Today I shattered Limitations!!!

"Today, I shattered limitations and accomplished a lifelong dream by running the AJC Peachtree Road Race—10 years after having to drop out when I was first diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis. Not only did I run the race, but I completed this 10K with a personal record time of 1 hour, 15 minutes, and 39 seconds. To say I’m ecstatic doesn’t even begin to cover it. Today, I won against AS—it didn’t defeat me!

Ten years ago, I was wheelchair-bound, waiting for my first spinal fusion, and convinced I’d never run again. After 7 spinal surgeries (including 4 fusions) and surviving a life-threatening bacterial infection last year, I never imagined that this would be the year I’d cross this dream off my bucket list. But here I am, proving that no limitation is insurmountable.

This achievement is a testament to holding onto hope—it’s your most powerful weapon against this disease, alongside amazing doctors. Dr. Ploska, Lisa, Dr. Kimberley, and Dr. Hayes Wilson, this one’s for you! ❤️💙❤️💙

Keep dreaming big and never stop believing. When you want something badly enough, go out and get it. Today, I did just that!

Ivy