Every year thousands of runners ranging from professional athletes to leisurely strollers come together to support one mission: To prepare children with visual impairments, including those with multiple disabilities, to reach their highest potential in the sighted world. As the streets from 75th and Waldo to The Plaza flood with Family Teams, elite and casual runners, white canes, and strollers, one unique group stands out from the rest: Achilles International.  

Achilles International is a global organization that operates in 18 countries, including the US, and transforms the lives of people with disabilities through athletic programs and social connections. Abbey O'Neil, Achilles KC Chapter lead & an Occupational Therapist at CCVI says, “The goal for us is to break down barriers to races and help people with disabilities cross the finish line.” Much like Trolley Run, Achilles is an opportunity for people with disabilities to come together and do something not commonly thought possible.   

Recently, CCVI met with chapter lead Abbey O’Neil and her good friend, and fellow blind runner, Sheila Styron to talk about the work Achilles is doing in the Kansas City community. The KC Achilles Chapter was created only a couple of years ago back in 2021 but has since made great strides within the Kansas City community, connecting blind and sighted runners alike, as well as individuals with other types of disabilities.   

For Sheila, though, the introduction of an Achilles chapter to Kansas City was more than just a chance to connect with new people, it was an opportunity she never had growing up.   

Being blind her whole life, Sheila commented saying, “I spent a lot of time on the bench growing up and never lived in a community where there were any blind spots or opportunities for me.”. She then went on joking about how she somehow managed to stay in shape over the years, and now, at the age of 70, finally got the opportunity to run with a group like Achilles and has even run a 10k.   

On group runs or in races, such as Trolley Run, blind runners like Sheila get paired up with a sighted guide and use a tether between each other to stay on course, match pace and avoid obstacles. “I love Achilles and have made so many good friends and holding onto a tether with another human being who actually cares enough to run with me has done my fitness levels a world of good,” says Sheila. 

Sheila Styron, and the work done by Achilles, is an inspiring testament for both able-bodied individuals and those living with a disability.

Sheila and Abbey, along with other members from the Kansas City Achilles Chapter, will be joining thousands of runners on April 28th for the 36th Annual CCVI Trolley Run. Whether you’d like to participate, volunteer, or simply donate, joining the CCVI Trolley Run provides an immediate impact on the life of a child with a visual impairment. Visit www.trolleyrun.org for more.  

Check out our recent podcast episode with Sheila and Abbey on to hear more!