Celebrating Inclusion in Action

2025 Grant & Award Recipients

At The Kyle Pease Foundation, our mission has always been about more than crossing finish lines. It’s about community. It’s about courage. And it’s about honoring the people who move inclusion forward—on race courses, behind the scenes, and in everyday life.

Each year, our grants and awards recognize individuals who embody the heart of KPF and help make inclusive sport possible. The 2025 recipients represent resilience, service, family, and leadership, and we are honored to celebrate their impact.

Moving Inclusion Forward—Together

Each of our 2025 grant and award winners plays a vital role in advancing inclusion in sport and in life. Their stories remind us why we do this work—and why it matters.

To our recipients: thank you for inspiring our community and for helping us change what’s possible, one mile, one moment, and one person at a time. 💙

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Lucye Bailey Caplan Broken Wheel Award

Recipient: Ella Hunt

The Broken Wheel Award honors perseverance—recognizing individuals who continue pushing forward despite significant challenges. Ella Hunt exemplifies this spirit through her determination and resilience.

Through the Broken Wheel Award grant, Ella hopes to race more 5Ks, half marathons, and one day a full marathon with a custom racing chair. This support will help remove physical barriers and open the door for Ella to experience the thrill of race day, the strength of community, and the pride that comes with crossing finish lines.

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Bethany Rutledge Courage Award

Recipient: Brandi Thomas

The Courage Award is presented to an individual who demonstrates extraordinary bravery in the face of adversity. Brandi Thomas embodies courage through her unwavering resolve and determination.

The grant will support Brandi’s goal of purchasing a hand-crank bike, giving her the freedom to start flying solo with bike assist and the opportunity to take on new marathons.

“It would help me race more and on my own time,” Brandi shared—opening the door to even more independence, adventure, and miles ahead.

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Jake Vinson Family Grant

Recipient: Dale Robinson

The Jake Vinson Family Grant supports families navigating life with a loved one who has a disability, helping remove barriers and create greater stability at home.

The Jake Vinson Family Grant will help Dale create a more accessible home—making it easier to move around his apartment, use his TV, and enjoy everyday spaces with greater independence. This support allows Dale to focus on living fully and comfortably in his own space.

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Alicia Harrington Volunteer of the Year Award

Recipient: Nate Flanders

We’re proud to recognize Nate Flanders, a dedicated member of The Kyle Pease Foundation Ambassador Team, for his heart for inclusion and service to the adaptive sports community.

💙 Why Nate Became an Ambassador
Through his work with the GA Swimming Disability Camp and the Fred US Para Swim Meet, Nate saw firsthand how powerful inclusion can be. After meeting Cougar, a KPF Athlete, at Tri the Parks—and later reconnecting at the Fred—his passion only grew. Inclusion is so important to Nate because everyone is equal in the water.

✨ Favorite KPF Memory
Nate’s first experience with The Kyle Pease Foundation was at Tri the Parks, where he discovered that there are organizations dedicated to helping athletes of all abilities compete in triathlon.

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Arthur M. Blank KPF Grant

Recipient: Kam Swanson

The Arthur M. Blank KPF Grant is designed to empower individuals by providing access to resources that foster independence, confidence, and opportunity.

This grant will help Kam receive his own racing chair, allowing him to train, race, and experience finish lines in his hometown alongside his mom and teammates. Access to adaptive equipment like this creates opportunities for connection, growth, and lifelong inclusion through sport.

Four Days. Big Smiles. Pure Magic. | 2026 Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend

At the 2026 Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend, The Kyle Pease Foundation proudly brought 101 participantstogether for an unforgettable celebration of inclusion, endurance, and community.

The heart of the weekend included 18 KPF Athletes, with five racing with KPF for the very first time. From the 5K through the Marathon, each day delivered meaningful miles, unforgettable finish lines, and powerful moments of connection.

Our Challenge runners showed up in a big way, taking on both the Goofy and Dopey Challenges, proving that every mile tells a story. A standout moment came on Marathon Sunday when Brent and Kyle Pease crossed the finish line with an incredible sub–3–hour marathon time.

While the races were magical, the biggest highlight was the community built throughout the weekend. Teammates gathered before and after races, cheering one another on and creating an environment where everyone truly belonged.

Every mile was magic—and together, we went further. ✨

Together, We Go Further | Interview with Garnett Palmer

Written by Kevin Enners

Many athletes who race with The Kyle Pease Foundation first hear about the organization through word of mouth. For Garnett Palmer, that introduction came during one of the most uncertain seasons of his life. After he and his brother were diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Garnett suddenly found himself navigating a reality filled with fear, change, and questions no young person should have to face.

Encouraged by his teacher, Garnett went to Camp Wheel-A-Way where he bonded with other campers. There, he learned that KPF did more than races. It offered him friendships. Those moments sparked something in him.

In  September 2024, Garnett was rushed to the hospital, suffering from congestive heart failure, commonly seen in teenagers with DMD.

“It was one of the scariest moments of my life,” Garnett said.

In the months that followed, he struggled through some of the darkest days he had ever known. Yet, even in that darkness, a powerful reminder emerged — he wasn’t alone. His uncle, niece, close friends Kyle Pease and Josh Porter, Mak and Faye Yost, and fellow KPF athlete Dontavius Ridley all visited him as he recovered at The Arthur M. Blank Hospital, a place dedicated to children facing complex medical challenges.

“Seeing all those faces,” Garnett said, “reminded me what real support truly feels like.”

Through the Foundation, Garnett discovered a community overflowing with joy, strength, and unwavering belief. He found friends who saw potential instead of limitations and built bonds with people who understood his journey in ways words could never fully capture. His mother, LaToya, found community, too – other single parents of children with special needs, resources, and support that helped her feel steady again.

Garnett’s determination was soon recognized when he received the Lucye Caplan Broken Wheel Award. To him, it wasn’t just an honor. It was a symbol of how far he had come, and a promise that KPF would continue standing beside him and LaToya as they moved forward.

“KPF’s support took a huge weight off my mom’s shoulders,” Garnett said. With help from The Lucye Caplan Broken Wheel Award, Garnett secured reliable transportation, and LaToya was able to cover major medical expenses that had once seemed impossible to manage. “Without KPF,” he added, “our situation would’ve been overwhelming. This meant the world to us.”

Now, at 17, Garnett looks toward the future with hope and confidence. LaToya often says that KPF showed them both what true inclusion looks like, and how a community built on compassion can transform fear into strength and uncertainty into resilience.

“They helped me understand that I’m not walking this journey alone,” Garnett said. “I’m part of a family that lifts me up, empowers me, and champions me.”

And just as Garnett once learned about KPF through others, he now hopes his story will be the one someone hears, sparking the same hope, the same courage, and the same life-changing first step into a community where no one walks through their journey alone.

70.3 Miles of Inclusion

Behind the Scenes with Team Wilson at IRONMAN 70.3 North Carolina

When Wilson Barron, Kendall Messer, and Brandon Gray set out to take on IRONMAN 70.3 North Carolina, it wasn’t just another race — it was the culmination of months of preparation, planning, and passion. This dynamic trio — known affectionately as Team Wilson — embodies what inclusion, teamwork, and perseverance look like in motion.

The Road to Race Day

For Team Wilson, race day begins long before the starting horn sounds.
Months earlier, Kendall and Brandon began training, logging countless hours in the pool, on the bike, and on the run. Every session was focused on more than just speed — it was about synchronization, communication, and trust. Together with Wilson, they refined transitions, practiced communication cues, and fine-tuned equipment to ensure that every detail was dialed in for Wilmington.

Behind them stood a support crew of dozens — volunteers, family members, KPF teammates, and logistics coordinators — all working to make sure every aspect of race weekend ran smoothly. From travel arrangements and equipment transport to adaptive gear checks and nutrition plans, it takes a true team effort to bring inclusion to life across 70.3 miles.

The Calm Before the Cannon

The days leading up to race morning are filled with both excitement and quiet focus.
Team Wilson arrived in Wilmington early to get familiar with the course, double-check transitions, and meet with race officials and support staff. Adaptive racing means unique logistics — from swim tether adjustments to wheelchair transport coordination — and The Kyle Pease Foundation team ensures every athlete has what they need to succeed.

Race-eve energy buzzed through the air as KPF athletes and teammates gathered for dinner, sharing goals, laughter, and nerves. For Wilson, it’s more than a race — it’s an opportunity to connect, inspire, and show what’s possible when barriers are removed and inclusion leads the way.

Race Day: 70.3 Miles of Grit, Joy, and Teamwork

When the sun rose over Wilmington, the nerves gave way to determination.
Brandon led the charge, guiding Wilson through the 1.2-mile swim, every stroke fueled by the cheers of the KPF family lining the shore. Kendall took over for the 56-mile bike, powering through the coastal winds and long stretches of road with Wilson riding just behind — their communication seamless, their effort relentless. And finally, the run — the last 13.1 miles — where Kendall pushed Wilson across the streets of downtown Wilmington, both athletes feeding off the energy of the crowd and the mission they represent.

After more than seven hours of racing, Team Wilson crossed the finish line in 7:07:46, earning 2nd place in the Push-Assist Duo category and a well-deserved silver medal. But the finish line meant more than a time or a trophy — it represented every ounce of teamwork, perseverance, and inclusion that got them there.

Beyond the Finish Line

For Wilson, Kendall, and Brandon, this race wasn’t just about proving what they could do — it was about showing what’s possible for everyone.

Every cheer, every volunteer, every teammate contributed to a movement bigger than sport itself. Each mile carried the spirit of the Kyle Pease Foundation, whose mission is to create opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate fully in athletics and community life.

As Team Wilson’s journey shows, “Where There’s a Wheel, There’s a Way.”

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Learn more about The Kyle Pease Foundation and how you can support inclusion in sports at kylepeasefoundation.org.

A Legacy in Motion: Honoring Jake Vinson Through Inclusion

Meet “Jake” — A Legacy in Motion

We’re thrilled to introduce Jake, the newest race chair in the Kyle Pease Kids fleet. But Jake is more than just a race chair — he’s a symbol of heart, history, and hope. Named in honor of Jake Vinson, The Kyle Pease Foundation’s first official athlete, this new addition carries forward a legacy that continues to inspire inclusion in sport.

The Heart Behind the Name: Jake Vinson

Jake Vinson was the first athlete to represent The Kyle Pease Foundation. His spirit, determination, and love for competition embodied everything KPF stands for — inclusion, possibility, and perseverance.

Though Jake passed away in 2013, his influence lives on in every athlete, volunteer, and family who joins our mission. His story reminds us why we push: because every athlete deserves a chance to feel the thrill of the start line and the pride of the finish.

In 2015, KPF renamed its signature grant in his memory — the Jake Vinson Family Grant — ensuring that his name continues to change lives for years to come.

The Jake Vinson Family Grant: Changing Lives Year After Year

The Jake Vinson Family Grant was established to honor Jake’s legacy by providing financial assistance to individuals and families living with disabilities. Each year, the grant supports a recipient with the resources needed to improve accessibility, independence, and quality of life.

Funds may help purchase adaptive equipment, therapy services, or other vital resources that allow athletes and families to thrive. Every December, a deserving recipient is selected and celebrated at KPF’s annual End-of-Year Celebration — a fitting tribute to the spirit of giving that Jake inspired.

Through community support and fundraising events, especially The Jake Golf Tournament, 100% of proceeds go directly toward this grant and other KPF programs.

The Jake Golf Tournament: Playing for a Purpose

What started as a small golf gathering in Jake’s memory has grown into one of KPF’s most impactful annual fundraisers — The Jake Golf Tournament.

Held each fall at Berkeley Hills Country Club, this event brings together friends, families, sponsors, and athletes for a day of fellowship and fun on the greens — all while raising funds to keep Jake’s legacy alive.

Since its inception, The Jake has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to fuel KPF’s mission of improving the lives of individuals with disabilities through sports and inclusion.

Our heartfelt thanks go out to Live Forever Golf, the event’s presenting sponsor, and to every golfer, donor, and volunteer who continues to make this event possible year after year.

The Next Chapter: Meet the New Race Chair “Jake”

Now, the name “Jake” takes on new life — as the newest Kyle Pease Kids race chair. This adaptive racing chair is designed to empower our youngest athletes, giving them the freedom and joy of racing side-by-side with their teammates.

Just like its namesake, Jake represents courage, determination, and the power of inclusion. Every mile this chair covers will honor the memory of Jake Vinson and celebrate the mission that began with him.

Keep the Legacy Rolling

The spirit of Jake Vinson continues to move us forward — from the smiles of our athletes to the miles we cover together.

We’re not just racing — we’re carrying forward a legacy of love, laughter, and limitless possibility.