“It was amazing to be surrounded by kids like me—I felt a sense of belonging that I’d never felt before.”
For 17-year-old Kady, finding a community of peers who understood her experiences was life-changing. Eight years ago, she joined NWABA’s Camp Spark as a compassionate and curious ten-year-old, a lover of music and theater, but unsure about sports. Today, she’s a competitive track and field athlete training with her sights set on the Paralympics and preparing for her first year at Whitworth University next fall. Her journey from first-time camper to dedicated competitor is not only a story of athletic growth but one of resilience, connection, and empowerment.
When Kady first arrived at Camp Spark, sports weren’t her focus. “I remember feeling nervous; running was definitely not something I thought I’d enjoy,” she laughs. But with the support of NWABA’s encouraging coaches and a community of peers who shared her journey, Kady began to step out of her comfort zone. “It was the first time I’d been around so many kids like me, and that sense of community gave me courage,” she recalls.
In those early years, Kady tried a variety of sports, from goalball to judo, experiencing the thrill of teamwork and physical challenge. Yet it was the support from NWABA’s staff and other campers that made the biggest impact. “Being able to talk openly about my challenges and know others truly understood—that was huge for me,” she says. Over time, Kady discovered a love for track and field, surprising herself as she began excelling in sprints, shot put, and even long jump. “Every time I accomplished something new, I felt stronger,” she shares. “I realized that being blind didn’t limit me—it just meant I approached things a little differently.”
A pivotal moment came for Kady when she met NWABA staff members who, like her, were blind and had overcome similar challenges. “Seeing other blind athletes excel showed me that I could, too,” she says. One of her greatest role models was Coach Peter, a specialist at Camp Spark, a visually impaired Ironman. “Coach Peter really showed me what’s possible,” Kady says. “Having a coach who had faced similar challenges and achieved so much made me believe that I could overcome anything.”
With each new achievement, Kady’s confidence blossomed—not just in athletics, but in her sense of self. Over time, she embraced her identity as an athlete and her role as a mentor to younger campers. “I want them to know that just because we’re blind doesn’t mean we’re any less capable,” she says. “We’re strong, and we’re able to accomplish amazing things.”
Today, Kady’s athletic journey has taken her further than she ever imagined. She now competes on a national level in track and field, has set records, and even competed in the 2024 Paralympic Trials. “I remember standing at the starting line, with cameras all around, and feeling this quiet confidence. I was competing alongside some of the best, and it was both surreal and empowering,” she says. “Crossing that finish line, I felt like I’d shown the world what I was capable of.”
As Kady prepares to take her next big step to Whitworth University next fall, she carries with her the lessons, friendships, and self-belief that NWABA has helped instill. She’ll be joining their track and field team and pursuing her academic goals with the same dedication she’s shown in athletics, proving that there are no limits to what she can achieve.
Kady’s story is one of many that exemplifies the life-changing impact of NWABA’s programs. From children, youth, adults and military veterans, our athletes find confidence, connection, and the courage to dream big. NWABA creates an environment where they feel seen, supported, and empowered, building not only athletic skills but life skills that carry forward in countless ways.
Make a Difference Today With your support, NWABA can continue to provide these transformative opportunities, empowering athletes of all ages and backgrounds to achieve their dreams. Your contribution will help us create more stories like Kady’s, ensuring that every athlete has the opportunities to realize their potential amongst a supportive community.
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Thank you for making Kady’s journey—and countless others—possible.