Disabled veterans recharge lives in New York City marathon

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Shad Eidson
  • Air Force Print News
NEW YORK (AFPN) --  Of the 38,000 runners in the New York City Marathon Nov. 5, 50 disabled veterans ran on the Achilles Freedom Team of 'wounded veterans'.

While most runners push themselves to exhaustion through the 26.2 miles of urban roads, Monica Szymanski took on the marathon to re-energize her life.

"I'm still in shock being able to accomplish it," said Mrs. Szymanski, a disabled veteran and former Air Force Reserve senior airman. "I have good days and bad days. Today was more of a phenomenal day." 

Four years ago, just a few weeks after her father died of cancer, Mrs. Szymanski was diagnosed with cancer. At the time, she was the sole caregiver for her 3-month-old son while her husband was deployed. Because of complications with removing the cancerous mass, she opted to have her left leg amputated during the required surgery.
"The aftermath is very challenging. What inspires me is knowing that I can see my son and my husband everyday," Mrs. Szymanski said.

A year after her cancer, she met Achilles members who encouraged her. However, it wasn't until she saw the strength and will of disabled veterans, recovering from their injuries at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, that their determination would motivate her to push to new limits.

The recharge she gains at the marathon doesn't come from finishing in 3:10:49 either. It comes from her "wounded warrior" teammates on the Achilles Freedom Team. This year's group of 50 and their inspiration fills her with a stronger purpose -- just as they have in two of the city's previous marathons.

"I think that it's great they're out here," said Officer Jimmy Griffin with the New York Police Department.

They're an inspiration to a lot of people, and they're showing that having a disability isn't a handicap, he said.

The Freedom Team is part of the Achilles Track Club, an international, nonprofit organization that supports people with all types of disabilities to participate in mainstream athletics, promote personal achievement and enhance self-esteem.

Nearly 200 Achilles athletes competed this year, said Mary Bryant, Achilles Freedom Team director. And their successes today couldn't have happened without more than 30 members from New York City's fire and police departments. They volunteered their off-duty time to transport the athletes and their gear to and from the airport, hotels and race events.

Mrs. Szymanski plans to start an Achilles Chapter in Ohio where her husband is now stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

"I know that there are others out there who are disabled that want to get out," she said. "I know that I am not the only one who wants to enjoy life outside the house and not feel that you're limited so where can you go."

Disabled veterans who would like to join the Freedom Team can visit www.achillestrackclub.org.