Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Running the Marathon

A deaf-blind athlete didn't let excessive heat stop him from completing the Boston Marathon. Bill Barkeley, who has Usher Syndrome, completed the run in 4 hours and 59 minutes despite temperatures near 90 degrees. More than 4000 people dropped out. Barkeley's team raised more than $300,000 for the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. Even though it was the first marathon for the 50 year old, Barkeley has climbed major mountains - like Kiliminjaro and Mount Quandary. The Grand Rapids, Michigan resident even took a group of deaf teens through the Amazon in Peru with No Barriers, an organization helping people lead more full and active lives.