As The Kyle Pease Foundation continues to navigate these uncertain times, we are pleased to announce that the KPeasey Nation is uniting and bringing the Utah chapter under the direction of our Board of Directors and Brent Pease, KPF’s Executive Director.
Two people that have longed been moved by the courage of others, Joe & Michelle have inspired us with their courage. They came to us as volunteers and then, upon leaving Atlanta they became stewards of our mission, for our first "chapter" outside of our hometown. They helped bring some amazing families into our KPF family and they continue to invest so much of their time and energy into our mission. We are incredibly thankful to call on them as friends, and we are excited at the future of continuing to serve our mission together. As our KPF family & support team grows in Atlanta we want to be able to serve our dear friends in Utah well, and with that we are excited to bring us all under the same roof.
Thank you Joe & Michelle for helping create impact long past the finish line.
Together WE Wheel
Words from Michelle Guttenplan:
Joe and I met Brent many years ago while looking for a triathlon coach. Joe specifically felt like Brent was the right choice after seeing him race with Kyle. Joe's initial inspiration for competing in triathlon came from seeing the Hoyts, so he figured this was meant to be. Being a former special education teacher, speech pathologist and having my own family members with a disability, I was intrigued by the Kyle Pease foundation and loved the mission. I knew from experience that the options my Aunt (who had cognitive and visual deficits) had to participate in sports were few and far between.
In the beginning Joe and I wanted to help via racing and requesting donations, we had not yet gained the experience of racing with an in chair athlete. When we moved to Utah, we wanted to stay connected, but weren't sure how since we were now 2,000 miles away. At that time Kyle and Brent had made connections with several families in Utah that were already racing. It seemed like this would be a great opportunity to begin a Utah chapter with a group of individuals who had similar interests. During our few years in operation in Utah, we have met and connected with some of the most wonderful people.At first,it was about inclusive sports and racing, but quickly turned into an extended family, both in Georgia and Utah. For me personally: I love the KPF mission because it makes me feel connected to my Aunt. She has influenced so many decisions in my life just by being herself. I initially went to school to be a special education teacher because of her, then became a speech pathologist for similar reasons. My Aunt was the type of person who never met a stranger. She loved people and everyone loved her in return. Kyle's personality and ability to make an instant friend reminds me so much of her. Growing up, I would attend her bowling league and sometimes serve as her partner. This was a fond memory of mine and reminds me of what KPF provides not only individuals with disabilities, but their family members.When Joe and I moved to Utah, we were provided the opportunity to start the Utah chapter. Joe and I were really excited. I run, but didn't feel I was strong enough to participate helping athletes. This was a chance for me to give back outside of racing (Joe was racing with athletes). Getting to know all the Utah athletes and families has been amazing. Seeing a random group of people become friends while promoting inclusion is not just a bonus, it is so much of what makes the Kyle Pease Foundation amazing. It's one of those things that is hard to put into words. You almost have to experience it to understand. As a volunteer, KPF has provided me new friendships, a sense or purpose and the general joy you gain by helping others.