FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 2010
Contact:    Dominic Calabrese  (312/997-3662  dominic.calabrese@chicagolighthouse.org

Chicago Lighthouse Staff Member Although Visually Impaired
Competes in Chicago MarathonEver since she was 16, she wanted to run in a major marathon.  To help turn that dream into a reality, she competed in short distance events while still a teenager, then into her 20’s and 30’s.  She later opted to take a temporary hiatus to focus on raising her family.

But this Sunday, Maria Cuevas, a staff member of The Chicago Lighthouse and a resident of Archer Heights on the city’s south side, will be among thousands of runners gearing up for the Chicago Marathon.

The fact that she is visually impaired, coping with macular degeneration, is not stopping her!

"Although I have obvious limitations because I’m legally blind, I have learned that qualities like spirit and passion know no bounds," Cuevas maintained.  "The strength that I’ve gained since I was declared legally blind has given me an opportunity to appreciate the wonderful things that life has to offer and not to take anything for granted."

She credits Dan Ashley, a longtime volunteer with the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) for helping get her dream back on track.

"While taking salsa classes at the Latin Street Dancing in 2008, I met Dan and he encouraged me to get involved with CARA’s Marathon Training Program," Cuevas recalled.

She acknowledged being both excited and nervous.

"You can’t help thinking about the challenges you might face as a visually impaired individual," Cuevas observed.

But she eventually found her own stride, initially starting out with an 11 minute pace then moving down to 12 minutes where she felt more comfortable.

"From the beginning, my goal was, and remains, to finish the runs and not be concerned about the time," she maintained.  'All through the training, I struggled in all the long runs, but somehow Dan’s encouragement kept me going."

For his part, Ashley who has competed in dozens of marathons himself and is a pace leader, marvels at Cuevas’ inner strength and determination.

"Maria’s ability to reach inside and find the strength to successfully compete in races and the marathon itself is nothing short of inspirational!"  He added that accomplishment will stay with her the rest of her life and help in dealing with other challenges in life.

Cuevas stayed focus on her goal, but knew she would need additional assistance to succeed. 

"My visual impairment did affect my pace in some ways because I had to be aware of where I was stepping," she noted.  'During the 15 mile run, for instance, I lost my direction and fell completely behind my group while running along the lakefront."

It was that experience that made Cuevas reach out to GLASA, the Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association, a non-profit group dedicated to assisting individuals with disabilities in completing their athletic goals.

She contacted Keri Schindler, GLASA’s program director, who provided guide runners who would run alongside Cuevas for the remainder of her training.

"Get motivated is an underlying theme of the Marathon and I can’t think of anymore more determined than Maria," Schindler said.  "She will encourage many others by her desire and passion!"

Despite the extra help she received from GLASA, Cuevas admitted to doubting herself and often thought about quitting.

"But somehow, each and every time, I stuck it out and was able to finish the long runs as well as the 20 miler and I hope to finish the 26.2 mile Chicago Marathon," she said.

Noting that her children, Ana-Alicia and Mario, will be cheering her on Sunday, Cuevas pledges to give the race her very best shot.

"I will be forever thankful to everyone who has supported me," she smiles. "I know that it will be difficult, but I’m ready and will allow my spirit and passion to fuel my flight through the Marathon!"