Stories from the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago

March 2008

 

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She trusted Matt Miller, her athlete guide, and together they braved the strong currents to emerge at Marina Green Beach. While Heidi mentally prepared for the next leg of the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, Matt made preparations of his own. Heidi’s faith and determination that day inspired him to start the CDifferent Foundation, an organization that encourages the visually-impaired to lead healthy and active lives, hopes to educate the public, and change people’s perception of what can and can’t be accomplished.

Heidi’s tenacity focused Matt’s vision; one moment crystallized a life purpose; and it all began at the Y with one little girl and her parents, knowing she could accomplish so much more than what anyone ever gave her credit for.

We’re happy to share that Heidi continues to compete. She completed the Ironman Triathlon in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. That’s a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile run. Recently, she participated in the Hustle Up the Hancock, conquering 94 floors in a little more than 25 minutes, and later this Spring, Heidi will travel to Austria to run in the Vienna Half Marathon.

Heidi still trains at the Leaning Tower Y in Niles. It’s still her home away from home and a place she encourages others to join. She has helped visually-impaired youth understand that not being able to see their goals has nothing to do with not being able to achieve their goals.

She knows that the perfect place to belong…and the perfect place to become…is the Y.

 

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