This visually impaired athlete is running for 'people who were dealt a bad hand in life'

Boston Marathon

“Team with a Vision grants me the opportunity to hopefully inspire others despite circumstances.”

In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon athletes share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston. Looking for more race day content? Sign up for Boston.com’s pop-up Boston Marathon newsletter.

Name: Ryan Davies
Age: 50
City/State: Gilbert, Arizona

I run for people who were dealt a bad hand in life that causes you to almost struggle everyday.

I’m a visually impaired runner, with Team with a Vision, who in the past has had 10 eye surgeries, 9 stitches in forehead, dented back tooth, broken collarbone, scars on knees, and a foot infection that almost caused me to lose my left foot. Emotionally, growing up until now I’ve encountered bullying, being left out, and not considered in certain forums due to lack of eyesight. But my faith was still molding me and making me stronger.

The hard hits in life came in different ways. My first child, Makenzie, obtained my eye condition [Aniridia] but a worse form of it. She had less vision and more pressure issues in eyes. One eye kept having high levels of pressure so they recommended surgery. Due to [this condition], she lost her left vision. [My second] child was a miscarriage. [My third] child had a rare form of muscular dystrophy. To summarize, an extremely long story and the devastating result, my son passed partly due to his condition but it was primarily known as medical kidnapping. He passed away at the age of 3, and never got justice.

Currently, despite crucibles, my wife is a very intelligent, successful nurse practitioner in oncology. Makenzie (despite lack of accommodations) is getting [along] in 7th grade. I’ve taken my struggles and allowed them to strengthen my faith.

I juggle being a stay-at-home dad, running my seventh consecutive Boston [Marathon], first New York City Marathon this fall, and have completed three Spartan races. I apply my pure endurance to life where [I] might not be fast, but I never give up. Team with a Vision grants me the opportunity to hopefully inspire others despite circumstances. Please don’t give up, keep moving forward.