November - December 2019 Volunteers of the Month
ACHILLES [ADULT] VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH:
JOSEPH BORCHARD
HOW AND WHEN DID YOU FIRST HEAR ABOUT ACHILLES?
I first heard about Achilles after my wife Chrissy ran the 2015 New York City Marathon. While running, she was inspired by the different Achilles athletes she saw.
WHEN DID YOU FIRST BECOME A VOLUNTEER/GUIDE?
My wife joined Achilles New Jersey in 2015. I would hear inspiring stories about the amazing athletes and guides she met and soon I started guiding and running as well.
WHAT HAS THAT EXPERIENCE BEEN LIKE FOR YOU?
Joining Achilles has changed my life. Starting in my Freshman year in High School running has always been part of me. It was something I did and I was fairly good. In my mid-20s, I went from running to competing in triathlons and became a competitive age-group triathlete. Unfortunately, my racing career was sidelined after being struck by a car while crossing a street. I gained weight; lost the desire to compete, train and be an athlete. After many failed attempts, I hoped to one day get back into running. It didn’t seem like that day would come. Twenty years later, I found Achilles and started to regain confidence and find purpose and joy in running again. Since joining Achilles, I’ve run a number of 10Ks, half-marathons, the NYC marathon and even completed my first half ironman triathlon in over 20 years! My wife, Chrissy and I now exercise regularly and enjoy the time we spend with our Achilles family. We have introduced our two boys into Achilles and they too have helped in volunteering.
DESCRIBE ONE OR TWO SPECIAL MEMORIES BEING AN ACHILLES VOLUNTEER/GUIDE.
One of my first experiences guiding was with an autistic athlete named Matty Monoco. My wife and I ran the NYC Half with him. This was Matty’s first half and he hit the wall at mile 10. The only thing that got him to the finish line were reminders that he would receive a medal at the finish line which he could wear to school the next day. When we crossed the finishing line, they had run out of medals. We quickly ducked into a medical tent to figure out our next move while the commotion outside subsided. I found a woman in the medical tent told her about Matty and she found a medal for him. When it was placed over his head, I was brought to tears seeing the pure look of joy on his face.
On a training run with Joe Sorbanelli, we came up with the idea of hosting Achilles New Jersey’s first Hope & Possibility® race. Not knowing the first thing about being a race director, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. Our goal was to raise awareness for our athletes with different abilities. With the help of our dedicated race committee the event brought Achilles members from the tristate area together to celebrate running, life, each other and Achilles. It was such a great day and one that I’m most proud of. We look to expand upon our success and will be hosting the race again in 2020!
PLEASE NAME ONE OR TWO ATHLETES YOU HAVE GUIDED.
The first athlete I guided was Brandon Ehrlich. I remember our first run in Saddle River park where he ran /walked 2 miles. I’ve watched Brandon grow as an athlete and couldn’t be happier for him as he crossed the finish line at his first New York City Marathon this past November! I will be on the sideline cheering the loudest as soon as he qualifies for Boston. I also had the opportunity to guide with my son, Jake, and Achilles NJ athlete Johnathan Yammarino, during a rainy Mother’s Day 10K. It was great to share in the guiding experience with my son. This past November, I had the privilege to guide Declan Ryan as we completed our first NYC Marathon. Declan’s positive attitude and strength helped get me across the finish line! I’ve also had the opportunity to guide Jen Romanoff. Jen is quite the Achilles Warrior. She is one of New Jersey’s biggest supporters and always has encouraging words for everyone around. She truly embodies the spirit of being an Achilles Athlete.
MENTION A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR OWN BACKGROUND.
I am lucky to be married to my best friend and super Achilles Guide Christine. We have been married for 16 years. We have two boys, Jake and Caden who often join us at our weekly workouts. Our family enjoys vacations while traveling in our motorhome seeing different parts of the country. We spend our summers at my parent’s home on the Jersey Shore. There we get a lot of training runs in on the boardwalk, go fishing, and enjoy time relaxing on our boat. I am the Director of Technology for Wayne Township Public Schools in New Jersey. I earned my Doctorate in Instructional Technology and Leadership in 2015, hence my nickname from Joe Sorbanelli, Doctor Joe.
IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO BRING TO THE PUBLIC'S ATTENTION ABOUT BEING AN ACHILLES GUIDE?
“There is no greater calling than to serve your fellow men.” W. Reuther. When you join Achilles, you join a family of like-minded people who want to be better, help others and have fun. Through Achilles, you will meet so many people who are there to support you, lift you up and celebrate life! It is a community unlike any other. When you attend a workout or races, it is a fun social gathering of your friends who wear their cosmic yellow shirts as a badge of honor screaming, GoAchilles!
ACHILLES KIDS VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH:
YOKO NITTA
How and when did you first hear about Achilles Kids?
In 2013, I was looking for volunteering opportunities on New York Cares, and came across the Achilles Kids Fun Run. I was familiar with the adult Achilles program, but didn't realize there was a kids program as well.
WHEN DID YOU FIRST BECOME AN ACHILLES KIDS VOLUNTEER?
I became an Achilles Kids volunteer in late 2013.
WHAT HAS THAT EXPERIENCE BEEN LIKE FOR YOU?
Absolutely wonderful! The Achilles Kids staff are some of the best people I've met and the Achilles Kids and parents inspire me every time I am with them. I know that as volunteers we are there for the kids. But, I have learned so much from each of them - they've made me into a better person.
DESCRIBE A FEW SPECIAL MEMORIES YOU HAVE OF BEING AN ACHILLES KIDS VOLUNTEER.
There are so many! Seeing the kids once a month or so for several years, I've been able to pick up on some of the more subtle changes. For example, when one of the quieter kids started to say “hello” to me at the start of every (Fun Run) event, I realized what a huge change that was. That small gesture made me really happy and was a great way to start the event. There are also some kids that are just amazing humans. For example, “Flash”--aka the "mayor" of the Achilles Kids Fun Run--has an ability to make everyone feel welcome. He starts the workout saying “hello” to every kid and adult. This makes everyone feel at ease, whether you're new to the Fun Run or not. He reminds me about the importance of inclusion. On a related note, I recently expanded my volunteering to include the Achilles Kids Central Park Runs and learned that “Flash” is running half-marathons and recently cut 30 Mins. from his time! He even inspires me to be a better athlete!!
WHAT DOES BEING A VOLUNTEER FOR ACHILLES KIDS MEAN TO YOU?
It's an amazing community! I am happy to be an Achilles Kids volunteer!
WHEN THERE ARE A MILLION THINGS YOU COULD BE DOING ON A SATURDAY MORNING HERE IN NYC, WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK?
Janet! Seriously, Janet Patton is one of the main reasons I have come back to the Fun Run over and over again. The Fun Run is an amazing combination of fitness and also, quite literally, fun. The activities can easily be adjusted to suit a child who is a little less mobile or a kid who can run really fast! At the end, we have a fun game where the kids can really unleash their creativity and do a fun dance. I love that Janet makes sure each kid gets a turn and takes extra time to make sure they have the exact song they want. When that perfect song comes on, it's just pure joy. You can't help but smile! I would be remiss if I didn't mention Karen Lewis! Achilles Kids wouldn't exist without her! She is so welcoming and appreciative every time we volunteer. I am more than happy to show up early on a Saturday morning for such amazing people like these two!
IF SOMEONE WAS INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING FOR ACHILLES KIDS, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL THEM?
Please join us! Whether it's the Indoor Fun Run or Central Park run, it's an amazing group of kids, parents, staff, and volunteers!
MENTION A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND.
Having done track and dance earlier in my life, I feel like the Indoor Fun Run has been the perfect fit :)
ANYTHING ELSE YOU MIGHT LIKE TO ADD?
I've recently tried to get more physically fit, and one of the main objectives was to become a better runner so that I can be a guide (whether for a kid or an adult) and hopefully be able to attempt a half-marathon or maybe even a marathon in the future! Injuries got in the way of this goal in 2019, but I'm hoping for more running in 2020!
