Although the temperatures are still quite frigid at least we are not battling snow for this Saturday's workout. It's a great time to work out with Philly Achilles and shake off the winter blues of being stuck inside! We are continuing to shine the spotlight on our awesome athletes and volunteers.

This week Philly Achilles is shining the spotlight on 18 year-old Andrew Kessler, from Haddon Township, NJ. Every Saturday, Andrew and his father Chris travel to the city on PATCO to run with Achilles. He enjoys the group runs with Achilles and the experience of making new friends. He began running in July 2011 at his mother's suggestion. His father says Andrew "took to running like a duck in water." His best time for a 5K is 25:11. 

At 2 years old, Andrew was diagnosed with autism (expressive and language deficits) and is a perfect testament of never allowing our disabilities to define who we are or what we are capable of accomplishing. He has advanced from 5Ks and has now set his sights on competing in this year's Broad Street Run.

Andrew attends Bankridge High School where his favorite subject is math. In addition to running, he enjoys baseball, ping-pong, camping, hiking, rollerblading, basketball, boogie boarding, bowling, and from what we are told, is an expert hula-hooper! Word has it that Andrew is also a great dancer and dances like no one is watching!

 Andrew's father's advice to other parents with disabilities is, "Be open to what their limits are. He keeps surprising us all the time with what he can accomplish." Without a doubt he is an inspiration and serves as a positive example for all of us. As one of our volunteer guides Rodney Russen states, every week Andrew has been picking up his pace and "his smile grows bigger as we run toward people heading the other way. He gives them his patented two thumbs up as he passes. It has been a pleasure getting to know him as he really is a great spirit."

If you would like to be inspired by Andrew and our other great Achilles team members, please come out and join us for a workout on Saturday mornings at 9:00 am at 1601 Chestnut Street. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Melissa Wilcox at phillyachilles@yahoo.com.

PS: Don't miss your opportunity to enter the Broad Street Run! Registration for the lottery closes on February 15th.