* Paul & Sally Kelly
"Life with a disability is not a life filled with despair; it is a life filled with hope." -- Paul Kelly

Thirty-two years ago, Paul Kelly’s life changed forever when he broke his neck in a swimming pool accident. Adapting to his new life as a quadriplegic, Paul sought fitness activities to maintain an active lifestyle. This however proved difficult with few opportunities for individuals with his level of disability. All of this changed for him in 2006.

In October 2006, Paul sat in his wheelchair at the start of the 31st Marine Corps Marathon (MCM). His niece was running her first marathon and Paul was hoping to cheer her on.

"There, at the start of the race, was a sight that changed my life. Alongside the wheelchairs athletes were the hand-crank athletes.” Paul had never seen hand-crank wheelchairs race before and he immediately realized that this alternative to a pushrim wheelchair could create an opportunity for him to compete in athletic events. From that moment forward, his goal was to complete a MCM.

"I wanted to use my disability and achievements as an inspiration to others."

On that fateful October day, Paul was moved, not just by the competitors in the handcycles, but also by the thousands running for charity. These runners donated time and effort to raise money and then dedicated their performance that day to a greater good. Paul immediately knew which group he wanted to help. "I, like so many other Americans, feel a profound indebtedness to our nation’s wounded service members. And due to my own disability, I have been blessed with personal insight into their challenges."

Now Paul had the means to reach his athletic goals and a group of heroes he wanted to support. For additional motivation, he set a goal to reach 2008 miles in his handcycle through training, races and fundraising events. "I thought I might inspire others with my example,” explained Paul, "but over and over again, it was I who was inspired." In his new adventure, Paul had the rare opportunity to race alongside world-class athletes, many with disabilities. Support from runners and other athletes poured in through his blog and along the race routes. One especially memorable moment occurred during the MCM when the cheers from other runners yelling "Go Wheels!" was at times deafening. At the finish line, announcer Rob Powers announced his finish with such emotion that Paul and many others were brought to tears. Runners in his neighborhood provide motivation by encouraging and cheering each mile forward. "There’s a new inspiration in every mile."

"Hope For The Warriors® looks out for the needs of the wounded and their families."

Paul chose Hope For The Warriors® (H4W) to raise money and awareness for wounded service members and their families. He was impressed with their programs and the low administration costs. Since he would be reaching out to family, friends, neighbors and businesses, he wanted to ensure people that their donated dollars would go a long way in supporting wounded service members. In addition, H4W relies heavily on volunteers like himself to carry out their fundraising. Finally, H4W supports not just the wounded but their families too. Paul’s own personal experience had taught him the importance of a loving family in the healing and rehabilitation process.

These brave service men and women are our neighbors. They are our friends. All too often, they are our family." -- Sally Kelly

When Paul speaks of a loving family, he looks no further than to his wife Sally. When she is not running in her own events, she is biking beside Paul on his long training rides. Married in 1993, Sally has given Paul unwavering support in his marathon goals as well as forged ahead with a mission of her own.

Sally is an active member of Beta Sigma Phi International, a non-academic sorority consisting of 200,000 women in 30 countries. Through service projects, Beta Sigma Phi’s members donate more than 200,000 hours and $3 million annually to charitable causes.

Sally has spearheaded the project Carolinas’ Torch of Hope, organized to benefit H4W. Through her leadership in Beta Sigma Phi, the North and South Carolina Chapters have adopted H4W as a state service project. Throughout the two states, individual chapters are dedicating their time to fundraise for H4W. Her own chapter, Pi Master of Havelock, NC, has nominated H4W for a $5,000 endowment each year for the next three years. Part of their fundraising included a Charity Day at Belk’s Department Stores benefiting H4W.

"People often ask if I’m a wounded veteran. I’m not a warrior; I am a grateful beneficiary of their sacrifices."

To date, Paul and Sally have raised over $22,000 in donations. It took Paul two years to achieve his goal of “hope”; the Marine Corps Marathon. As for his goal of 2008 miles, he has passed that goal twice—the second time as he rolled across the finish line at the 33rd MCM. He has vowed to go as far as it takes to fulfill his promise of $26,200; $1,000 for every mile in a marathon.

This year, Team Kelly has already run Myrtle Beach, the Crystal Coast Half, and the Virginia Beach Shamrock Marathon. Look for them in the months ahead at the Cherry Point Half Marathon, the Camp Lejeune Run For The Warriors, the Virginia Beach Rock ‘N Roll Half Marathon, the ING New York City Marathon, and of course, the race that started it all—the Marine Corps Marathon. It is their goal to spread hope and inspiration in each race and in everything they do.

To learn more about Paul and Sally or to make a donation:
Paul's Blog
To donate to Paul’s Promise: 2008 Miles Of Hope
To donate to Sally’s charity: Sally Kelly