| Marshal and Sammy Taylor have been ASA Athletes for a few years now. They’re two of 4 kids in the Taylor household, both affected differently by mitochondrial disease. Their mother, Stacy, said that it was difficult to find activities for kids with disabilities that aren’t heavily focused on the disability. They “can’t exactly go to summer camp,” but it’s also hard to find a place where they can be treated just like everybody else...until they found Athletes Serving Athletes. The family’s first introduction to our organization was on the NCR trail in Towson, MD. They rolled up to the meeting spot, and the Captain/WingMan system was explained, but not over-explained. Marshall and Sammy were secured in their joggers, and set off with their new training partners without the usual series of hyper-detailed questions and instructions. It was a breath of fresh air. |   |
Since then, Marshall and Sammy have finished countless races with the ASA community. Sammy likes to sing during training runs, and nothing beats the thrill of crossing the finish line for Marshall. When the pandemic hit, losing the opportunity to race and train together and in person hit our community hard - but we never gave up, and we never quit.
ASA launched virtual challenges all summer, and Athletes like Sammy and Marshall kept up and stayed connected. When ASA launched Tour de Endure, Sammy and Marshall signed up and continue to participate in 3 activities per week based on the Mental, Physical, Social and Dietary Health Pillars. (ASA even featured them on its social media pages for doing a Dietary Pillar Pizza Night with the family!)
When the school year began, the Taylors made an effort to make a meal from scratch one night per week that doubled as both family bonding, and a way to fulfill their Tour de Endure activities. Marshall reads the recipes and helps measure everything out, and Sammy loves to experience the smells and textures of the different ingredients.
ASA launched virtual challenges all summer, and Athletes like Sammy and Marshall kept up and stayed connected. When ASA launched Tour de Endure, Sammy and Marshall signed up and continue to participate in 3 activities per week based on the Mental, Physical, Social and Dietary Health Pillars. (ASA even featured them on its social media pages for doing a Dietary Pillar Pizza Night with the family!)
When the school year began, the Taylors made an effort to make a meal from scratch one night per week that doubled as both family bonding, and a way to fulfill their Tour de Endure activities. Marshall reads the recipes and helps measure everything out, and Sammy loves to experience the smells and textures of the different ingredients.
| The family also fulfills both the Mental and Social Health Pillars through living out their motto: “Everything is better if you can laugh a little bit.” On a typical night, you can find them watching Impractical Jokers and cracking up together. |  |
“Making the Tour de Endure commitment is a strong reminder [to take care of ourselves],” says Stacy Taylor. She expressed that despite its lack of penalties, it’s difficult to ignore the promise she and her family made to themselves to participate and improve their health in all four Pillars.
The Taylors are a beloved part of our ASA Community, and we’re so incredibly proud of them for continuing to stay connected and healthy with us during these times.
For more information about Tour de Endure, Click Here.
The Taylors are a beloved part of our ASA Community, and we’re so incredibly proud of them for continuing to stay connected and healthy with us during these times.
For more information about Tour de Endure, Click Here.
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