As you may recall, ‘Live Uplifted’ is about the celebration of those who are creating impactful and uplifting moments through sport. Today, we are excited to introduce retired U.S. Marine Major Kim "Rooster" Rossiter and Ainsley’s Angels, the national non-profit he started to honor his late daughter.
In 2002, Major Rossiter's life was changed forever when his daughter, Ainsley, was diagnosed with infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy, a rare developmental disorder. Several years later, in 2008, Major Rossiter took his wheelchair bound daughter on a local run where their lives would once again be impacted forever. As they ran, Ainsley’s face lit up with joy and excitement, ultimately establishing a therapeutic way for Major Rossiter and Ainsley to connect through the sport of running. Ainsley, guided by her father or other family members, would go on to complete over 100 road races including almost 20 half marathons and four marathons.
Ainsley has since passed but that first run in 2008 led to the creation of Ainsley's Angels, a national non-profit dedicated to raising awareness for inclusivity and providing opportunities and experiences for disabled athletes. Ainsley’s Angels is active in over 70 cities and 35 different states around the country as they bring disabled and able-bodied runners together for experiences of a lifetime, all through the sport of running.
Be sure to watch the video below which introduces Major Kim “Rooster” Rossiter and details the founding of Ainsley’s Angels and the impact the organization is having for disabled athletes.
If you have yet to read our Live Uplifted introductory post or check out our spotlight posts on our first two ambassadors, Lance Woods and Judge Craig Mitchell , we encourage you to do so. Be sure to come back to the ASICS Blog in May as we highlight yet another inspiration storyteller who is encouraging others to Live Uplifted.