mile, two of our KPeasey teammates, Curtis and Fred, passed us.  Fred smacked me on the bottom and Curtis said, "See ya!"  It is okay because this year, I'm running with Fred's number and I'll be pushing Curtis.  So, Curtis, get ready for a 12-hour marathon!

In the year since the last Marine Corps Marathon, I've seen Naomi and Tina several times and I talk to them on the phone every few weeks.  We ran a two more races together the following months and Naomi got to go bowling with my two middle school-aged daughters at the annual KPeasey bowling fundraiser.

The greatest part of this entire process has not been getting in shape, running a marathon or raising money for the foundation.  Those are all wonderful things, but to be invited into another family's life has truly been the greatest gift.

The Kyle Pease Foundation Continues to Be Busier Than a Moth in a Mitten

As summer fades into the rear view and the weather continues to get cooler, Kpeasey is hotter than ever. With so many events on the foundation calendar we are busier than a moth in a mitten. 
 

We just completed Camp Wheel-A-Way, a camp for individuals with cerebral palsy where we partner with Camp Twin Lakes to host an amazing group of enthusiastic campers. The weekend was filled with biking, running, boating, Smores and a lot of smiles. It was quite a weekend filled with laughter and enough memories to last a lifetime. Kpeasey and the campers even went air born going zip-lining above the woods at Camp Twin Lakes.  

Our very own dude, Justin "J-dude" Knight is preparing fiercely for

Ironman Florida. He has been eating, dreaming and breathing Ironman for the past three months. He is super excited and is in top shape for 140.6 miles of fun. 

Along with his teammates John Rutledge, Tim Myers, and Paul Linck, they are ready to tackle any obstacle that may come their way because after all, Where There's a Wheel, There's a Way!
 

Don't forget to come out to Justin's send off party on Monday Night Brewing in Atlanta on Wednesday, October 28th. We are super excited to see Justin compete as he is the first KPF athlete to ever attempt this prestigious feat. This is the culmination of the vision that Brent and I saw when we started the foundation. 
 

Speaking of "Where There's a Wheel, There's a Way!", KPeasey can now add the title of author to my business card as my new children's book is on pre-order on our website. We are putting the finishing touches on an audio version narrated by yours truly and a big print version, so that everyone can enjoy the book. All profits from the book and the DVD are going to the Kyle Pease Foundation.

If you want to learn about inclusion, my life and the foundation, the book will be officially unveiled on November 15th and it will be available at the the Annual KPeasey Bowling Event. This event is the biggest fundraiser of the year for our foundation and we even have a special guest attending the event and spreading his message of Together We Wheel! We will also be announcing the Jake Vinson Family Grant winner. 

Next week we will be taking a team of athletes to Washington DC to the Marine Corps Marathon, which is a great event taking place in our Nation's capitol. After a quick turnaround, Brent and I will be going to NY to run the NYC marathon on November 1st as Kpeasey Meets the Big Apple and the Big Apple meets Kpeasey. Hope the city is ready for us!!

Wrapping up our busy stretch is the Holcomb Bridge Hustle on

Saturday, November 14th. This is our final race of the season and is always a great time. We may even get our social media director and co-author of my book, Todd Civin, to lace them up as he'll be down for the bowling event and book signing. 

Jessica, Mike and Several Other KPF Athletes to Compete at Marine Corps Marathon

Though they won't be running from the Halls of Montezuma or even to the Shores of Tripoli, several KPeasey athletes will be among "the few, the proud" as they "lace up their boots" and compete in the 40th Annual Marine Corps Marathon on October 25th in Washington, DC. 

There will be an enormous sense of national pride while competing in and completing the 26.2 mile course set in the nation's capitol. Envision yourself as one of 10,000 athletes participating in "The People's Marathon" with the ghosts of Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King and George Washington guiding you through out the course. 

What a feeling of patriotism one will experience as the huge American flag unfurls with the thirteen hands of the statue of Iwo Jima in the foreground as the canon blasts marking the start of this incredibly historic event. 

Two KPeasey athletes who will be making the trip to DC are

Mike Ragan and Jessica Minton, each of whom were kind enough to share their thoughts about competing in such an illustrious event. They will be among several hundred assisted athlete teams from all over the country, who will start at the front of the pack ahead of the rest of the athletes. 

"It’s a great feeling knowing that I will be a part of something so important for so many people.  I know that I will not have a shortage of inspiration for the race," explains Mike, who works as a store manager for all3sports.

"I’m looking forward to the crowd support and amazing landmarks.  It is exciting enough to be a part of KPeasey, but I think being in such a storied place will only add to this experience of serving a greater cause," he added.

Jessica mirrored Mike's sentiments, "I think competing against the nation's most iconic backdrop will be, in some ways, sobering. The United States of America has sacrificed so much in our quest for freedom and liberty. At the same time, I am so thankful that this is the country I grew up to respect. I am thankful for the Americans with Disabilities Act that provide opportunity to pursue what we love."

Both athletes spoke glowingly about their experiences with the Kyle Pease Foundation, which of course is music to Brent and my ears and will give us a sense of absolute joy as we cheer our teammates on from the sidelines.  

"My experience working with the Kyle Pease Foundation over the past year has been quite a bit more than I was expecting.  The families have been so welcoming and loving", explained Mike.  "I have been so humbled by how freely the KPeasey families have opened their lives to me."

Added Jessica who will be completed the course in her hand cycle, "The Kyle Pease Foundation has given me a way to stay active and committed to something besides me and my family."

Ragan who will be pushing KPeasey athlete, Curtis Ward has little concern of completing the 26.2 terrain. "I know the crowd support will be amazing and Curtis has always been a very vocal and encouraging teammate during the race.  He will let us know if we need to work harder."

Jessica shared a similar lack of intimidation, "I have no doubt that I can finish this, just as long as I don't have another flat! (I had a flat in the Publix half and didn't have tubes to change the tire...)". 

Mike, Jessica and more than a dozen other KPF athletes are excited to be competing in such a prestigious event. 

"I will be flying up with Kyle and my friend Helen who has been helping to fund raise.  My sister lives in D.C. and she is planning to come to the race to cheer us on" explained Mike.

"My husband and my son are going with us. We've decided to go up on Thursday to explore the sights, added Jessica. "My husband is a huge history buff, and he's never been to DC!" 

"His dad is also retired Air Force, so he is excited to see all of the monuments. We've also decided that we would rather have Grant go with us. He'll learn more about this great country from this trip than anything they'll teach in school."