Health Law

Triathlete Lends a Helping Hand to CP Victim

Two Michigan residents, who have led seemingly opposite lives, have grown to build a close bond and serve as an inspiration to many. The two strangers met by chance and ever since have a hard time spending time a part.

Greg Simony, 30, was once an alcoholic who was overweight. Until he started working out and decided to improve his life and his health. He quickly dropped 50 pounds and began a career as mental health counselor, a choice that he claims "changed his life."

Chance Meeting Leads to Lasting Bond

Les than a year ago, Simony walked into Booker High year ago and met with the school's guidance councilor Hulda McKinnon. He explained to her that he was looking for a terminally ill person who would be able to compete in a triathlon with him. McKinnon knew of the perfect person, her daughter Nadia.

Nadia McKinnon, 32, who loves SeaWorld, movies and sitting watching Booker High football games. She was also a mere two pounds when she was born and is now living with cerebral palsy. When doctor's gave Nadia a cerebral palsy diagnosis, they reportedly told her parents she wouldn't live long, but this strong girl with a passion for life proved them wrong.

Nadia may not be able to recite her ABC's or count to three but she can remember the lyrics to every song she hears at church. Her mother explained to reporters that it wasn't until the day Greg knocked on their door looking for Nadia that anyone had come to ask her to play or be their friend. Greg began training for his triathlon pushing Nadia in her wheelchair on his long runs, something her mother claims Nadia loved.

The duo continued to train together and their friendship grew closer. On May 3 they took part in a Miami triathlon, which consisted of a 1,500-meter swim, a 24.9-mile bike ride and a 10k run.
According to her mother, Nadia keeps the medal they received from the race in the back of her wheelchair. Greg has continued to train with Nadia for various competitions and her family claims that when Greg pushes her, although she's quiet, there's no question she enjoys taking part in the races and spending time with her friend Greg.

Greg  says Nadia keeps him running toward something better and helps him reach his goals with each race. He says he knows if he stops he would be letting her down, so he forges ahead. 
"I love putting a smile on that girl's face,'' says Greg.

Full post as published by Cerebral Palsy Law Blog on October 13, 2009 (boomark / email).