Tom Miazga doesn’t describe his life in terms of limitations. He describes it in terms of momentum. At 35, the Milwaukee native is a full-time athlete and coach, a Paralympic swimmer turned elite CrossFit competitor, and a nine-time “Fittest Seated Man on Earth.” If things go according to plan, he’ll make it ten. But numbers, while impressive, only tell part of the story. What defines Tom isn’t just what he’s achieved. It’s how he’s chosen to interpret the obstacles that shaped him.
When Ella Hunt talks about racing, her face lights up long before she mentions the finish line. Despite having Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a genetic neuromuscular disease that causes progressive muscle weakness which affects movement and breathing, Ella’s disability does not define her. Instead of the word impossible, she goes by the mantra, I’m possible. And Ella has the confidence to back it up.
“Every night, I think of the three best things that happened that day,” says Ella. She then plans the things she wants to accomplish the next day. Three things. Three things that get measurable results. Three things that will move her forward. Three things she can do to make progress toward her goals.
Ella first met her running partner, Mandy Abercrombie, through the organization I Run 4, which paired Ella and Mandy. Each time Mandy ran, she dedicated her running miles to Ella, symbolizing their teamwork as much as personal achievement.
“When I met Ella (and her mom, Erica), Erica told me they didn’t expect Ella to live past the age of two,” Mandy remembers.
For Mandy, that initial conversation was eye-opening. Erica shared this with Mandy, not to scare her, but to prepare her. “Over the years, I got to know Ella and her family, despite them living in Indiana and me in Georgia. Whenever I felt like I couldn’t go any further, I would think of Ella because that kid never gives up.”
After 10 years of running for Ella, Mandy wanted to run with Ella. She proposed to Ella that they run a race together on their 10th anniversary. Mandy applied to KPF to take part in the Disney 5k with Ella. When Ella got the news, she was ecstatic. Mom thought it would be a one-and-done race.
“I’m not a runner, so I don’t really get it,” Erica laughed.
The trip to Florida for the Hunt family was a huge undertaking. In order to meet up with the other KPF teams at 3:00am, Ella was up at 1:00am getting ready. The race chair that she used did not accommodate her equipment or hold her body comfortably, but, where there’s will, there’s a way.
Ella’s brother, Carter, ran as her medical runner. Just coming off four weeks of bronchitis, Carter ran with Ella’s tracheotomy supply backpack on his back, her suction machine backpack on his front, and her cough therapy device held in his hand.
That first Disney 5K wasn’t just about miles. It was about possibilities. Ella loved the adventure, the energy, even stopping for photos with beloved characters along the course. Yet it was the moment she crossed the finish line that changed everything. In that instant, she knew she wanted to do it again.
Outside of racing, Ella’s world is full of color and creativity. She loves baking and cooking in the kitchen, painting bright canvases, playing games, and talking with friends. She’s also a devoted movie fan, especially superhero adventures and heartfelt love stories.
Those who know her best describe her as sweet, kind, and deeply loving. What many people might not realize at first glance is just how smart and thoughtful she is, something her family proudly emphasizes. Too often, people make assumptions based solely on physical appearance. Ella consistently proves there is far more beneath the surface.
But racing? Racing is different. Racing is freedom. Racing has become something that belongs to Ella. It’s an experience that allows her independence and ownership—something that is hers, separate from her parents and daily routines. It represents courage, momentum, and joy.
In 2024, Ella received The Lucye Caplan Broken Wheel Award, which honors an individual’s tenacity and resilience. With the funds from the grant, Ella is purchasing her own race chair, modified for her and her equipment. She is excited to experience the thrill of racing longer distances in her new chair.
Despite facing medical and physical challenges from a young age, Ella remains remarkably positive. She leans on her faith, sings through difficult moments, and keeps her focus forward.
Now, her dreams stretch far beyond a 5K. Ella hopes to run a marathon in Paris one day. It’s a bold goal. But if her first finish line taught her anything, it’s that big dreams start with a single race and a small push forward.
Ella’s story is more than an athletic milestone. It’s a reminder that determination, community, and belief can carry us farther than we ever imagined.
We started off 2026 with the Tarton Trot 5k, our Peachtree qualifier! Our athletes rolled through the chill and brought the HEAT!
Congrats to our Peachtree Road Race Competitive Division:
Bentley Grace Hicks & Evan Rogers (Mix/Coed)
Justin Knight & Zach Middlebrooks (Male)
Ricardo Aranda & Nick Fragnito (Male)
Kyle Pease & Brent Pease (Male)
Logan Northrop & Tori Ragsdale (Mix/Coed)
Darden Glass & David Glass (Mix/Coed)
Jakob Bohannon & Eric Rusiecki (Male)
Emanuel McFarland & Shannon Booker (Male)
Bradley Roper & Lindsey Amerson (Mix/Coed)
Written by Kevin Enners
As The Kyle Pease Foundation looks toward 2026, we do so rooted in gratitude, growth, and a deep belief in people. The past year marked a milestone moment for KPF—serving over 150 athletes, crossing 1320 finish lines, and raising over $3.1 million.
Yet numbers were not the sole measure of KPF’s progress. They simply reinforced that our greatest achievements come from relationships and inclusion in action.
When reflecting on 2025, moments of connection stand out as much as organizational wins. For Kyle, the biggest highlight is KPF’s annual End of the Year Celebration.
“I love giving away the grants and seeing the families totally surprised and speechless by the gift that will make a difference in their lives,” Kyle shared.
Moments like these reflect how the organization’s growth affects people rather than being shown purely through statistics. From intimate, emotional surprises at The End of Year Celebration to large-scale events that bring together longtime supporters and fresh faces alike, KPF’s mission continues to show up in powerful and personal ways. Those shared experiences, on and off the racecourse, are what make the work resonate most deeply with its leaders.
“Personally, Boston was a highlight. Being able to experience that again with Kyle helped bring all the things together for me,” Brent shared. He also pointed to events like Publix, noting that, “you cannot ever ignore Publix and the incredible display of inclusion that is supported by so many, including the Atlanta Track Club.”
As KPF has grown, so has its understanding of what it truly means to push beyond limits. The mission continues to evolve, not by drifting from its roots, but by defining them more clearly.
One of the areas of progress we are most excited about is inclusive employment. What began on the racecourse has expanded into meaningful job opportunities that support individuals with disabilities beyond race day.
“A personal note that I’m most proud of is how our inclusive employment team continues to make great strides throughout The Foundation doing meaningful work to make a difference,” Kyle shared.
Beginning in 2017 with one employee, KPF has grown into a team of eight inclusive employees contributing to the daily needs of The Foundation through the skills each individual can provide.
Since KPF’s inception, I have had a front-row seat watching Kyle and Brent nurture and bring their vision to life. I didn’t know what their goal was as they began to hire employees like me to assist with daily operations of KPF because I wasn’t fully aware of the behind-the-scenes activities. Now, as the Communications Project Manager, I see the amount of effort, coordination and enthusiasm that fuels our team to make our mission possible.
While race participation and fundraising remain important, they are no longer the sole markers of success. Sustainability now shows up in stronger systems, deeper engagement, and a growing confidence in how we operate. Behind the scenes, increased partnerships and enhanced board engagement have helped drive KPF’s momentum.
“Quite simply, we are doing a good job,” Brent reflected. “We need to be grounded in that as we continue to grow and expand.”
That grounding allows KPF to grow intentionally, without losing sight of the people at the heart of the mission.
Looking ahead, programs like Kyle Pease Kids (KPK), supported by The Arthur M. Blank Foundation, remain a priority, bringing together youth with and without disabilities to race, build confidence, and form lifelong friendships.
“Our mission has continued to grow with KPF’s organizational growth,” says Kyle. “That’s where the ‘beyond’ piece comes in. We’re not only helping people race. We’re helping develop the athlete to grow as a human beyond sports so they can truly see their full potential outside the starting line.”
Another top priority is investing more deeply in athletes, not just increasing participation, but strengthening relationships. Connection, not scale alone, remains the accurate measure of progress.
“We want to get to know our athletes on a more personal level and connect them more with their teammates so they can really be a team on the racecourse,” Kyle explains.
As KPF celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2026, the long-term vision remains rooted in sport as the groundwork of everything we do.
“Our priority is sports,” Brent said. “Getting to over 200 athletes, and eventually 250 athletes, served annually, will give us a greater capacity to continue to push beyond where we are now.”
After watching KPF grow during my tenure, not just in size, but in heart, what brings me the most hope looking forward is simple, yet powerful: the athletes, volunteers, and employees who lift this mission and each other every step of the way.
“The people,” Brent shared, “Our supporters — donors, volunteers, board members, and partners — are one of the greatest gifts of KPF. I remain grateful for all of those who lift us and allow us to serve.”
As we move into 2026, we invite you to be part of what’s next—whether as a participant, volunteer, donor, or advocate. You can explore upcoming events at https://kylepeasefoundation.org/events. You never know the impact you’ll have.
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. 💙
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
