Send Me More Stories About Chronic Illness
Athleticism is all about pushing your body to its limit; in doing so, you find strength you never knew you had. That’s why every athlete is amazing, from the NFL linebacker with the rare bone disorder, to the 18-year-old college freshman who bikes cross country with Type 1 Diabetes. In 2017, we at Folks have been lucky enough to be inspired by the stories of countless athletes, all of whom have found new strength in sport while also managing a health condition. Here are just a few of our favorites.
After he was paralyzed at 19, Jess Markt made it his mission to teach wheelchair basketball to young men in some of the most war-ravaged nations on the planet.
The Overachieving Teenage Pancreas
18-year-old Abby Pepper might be an overachiever, but thanks to Type 1 diabetes, she knows better than most how important it can be to ask for help.
Fighting Cystic Fibrosis With A Rumble And A Roar
When his condition was at its worst, Paul Underhill designed his own nourishment drink to prevent himself from starving. Now, he sells his drink across Canada to help others.
Fitness, Pain, and Ankylosing Spondylitis
Despite her diagnosis, Keefa Hawkins pushes her body to the limits through Crossfit: part of a quest to show that physical fitness is for everyone.
Amputee soccer player, Powerade spokesmodel, and mountain climber, it’s as a teacher that Nico Calabria thinks he can really make his mark.
The Skater Kid Finds His Tribe
Born with spina bifida, Josh Bridgewater never felt like he belonged until he stepped on a skateboard for the first time.
When she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, Sarah McPherson thought she might never do sports again. Now an indomitable triathlete, they call her the Fearless Warrior.
The Marathoning Mom With Bones Of Glass
Why would you run marathons when you have bones that could break at any time? If you’re Jennifer Jansonius, you do it for your daughter.
From Bone Disorder To NFL Bone Crusher
As a child, former Dallas Cowboy Montrae Holland suffered silently with Blount’s Disease for years, all for his love of the game.
How K.C. Mitchell, a combat-wounded Army veteran, became the strongest amputee powerlifter in the world.
