Inclusion Matters

JUNE 2024

Katie's Courageous Karate Conquest

Katie Love, 23, has faced significant physical challenges all her life due to her diagnosis of cerebral palsy. Her naturally low muscle tone and balance and coordination issues have presented obstacles in her everyday life. In fact, she required a significant surgical procedure in order to support her with walking. However, Katie is demonstrating that her drive and determination are enough to conquer any challenge life throws at her.

Katie will be graduating with her black belt from PEAK Martial Arts on June 8th. This comes after she came up short at her first attempt at the black belt candidate cycle, further demonstrating Katie's great resolve.

With her sights set on nothing short of a black belt, Katie has attended the gym 3 times per week and Karate 3 times per week. Her regimen for the past year has included 100 push-ups and kicks 5 times per week to help her accomplish her goal. According to her mother, Tracey, martial arts has been much more than an extracurricular activity or a way to stay in shape.

"Karate has helped her so much to overcome many challenges and we are so very proud of her accomplishment," she said. She went on to say how her daughter is an inspiration to the adults at the dojo, who participate alongside her while providing emotional support.

“She’s grown so much as a martial artist in her time with us," said PEAK's owner, Jon Kraus, who happens to train Katie personally. "She's done an awesome job of sticking to her plan and is set to be one of our next great black belt recipients."

Advocates is incredibly proud of Katie, her unquestioned determination, and her monumental success of achieving her first degree black belt. We also would like to credit her supportive family and Mentor, Jill Kimball, who has acted as a phenomenal support and coach during Katie's remarkable journey.

From all of us at Advocates, congratulations, Katie!

Advocates is committed to accessibility and inclusion for all! For that reason, Inclusion Matters is now more accessible than ever before! Click to the left to hear about Katie's successes.

Do you have a friend or family member who

would make a great Mentor?

If so, please encourage them to apply on our website.

We look forward to meeting them!

Event Rescheduled

The blood drive sponsored by Advocates and the American Red Cross has been rescheduled. The new date of the event is Wednesday, Sept. 4th (1-6pm). Stay tuned to future communications about the blood drive and how you can help save a life!

Mark your calendar!

Advocates' Annual Family Picnic will be held on Wednesday, July 10th from 4-7pm at Onondaga Lake Park's Long Branch Park. Join us for an afternoon full of friendship, food, entertainment, and much more!

We hope to see you there!

A light rain did not dampen the spirits of those in attendance for Advocates' 6th Annual Stroll & Roll 5K, as the day was filled with comradery, laughter, and excitement for the whole family! More than 200 people joined us at Onondaga Lake Park on May 18th to help raise awareness and support for people with disabilities. Participants were treated to our 5K, which allows people to participate at their desired pace, trophies for the top performers, a grilled lunch, a craft show, family games, live entertainment, and much more. We were thrilled to see so many smiling faces, and are already looking forward to next year's event!

We sincerely thank all of our race participants, our many sponsors and donors, special guests, and of course, Advocates staff members, volunteers, and committee members! The event was a success because of your valued support!

At this same time every year, the Syracuse area plays hosts to a variety of different festivals. And each year, there is a real need for volunteers from our community to help ensure the events run smoothly.

When Thomas Abbamont and his Mentor, Jason West, learned that St. Sophia's Church needed assistance for Greek Fest, they rolled up their sleeves and jumped right in! The pair packaged all of the baklava to be sold at the event, which was no small task!

Advocates is proud of Thomas and Jason, the work they did, and all of the people Advocates supports who volunteer their time to our community in different ways!