Dream it, Do it!

Help me bring more inclusion, kindness, and dreams come true to our communities through an inspiring and life-changing weekend at Walt Disney World.

Each year, thousands of people gather in Disney World to run 1, 2, or even 4 races during Marathon Weekend. The experience is nothing short of magic; combining 2 of the most passionate and wholesome groups of people (Disney Adults and Runners), you get an atmosphere that is exciting, inspiring, and pure fun. As you run through the parks, you get the magic of Disney and the high of finishing a race. This JOY comes to anyone who participates, regardless of how they participate. I was honored to push athletes, Naomi and Nicholas, in wheelchairs last year as we ran the Disney World Marathon, and I am SO EXCITED to do it again in 2027. It was so much fun, that next year I will be participating in the Dopey Challenge with more adaptive athletes-running all 4 races through the parks in one weekend! I will be running on Team Nicholas and Team Natalie! This challenge gives me the opportunity to raise money for The Kyle Pease Foundation, an organization that changes lives and our communities by promoting success for adaptive athletes.

The Kyle Pease Foundation promotes success for people with disabilities through scholarships, equipment, and experiences they may not otherwise have access to. The money raised in this fundraiser helps bring the magic of Disney Weekend, but it also furthers KPF's mission as a whole, impacting hundreds of athletes and families across the country.

This weekend is an opportunity for families to have a magical vacation together while also experiencing the joy of a race (or 4). Not only is it an amazing experience for those who participate; these athletes also become a source of inspiration for others. Adaptive athletes have inspired me personally by showing me how to rise above limitations, and to focus on what I can do rather than being stuck in what I can't. Adaptive athletes make. it. happen. When I ran the marathon last year with Naomi and Nicholas, I also witnessed so much kindness from other racers, and hope they could see the magic of inclusion, and take that reminder home with them to be a little more kind, and a little more inclusive in daily life. Getting KPF athletes to Disney Marathon Weekend leaves an imprint on the thousands of other runners and watchers.

Being a part of the Kyle Pease Foundation has become a meaningful part of my life, and I'd love for it to become a part of yours. Please consider leaving a donation to enable the magic at Disney Marathon Weekend 2027 & beyond. And remember, if you can dream it, you can do it!

- Rilee