The pandemic took a toll. It put everything as we knew it on pause. Nick Roker, 19, reached out to Achilles when he was ready to go and start running again. Since taking that first step — one we can all relate to in wanting to make a comeback — Nick has attended almost every Achilles NYC chapter workout. With each workout, he brings a jolt of enthusiasm and positive energy. If out of town, he is even known for pointing out to his mom Deborah, an ABC News correspondent, “It’s Tuesday night, I should be running with Achilles right now!” We’re honoring Nick on November 18 during our virtual gala. Will you join us?

Nick never takes the easy route. Maddy, his longtime Achilles guide, points out when given the choice of logging miles on a flat course, he insists on climbing the steep Harlem Hill in Central Park.

Rain or shine, he is there. When Tropical Storm Elsa hit New York, Nick still showed up bright and early to complete his leg of the Achilles Resilience Relay, his dad Al Roker, of NBC's Today Show, proudly cheering on. That same weekend, he crushed the Achilles Hope & Possibility 4-Miler sprinting ahead of his mom and guide. RSVP here for our virtual Celebration of Resilience as we honor our community.

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Thank you to our Celebration of Resilience sponsors helping us make endurance races, runs and rides more accessible and inclusive. Learn about sponsoring our virtual gala here.

Photo 1 Credit: Anthony Quintano / TD Bank