Donor Spotlight: Rebecca Lindenbaum
Achilles International is embarking on the public phase of The Campaign for Achilles: Fueling Growth, Redefining Possible. We have an ambitious $25 million goal. Meet one of our treasured donors whose support bring us one step and one push closer to expanding our resources and reach, deepening our impact and breaking down barriers to the start line for athletes with disabilities.
Rebecca Lindenbaum had always enjoyed the spirit of giving back and working with charities to make a difference. When her friend and Achilles guide Linda invited her to attend an Achilles NYC workout in 2017, she found a new way to add meaning to her miles.
“Achilles combines community and service. It’s a group of nice people from all walks of life showing up to enjoy a run, walk or roll,” says Lindenbaum.
The first person Rebecca guided was Francesco Magisano, who back then was new to the sport. She was struck by the thought of someone not even realizing they could have an opportunity to run while blind. Today, Magisano is the Director of the NYC chapter and TriAchilles.
“One of my favorite memories is running our first Achilles Hope & Possibility® race with other newer guides. It felt like the big leagues to go from training in the park, to a real, mainstream race. It was the coolest experience to run as a guide in a major race and support someone else in reaching their goal,” says Lindenbaum. “Fast forward to this past November, I guided an athlete named Susan, who is 60 years old and blind, in her first ever New York City Marathon. It was my first time completing a full marathon as a guide runner. I have done the distance before, including as a charity runner, but it’s special to be part of someone’s journey.
Once you wear a guide shirt, it says something about who you are and what you do for people. I wear it so people will ask, ‘What is a guide?’ The family reach is beyond just being in my local park. That Achilles yellow shirt says so much,” says Lindenbaum.
Why does she support Achilles with her philanthropy and why should others?
“I see what Achilles does firsthand: and the joy that it brings and the sense of accomplishment and confidence. The spirit of, ‘Wow, I just did that!’ Our athletes come because of the community with other people just like them and to see a friendly face. It’s a family of athletes and guides together. Everyone becomes connected. Achilles is unique in that it welcomes people with all kinds of disabilities. We welcome everyone.”
Learn more how you can make an impact in the lives of youth, adults and military veterans with disabilities.
