August 19, 2016

by: Guest Contributor

Team Devan Takes Center Stage at the Cleveland Tri!

Wow what an amazing experience at the TRI this year!  Devan did an impressive job and every moment with a smile on his face! 

He started the morning visiting with friends and family there to support Team Devan- 20 strong- our largest cheering section yet.  With even two special guests all the way from Alaska!  Then he made his rounds chatting with his UCP friends and all his therapists.

Before any of the racers had started Devan was on stage and performing the National Anthem.  He stood so proudly and bravely with his microphone, eyes focused on me and singing his heart out.  I hope he didn’t see the tears of joy and pride on his mommy’s face and those around him until after he was done singing.  A truly amazing job in his own right but when I think back to when we first met him and doctors told us he would never walk or talk- today takes on a whole new meaning!

Then it was time to cheer on the other racers until the youth division started.  He tried to be patient but he really wanted to go swim with his inflatable walrus!  Soon enough the youth division was up, and out on the dock he went – lifejacket on and Dad by his side.  In previous years I had pulled him in a boat and he wanted to pull something too – so using the same harness I have used, we hooked up his walrus and it went for a swim with him!  Scott was a bit nervous he could complete the distance under his own power.  But as they exited on the ladder, daddy proudly said “I only had to steer him, he did it all!”

Then on to the bike- lets just say our transition time wasn’t very fast- not many of the other competitors had to put orthotics on before getting on the bike!  But soon enough we were off!  Devan did a great job navigating the turns and hills of the course.  And needed little more than verbal encouragement, with Scott and I by his side, to complete the 2.5 miles of the bike.  

Running/ walk was next and we made an extra fast transition as he crossed the mats and took off with Dad and his juice box while Mom took his bike back.  The 0.6 mile course was covered with all of his siblings and many cousins at his side.  

The finish line was of course amazing, with the kids cheering section crossing with him.  He even sped to a “Devan run” for the last couple hundred yards.  He still had energy and a smile after all his hard work!  Team Tyler, who we have a special connection with, was there at the finish line to congratulate Devan which again had mom in tears!

The TRI is always a day for Devan to shine but this year was extra special!  A huge thanks for those who supported and encouraged us this year and during this journey!  Looking forward to how we can spice it up for next year!

 

Julie McKinney, Team Devan

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