Dear Karen,

I had been a long distance runner since my youth and envisioned being one through old age, crossing finish lines with white hair and a wrinkly smile. That dream changed when I found out I have a very rare genetic condition called Polyneuropathy, Hearing Loss, Ataxia, Retinitis Pigmentosa and Cataracts (PHARC). It's progressively killing my nerves and weakening my muscles. 

I never thought my ability to run would end while my heart was still fit and while I still craved extreme workouts and competitions. It crippled me emotionally for a while.

I can't walk the same way most people can. I need a cane. I still limp and fall a lot. I can't hear the way most people can. If the battery dies on my cochlear implant, I am deaf. I can't feel vibrations as well as most people. My vision isn't great. But I can still compete and exercise. I'm just doing it in other ways.

The Achilles team saved my life. 

With encouragement from my teammates, my Achilles Boston coach Joe and my boyfriend Adam, I am now handcycling. My Achilles friends got so excited about my handcycle, they even wanted me to pace them! Thank you Achilles for giving me new dreams as I changed abilities. Like my incredible Adam (who I first met as an Achilles guide) tells me, "Just change the goal post!" 

Achilles International has breathed life and love into so many people. We're all so different, with so much to give. I'm honored to be able to share a piece of the impact Achilles has made on my life.

Sincerely,

Dr. Annahita Forghan, an Achilles Boston athlete