Dear Karen,

If anyone can embody the Achilles Spirit, it is Sarah Heller. "Give me a race and I'll do it. They're all party runs!" she says as she counts up her collection of over 73 race medals. She has been a member of our NYC chapter and TriAchilles team since 2010. A serious car accident at age 9 left her with a traumatic brain injury. After a medically induced coma and several months in rehab, she relearned how to walk and talk.

Today, Sarah is a marathoner and a triathlete known for the miles of smiles and joy she exudes. On September 20, we will honor Sarah with the Achilles Spirit Award at our gala in New York City. If you're unable to join us in person, consider making a gift today to help Achilles reach more athletes with disabilities like Sarah.

"I always dreamed of running the New York City Marathon," says Sarah who will run her ninth this November. "Achilles is the best part of my life. Never did I think I would complete all of these races."

The gala Celebrate Achilles: An Evening of Hope & Possibility® will be held on Tuesday, September 20, 6:30 PM ET - 9:30 PM ET, at Tribeca 360° in New York. In addition to Sarah, we will honor Ross Moody, Moody Foundation Trustee, who has supported hundreds of Achilles athletes in completing the NYC Marathon. Proceeds raised help us transform the lives of youth, adults and veterans with disabilities.

Learn more about the program, tickets and sponsorships on our website.

Become a sponsor and showcase your organization’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility. Contact Ryan Quick at rquick@achillesinternational.org to learn more.