Dear Margaret,

We need your help today to grow Achilles and maintain a supportive user base for people with disabilities worldwide. Will you make a gift for Achilles Day of Giving? Our goal is to raise $100,000 before midnight, the amount it takes to run a local chapter. Gifts will be matched up to $50,000! You have the power to make a difference in the lives of athletes with disabilities and help us create a transformative community.

Tim Utzig, a Towson University graduate from Washington, D.C., lost his vision when he was 11-years-old after being diagnosed with Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy. His passion for team sports like goalball laid the foundation for his love of running, which became a powerful means of de-stressing and connecting with his inner self. Due to his limited vision, though, running freely on the streets was a challenge until he found Achilles D.C. in February.

“What makes Achilles unique is the camaraderie and going to a place where you know people are going to be understanding. A lot of the experience in the disability world is having to deal with the hurdles and challenges of others having to adapt to you. At Achilles, everyone is ready to go and you feel safe. It’s an environment where you can be active and not have to worry for once about making adjustments.