Rachelle’s Race to Believe: From “I Can’t” into “I Can”

When Rachelle lined up at the start of the Portland Half Marathon, she was surrounded by more than 8,000 runners, each with their own goal. For Rachelle, who is visually impaired, her goal was simple but powerful: to prove to herself that she could do it.

“I was terrified,” she admits. “Being in such a huge crowd, not knowing the course, I worried about getting lost or tripping. Unfortunately, I did run into a sign and a garbage can because of my blind spot, but runners around me helped pick it up and cheered me on. I met so many amazing people running this race, helping me along the way, making sure I was safe and having a great experience.”

With Stargardt’s macular degeneration affecting her depth perception, training and racing require extra preparation and courage. But thanks to the Craig & Linn Dee Stein Mini Grant Fund, Rachelle didn’t have to worry about how she’d get there. The grant helped cover her race registration, hotel, and transportation, lifting a huge weight off her shoulders.

“This grant took away so much stress,” she says. “It made it possible for me to focus on running, not on how I’d afford to get there. NWABA’s support reminded me that I’m not alone.”

That finish line in Portland was just the beginning. The very next weekend, Rachelle ran her second half-marathon and cut eight minutes off her time. Now, she’s training for her next big challenge: a full marathon next year.

“I want to show other kids and adults that it’s possible,” she says. “Growing up, I’ve had so many people tell me that I can’t do it, whether it might be a marathon or something else. And I have. And when I crossed the finish line, I couldn’t have been more proud of myself.”

Rachelle’s story is one of determination, courage, and community support. Her journey shows how access to adaptive sports can open doors not only to fitness, but to confidence and belonging.

“Running across the Portland Bridge, just a few miles from the finish, I was overwhelmed with gratitude and pride,” Rachelle recalls. “I trained so hard and came this far. Experiencing that runner’s high is absolutely exhilarating.”

For Rachelle, the finish line wasn’t just about completing a race; it represented independence, resilience, and the power of possibility. Her story reminds us what’s possible when athletes who are blind or visually impaired are given the opportunity to challenge themselves and grow through sport.

At NWABA, moments like Rachelle’s are what inspire us every day to keep building programs, breaking barriers, and celebrating every athlete’s journey.