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| Kesha Pressley's Fundraising Page |
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| 'm a single mother of two precious little girls, Kaiya 2, and Deziray 9. They are the light of my life. I'm also a medically but honorably discharged veteran of the USAF. I was service connected for Major Depression, an illness that has plagued my entire adult life. Anyone who has experienced depression or knows of someone who has, knows how very crippling it can be. Many people don't realize that a mental disability can be at times, more debilitating than a physical one. When I read the profiles of women who selected for this "Athenaship", I was intimidated. I felt like "what have I done that would deserve even half the recognition that these women have gotten". Then I answered that question myself: I too, am a survivor. Last year, while I served as an active duty wife to a deployed sailor, I joined Team in Training. During that five month period, I completed an 8k, a Half Marathon, and finally, a full marathon. I raised $3500 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. I did all this while supporting my deployed husband, holding down a household with two children, and training for the final marathon 4-5 days per week. I did this with a severely debilitating mental illness. I thought about what sharing my story may do to my image amongst my friends. But I thought more about how many more people I could inspire than turn away. That to me was worth it. For so many years, the doctors told me I should " Just stay home and get well". The VA would not fund an education for me because they said my disability was so severe in nature and permanent that it would not be cost effective for the government. So I found something I could excel at: I'm a runner, and athlete. During my training I touched many lives and inspired many other runners like myself. My dream is to train for a triathlon. I cannot swim but I would like to conquer my fear of water and kick butt. Eventually I'd like to become an attorney but that's another story. I learned that in life your limitations are only what you set for yourself. No matter how fragile, worn or disabled the human body may be, the human mind and spirit is always strong. And that is how the human being reaches her goals! |
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