In My Wheels - Natalie Gomez

In My Wheels - Natalie Gomez

Natalie Gomez is an In-Chair Athlete with The Kyle Pease Foundation. Watch to hear about her experience at the Boston Marathon in 2022.

In My Wheels Vlog Series Produced by Kevin Enners Learn more at www.kylepeasefoundation.org/blog/2022/6/30/pushing-beyond-limits-in-the-workplace.

In My Wheels Vlog Series Featuring Natalie Gomez.

Pushing Beyond Limits in the Workplace

Pushing Beyond Limits in the Workplace

Since KPF started in 2011, we have dreamed of a world where inclusiveness is the norm, and we’ve created a team and environment where employing people with disabilities is part of our everyday culture. As of today, we employ four individuals with disabilities who support our daily operations and are continuing the efforts of The Kyle Pease Foundation.

Kevin Enners works with the Marketing and Communications team to produce blog and video content for the Foundation.  Kevin's current project is launching a Vlog Series titled "In My Wheels" where he features KPF Athletes.  Stay tuned for his first Vlog on July 12th. 

Our Partners at Lucie Content put together this short video showing the behind-the-scenes of what it takes for Kevin to do his job daily and support KPF. 

Kevin Enners creating Vlog Series

With the addition of a Vlog series, Kevin’s determination to work within the limitations of available Windows-based video production software that works in conjunction with his eye-gaze software has been put to the test. It’s not as simple as picking up a phone to record video and edit footage.  

As an individual with disabilities, Kevin faces challenges but is able to overcome obstacles to produce content to support the KPF's mission and help raise awareness.  

KPF Has a New Warehouse Manager - Meet Emanuel McFarland

KPF Has a New Warehouse Manager - Meet Emanuel McFarland

The Kyle Pease Foundation is proud to introduce the newest member of the KPF Staff, our Warehouse Manager, Emanuel McFarland.

Since KPF started in 2011, we have dreamed of a world where inclusiveness is the norm, and we’ve created a team and environment where employing people with disabilities is part of our everyday culture. We’re excited to announce this addition to our staff and look forward to hiring our next Inclusion Employee in the future. As of today, we employ four individuals with disabilities who support our daily operations and are continuing the efforts of the Kyle Pease Foundation.


On a basketball court in Fairburn, GA, wheelchair athletes zipped up and down, lobbing a handball through the air. They pivot, they split the chasing defense, shooting the ball in the goals situated on opposite sides of the court. This fierce match of Wheelchair Soccer would be where Kyle Pease meets future KPF superstar and employee Emanuel McFarland.

“My first impression was that he had an amazing attitude, and I was glad he was on our team,” says Kyle.

Born with cerebral palsy, McFarland first discovered adaptive sports when he joined the Atlanta Wolfpack, a wheelchair sports team supported by The American Association of Adaptive Sports. One day, after leaving a practiced scrimmage game, Emanuel rolled out of the high school gym and on to a track. Blazing around the oval, embracing the thrill, McFarland would launch himself into endurance racing.

As The Kyle Pease Foundation was formed, Emanuel stayed in touch with Kyle. They met up regularly. They’d shoot the breeze, talk sports and about how the Foundation was evolving.

On one occasion, Kyle invited Emanuel to a race – the ConnnectAbility 5k – where he met KPF push-assist athlete Marnie Harris, who had volunteered to run with him.

“It was a hot day,” Emanuel recalled. “I was nervous because it was a new experience. I was like, ‘What am I getting myself into?’”

The sharp corners. The undulating racecourse. Harris’s support along the way.

“Road racing is very different from track racing,” McFarland stated. “It was exhilarating.”

Thereafter, Emanuel progressed from 10ks to half-marathons, ascending to each road-racing echelon, pushing through boundaries. His capabilities quickly outran his old rim-racer. Luckily, he received a new hand bike from KPF. Faster, the handcycle could keep up with Emanuel’s fast spirit, enabling him to surmount superior goals.

In 2013, McFarland would crank toward his biggest athletic goal yet – The Marine Corp Marathon. Teamed up with Harris, Emanuel weaved in and out of the shadows of the Pentagon, rocketed by the hallowed grounds of the Arlington National Cemetery, and cranked up the surprise hill toward the finish.

“It was an amazing experience,” Emanuel said.

After races, he comes home to his 9-year-old daughter, Lyana. He manages to strike the balance between racing, work and taking care of Lyana.

“Schedules are really important,” McFarland asserts. As a single father, he gets her up, helps her get ready for school before he goes to work, managing the inventory at KPF’s warehouse. Through the difficulties, McFarland maintains a positive attitude, under the watchful eye of Lyana. 

“I want her to understand that it’s important to take advantage of opportunities offered,” McFarland states. “And don’t give up on your dreams.”

 

 

KPF Has a New Look

KPF Has a New Look

We confirmed that we are THE Kyle Pease Foundation and we continue Pushing Beyond Limits TOGETHER!

The KPF Team is Growing...

Welcome Morgan Pappas and Zach Watson

The Kyle Pease Foundation is pleased to announce the hiring of Director of Development Morgan Pappas as well as Operations Manager Zach Watson. I recently had the chance to talk with both about joining our team and why they are so excited to join our KPF family.

A passion for sports, a desire to help others and a commitment to make a difference in their community – these are the qualities shared by KPF’s new employees, Morgan Pappas and Zach Watson.  

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Morgan Pappas joins KPF as Director of Development bringing with her over seven years of nonprofit experience and ten years in the professional and collegiate sports worlds. Pappas met Brent and Kyle four years ago at the IRONMAN World Championship in KONA, where she provided fundraising support, pre-race prep and race support for the Pease team.

“They inspired me ever since that day to continue the work of championing all athletes, no matter their situation,” Pappas shared.

A runner herself, Pappas has completed the Chicago Marathon, Marine Corps Marathon and the Dopey Challenge at Walt Disney World. She will be racing in the NYC Marathon this fall. As a new mom to her son, Jack, Pappas and her husband, George, have two golden retrievers to round out their full house.

Zach Watson is a South Carolina native and alumni of the University of South Carolina. After receiving his master’s degree, Watson dove into the world of sports. His experience ranges from managing the football stadium at UNC Charlotte and the men’s tennis team at USC, to event planning for UGA, Georgia Tech, the Falcons and Atlanta United.

Prior to being hired as KPF’s Operations Manager, Watson showed up and rolled up his sleeves at 2022 Publix Half Marathon. After running 13.1 miles, he helped out post-race, volunteering where needed to make it a positive experience for KPF athletes.

“I take pride in seeing others succeed, no matter the circumstances,” says Watson.

Both Pappas and Watson are welcomed additions to KPF. Their can-do attitudes and grit compliment the team in place and will, most certainly, contribute to the continued growth of the foundation.

Together We Wheel!