Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at just two years old, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield employee Chad Williams, of Hilton, has spent his life overcoming obstacles that most runners never have to face. Now, his sights are set again on this year’s Boilermaker 15K Road Race in Utica July 13, with someone incredibly special by his side.
Cerebral palsy affects movement, muscle tone, and posture. For Chad, it has meant years of physical therapy, a surgical procedure in his youth, and daily perseverance just to manage routine tasks.
In 2022, Chad decided to challenge himself in a new way – through running. He began with a 5K that included twenty obstacles along the course. Chad soon learned he was just as capable as every other runner and eventually ran in his first Boilermaker race.
“Once I got running, I realized that I was in the middle of the pack,” he said. “The community was supportive, it really changed things for me and that really propelled me to continue running and I ran a race every month that year.”
Every step he takes is more meaningful, but Chad says the Boilermaker will mean even more this year, as his 17-year-old son Chad Michael will tackle the race for the first time alongside him.
For Chad, crossing the finish line with his son adds a new layer of pride – one that celebrates not just how far he’s come, but the legacy of strength and determination he’s passing on.
To hear more of Chad’s story, visit https://tinyurl.com/2a9ewmnf.
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