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Disabled Veterans Ran this Year’s NYC Marathon

CNN recently ran an article about veterans with disabilities running the famous New York City Marathon. At least 25 disabled veterans negotiated the 26.2 miles of NY streets, on Sunday, November 6, and completed the race in what many may find impossible.

Simply running the marathon was not an option as it was for the other participants. In order for the wounded warriors to compete in the race, they could not just run. Instead, some had to operate hand cranks, others pushed wheelchairs, and still others ran with prosthetics in order to be able to cross the finish line.

Michael Kacer was one of the runners in this year's marathon. About 3 years ago he was under the care of Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He lost a limb, suffered a reverse colostomy, and both his lungs had collapsed, making it almost impossible for him to breathe. His participation in this year's race was his 10th marathon since 2009.

Kacer runs for the Achilles Freedom Team, which is made up of wounded and disabled veterans who run in marathons across the nation. The majority of their ranks are amputees and traumatic brain injury victims. The team has been able to sponsor over 1,000 veterans in marathons, and makes monthly recruiting visits to Walter Reed to find new participants.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veterans disability rights firm today - 1-888-234-5758.