Blind Runner Defies Odds Thanks to Guide Dog
Published February 1, 2012
Courtesy of MSNBC
A blind teen and cross country runner named Sami is defying the odds thanks to her guide dog, Chloe.
There are those who are content with letting life's biggest obstacles keep them down. And then there are those people who strive to rise above those obstacles, regardless of what life throws their way.
Sami Stoner, a legally blind 16-year-old teen, is a member of the latter group. As an MSNBC story chronicled, this remarkable girl has defied all odds despite her young age. Sami, who loves to run for the sake of running, has not let her disability stop her from running cross country on her high school's team. She's now in her fourth year of running, thanks in no small part to her guide dog and friend, Chloe.
Currently, Chloe plays an integral role in Sami's life. While she helps Sami navigate the hallways of her school, she also helps navigate the winding trails that are Ohio's high school cross country courses. And Chloe could not have come into Sami's life at a more perfect time.
Sami began running cross country in eighth grade, but by the end of that school year her sight had left her due to untreatable Stargardt disease. In high school, she worried that she wouldn't be able to run, but found solace in the form of a friend who took up the mantle to be her running partner. When her friend graduated, Sami needed a new partner for the course. Enter Chloe, who is thought to be the first animal to compete in high school scholastic athletics thanks to a waiver Sami won permitting her guide dog on the course.
"I love having Chloe," says Sami. "She's helped me so much."
Truly, Sami's new guide dog is making waves with her and her family in a big way.
What do you think about this awe-inspiring story? Share your thoughts on this story in a comment!
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Comments (26)
What a great story! I would like to make a suggestion. I would suggest a revised harness for Chloe when she is being used for running. The regulation guide harness is made of leather with attached hardware and it is heavy. The regulation harness may be rubbing in spots on Chloe's body. I would recommend a lighter weight harness and even perhaps a different design. I have been involved with service dog work for many years and have had to use different harnesses for different jobs. I hope you will take this, not as criticism but, as a helpful suggestion. I admire Sami very much and loved the story!
i have such admiration for sami. she is an example for all of us. you go, girl!
Kudos to Sami for not letting obstacles get in the way of her dreams and passions. She will go far.
How awesome is that. Sami is a courageous young woman and Chloe is a most precious sidekick. God Bless you both!
go get'em girls! Chloe does something she enjoys and gets to help Sami succeed in her life
Sami and Chloe are models for people -- reminders that you can overcome difficult challenges if you persist and strive. It's a magnanomous feeling when you get there, and gives you more courage. Sami and Chloe are the epitome of courageous.
A tear in my eye, and a smile on my face :-)
A great human, who doesn't quit in the face of a big obstacle - she could be a Marine! - and her great companion...
Awesome!!!