KPF is Headed Back to the TCS New York City Marathon

The Kyle Pease Foundation Selected as Official Charity Partner of the  2024 TCS New York City Marathon for
Second Year in a Row

Nine individuals, including a push-assist duo, will advocate for inclusivity and raise funds for individuals with disabilities

The Kyle Pease Foundation (KPF) is excited to announce it has been chosen as an official charity partner of the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon. For the second year in a row, KPF will send a group of inspiring, differently-abled athletes to continue its mission of raising awareness and changing the lives of people with disabilities as they take on the iconic race course in New York City.

"We are honored to be chosen as a charity partner for the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon," said Kyle Pease, Founder & Chief Inspirational Officer of The Kyle Pease Foundation. "This opportunity allows us to showcase the incredible abilities of our athletes on a global stage while raising critical funds to support our mission of inclusion in sports and the workplace. We look forward to celebrating the achievements of our athletes as they cross the finish line in New York City."

Through our partnership with Silverton Mortgage, push-assist duo, Seirra Bennett and Eric Rusiecki, will be joined by seven race team members at this year’s TCS New York City Marathon. Race team members include Evan Pease, Max Levy, Linda Levy, Meg Weigel, Heather Bongers, Jackie Gillies and Erika Brookes. Collectively these team members will raise $25,000 for The Kyle Pease Foundation. The funds will directly support KPF's programs and services, including purchasing adaptive sports equipment, covering race entry fees, providing travel accommodations for athletes and their families, and supporting groundbreaking initiatives like KPF’s Inclusive Employment Program.

The TCS New York City Marathon, scheduled for Nov. 3, 2024, is the largest marathon in the world, attracting more than 50,000 participants from around the globe. The event provides a unique platform for KPF to engage with a diverse audience, share its story and advocate for the inclusion of athletes with disabilities in all areas of sports and recreation.

Supporters interested in running the marathon on behalf of The Kyle Pease Foundation or making a donation can visit www.kylepeasefoundation.org/2024newyorkcitymarathon for more information.

LocumTenens.com Continues to Partner with The Kyle Pease Foundation to Champion Inclusion in Sports

The Kyle Pease Foundation is proud to continue our partnership with LocumTenens.com, a leader in the medical staffing industry.  Since 2012, LocumTenens.com has been an integral part of The Kyle Pease Foundation (KPF), an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of disabled individuals through sports and beyond. This collaboration aims to further KPF's mission of inclusion, providing more opportunities for athletes with disabilities to participate in mainstream sports.

LocumTenens.com has a long-standing commitment to community engagement and social responsibility. By supporting The Kyle Pease Foundation for over 10 years, they are supporting an organization that aligns with their values and profoundly impacts the community. This partnership has helped with equipment purchases and maintenance, as well as funding KPF's programs and initiatives that promote inclusion and accessibility in sports for athletes with disabilities.

"We are thrilled to continue our partnership with LocumTenens.com," said Kyle Pease, Co-Founder and Chief Inspirational Officer of The Kyle Pease Foundation. "Their support enables us to reach more athletes and provide the resources necessary to ensure they can participate in a wide range of sporting events. Together, we can continue to break down barriers and promote a more inclusive society."

As part of this partnership, LocumTenens.com will sponsor several key events hosted by The Kyle Pease Foundation, including races, triathlons, and other sporting activities. Their contribution will also assist in the purchase of specialized equipment, training, and other essential services that make sports participation possible for athletes with disabilities.

"At LocumTenens.com, we believe in the power of inclusivity and the positive impact it has on communities," said David McAnally, Vice President of LocumTenens.com. "The Kyle Pease Foundation's mission resonates with our core values, and we are honored to support their efforts to provide opportunities for all athletes, regardless of their physical abilities."

The Kyle Pease Foundation has been instrumental in creating a supportive environment for disabled athletes, offering programs that range from participation in road races to full-distance Ironman triathlons. The foundation's work is driven by the belief that everyone, regardless of ability, should have the opportunity to experience the physical, emotional, and social benefits of sports.

About LocumTenens.com
LocumTenens.com is a full-service healthcare staffing and recruiting agency that helps physicians, CRNAs, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and psychologists find the right job opportunities. With a commitment to quality and service, LocumTenens.com connects healthcare professionals with the hospitals and facilities that need them.

About The Kyle Pease Foundation
Founded in 2011 by brothers Brent and Kyle Pease, The Kyle Pease Foundation seeks to create awareness and raise funds to promote success for persons with disabilities by assisting to meet their individual needs through sports and beyond. The foundation’s goal is to foster inclusion in all aspects of life, from sports participation to the overall improvement of quality of life.

Racing Towards Inclusion: Greg Smith's Journey to Kona

Greg Smith's Journey to the 2024 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship

On a Saturday at the end of one of Georgia’s notoriously long, scorching summers, Greg Smith fought off the heat, sweating through his KPF Tri uniform. Leary about the swim, the KPF board member optioned for the sprint duathlon – a 13.8-mile bike ride and two 5k runs. He dug deep, remembering how he ended up on this hilly John Tanner State Park course.

Greg learned about KPF in a conversation with Dick Pease, whom he met in 2011 at a cocktail party. As a parent of a child with a disability, Greg wondered what was in store for his daughter, Marin, who was born with cerebral palsy. What was her life going to be like? What could she achieve? Marin would always have challenges, as people with disabilities often face significant barriers to opportunities in various aspects of life, including employment, education, and social participation. Dick, the father of Brent and Kyle, had been around the block and suggested that Greg meet his son, Kyle.

Over a plate of wings and beer at Smith’s Old Bar, the Pease brothers shared a bit about KPF, their mission, and their vision to get disabled individuals out of their wheelchairs and into racing. Greg recognized the importance of their efforts and the impact they could have on an often-overlooked population. He wanted to be part of it.

The Virginia-Highland’s Summerfest 5K was Greg and Marin’s first race. Marin, sippy cup in one hand, waffle in the other, sitting comfortably in her BOB stroller, enjoyed the experience with her dad. Thus began an everlasting bond between father and daughter.

“KPF provides us with a platform to bond over something we both love, while also allowing me to channel my talents and resources towards a cause that is close to my heart”, Greg shared. “I have three priorities in life: things around family, things around work, things around KPF – oh, and church, I guess that’s four.”

Greg’s involvement with KPF has become a cornerstone of his life. The sense of community and camaraderie within KPF is unparalleled, and he is continuously inspired by the dedication of everyone involved, from the board members and volunteers who selflessly give their time and energy to the inclusive athletes and their determination.

One of the most significant milestones in Greg’s journey with KPF has been the decision to take on the 2024 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. This endeavor carries a heartfelt mission: to nurture and sustain inclusive work opportunities well beyond the moment when KPF’s Kona Team proudly crosses the finish line. For Greg, this is his “big, hairy, audacious goal”, one driven by a passion for lasting change.

Greg’s expectations for the race are simple: to finish with a smile and to represent KPF with unwavering pride. As KPF strives to raise over one million dollars, this IRONMAN symbolizes hope and opportunity, aiming to create a brighter future for people with disabilities both within KPF and beyond. Every step is a step toward a more inclusive world.

Greg is incredibly grateful for the support of his colleagues at Roark Capital, as well as other corporate sponsors he has been affiliated with, who have generously contributed to this cause. Greg is honored to have their support.

“The IRONMAN World Championship is 90 percent mental, 10 percent physical – and a metaphor for everything in life,” Greg asserts. “You need to be tough mentally, have a good attitude, and a heart of gratitude.”

Pushing Limits: A Journey to the IRONMAN 70.3 Louisville

Wilson Barron & Kendall Messer | IRONMAN 70.3 Louisville

Written By: Kevin Enners, The Kyle Pease Foundation | Project Manager, Communications

IRONMAN 70.3 Louisville 2024’s tagline, “Anything is Possible”, embodies Wilson Barron and Kendall Messer’s creed as they take on the half-IRONMAN-distance triathlon on August 18. For many, the mere thought of conquering a 70.3-mile course comprising swimming 1.2 miles, cycling 56 miles, and running 13.1 miles is daunting. But what about those who face additional challenges due to disabilities? Enter the adaptive athletes, individuals who redefine limitations and inspire us all with their determination and resilience.

“It really involves you understanding your potential,” adaptive athlete Wilson Barron emphasized.

Wilson, 25, is no stranger to adversity. Despite facing the physical limitations of cerebral palsy, Wilson's spirit burns bright with an unyielding passion for sports and a drive to defy expectations. He met his KPF teammate, Kendall Messer, at a KPF fun-run training on Columns Drive in 2020. Since then, the duo has competed together in over 10 ten road races and a sprint triathlon.

Kendall discovered that he could be an agent for inclusion when friend Chris Nasser told him about KPF, the nonprofit’s goal and mission. At the Concourse Athletic club, the two chatted about running and how KPF makes it possible for athletes with disabilities and able-bodied athletes to compete as one.

“Since I have been involved with KPF,” Kendall shared. “I have wanted to give someone the experience of completing a Half-Ironman.”

Rachael Barron, Wilson’s mom, witnessed the bond between Kendall and Wilson grow, gradually developing over a four-year span, as the team competed together. Race in and race out, Kendall learned how to communicate with Wilson, who is nonverbal.

“(Wilson) has his own way of communicating,” Kendall points out. “He vocalizes sounds and grunts, and I have learned to read his facial expressions.”

After a successful sprint triathlon at John Tanner Tri the Parks, Kendall felt confident that he and Wilson could push beyond and shoot for an IRONMAN 70.3. Wilson and his parents were thrilled.

Preparing for an event as demanding as the IRONMAN 70.3 requires months of dedicated training and unwavering commitment. For Wilson, the journey is not one of solitude but rather a collaborative effort with Kendall. As the Louisville event gets closer, Lake Allatoona, Columns Drive, and the Silver Comet are the duo’s training grounds. Enthusiastic about the water, Wilson can sit up in the blow-up boat using a seatback. His enthusiasm radiates in his smile.

“He loves to go fast on the bike,” Kendall says. “He will let me know when we are slowing down due to a climb.” During the run, Wilson keeps an eye on any competitor ahead, shouting encouragement to Kendall to pass them.

Wilson maintains a day job at Truist Park and Mercedes Benz Stadium as a guest host, welcoming fans while enjoying the game-day vibe.

“We are grateful to both (The Atlanta Braves and Mercedes-Benz Stadium) for leading in inclusive employment,” Rachel states. This much-needed trend seems to be slowly gaining speed. Like The Kyle Pease Foundation with its own contingency of Inclusive Employees, both sports venues appear to be willing to accommodate and learn what is required to support hires with disabilities.

KPF is proud of Wilson and Kendall’s achievements as well as the trust they have forged with each other. We wish them the best of luck at IRONMAN 70.3 Louisville where “anything is possible.”

Celebrating Success: The Kyle Pease Foundation Receives $10,000 Grant from Chick-Fil-A ACE Program

Atlanta-based non-profit, The Kyle Pease Foundation, was awarded a $10,000 grant from the Chick-fil-A Impact Accelerator Program with Plywood People on Monday, May 13, 2024. This grant will go to support The Kyle Pease Foundation’s mission to improve the lives of people with disabilities through sports and beyond.

The Chick-fil-A Impact Accelerator Cohort Program is a 10-month leadership and development training program that 12 non-profits, including The Kyle Pease Foundation, across Atlanta and the country were selected to participate in starting back in July of 2023. This program’s goal is to help non-profits sustain their purpose & scale their impact.

“The Cohort program was amazing. I was able to meet with so many other people in the same type of industry of non-profit work. Being able to lean on them and help them through times of struggle and tension helped me more than I ever thought was possible from 15 strangers. The benefits from this program not just professionally but personally have made me feel more confident in my role and what I bring to KPF and helped me be able to grow the impact and reach of The Kyle Pease Foundation,” said Zach Watson when asked about the program.

Participants from The Kyle Pease Foundation included Kyle Pease, Founder & Chief Inspirational Officer, Zach Watson, Operations Manager, and guest appearance from Board Member, Mark Miles.

We are grateful to the Chick-fil-A Impact Accelerator Cohort Program with Plywood People and their commitment to our team and inclusion in our community. Learn more about this program by visiting www.chickfilaimpactaccelerator.com.