On July 27, 2021, everything changed for Akeem Kearse when he awoke in a hospital and discovered that both of his legs had been amputated.
Scared and uncertain how the world would perceive him, a visit to Central Park, observing scores of hand cyclists and learning about Achilles International would set him on a difficult but rewarding journey toward the starting line of the Achilles Hope & Possibility 4-Miler, presented by TD Bank, held in June, 2024.
A Brooklyn native, Akeem feared he’d be stuck in his apartment forever after losing his legs. But in February 2024, he began the road to healing and recovery when he joined the Achilles program. Achilles International, a global organization operating in 18 countries including the U.S., transforms the lives of people with disabilities through athletic programs and social connection. Since their founding in 1983, they have empowered over 150,000 athletes of all ages and ability levels to participate in endurance events around the globe.
Akeem soon set an audacious goal: compete in the 2024 Achilles Hope & Possibility 4-Miler. The physical training was tough, but building the confidence to believe in himself was just as important.
This race, one of the largest in the world supporting athletes of all abilities, took place in Central Park this past June. As TD Bank celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October, the event holds special significance.
"People are at the heart of everything we do at TD and the Achilles Hope & Possibility Race is emblematic of that commitment," said Tyrrell Schmidt, Global Chief Marketing Officer for TD Bank and Achilles International Board Member. "It is a privilege to work with Achilles and all the incredible athletes that participate in their events around the world. I'm honored to be part of a community that enables people like Akeem to realize their fullest potential in the face of adversity."
Learn more about Akeem's experience at the race in the video below.
Crossing that finish line was joyous
For Akeem, crossing the finish line was a moment of pure joy.
“Achilles gave me a purpose,” Akeem shared. “My biggest challenge wasn’t just physical—it was believing I could do it. Being at Achilles practices, surrounded by others, helped me regain my confidence.”
His first thought after finishing? Getting a drink of water. But soon after, a deep sense of pride washed over him. “I was proud of how hard I worked,” he said. “Seeing my friends cross the finish line too was a huge celebration of all the effort we put in. It was something to really be joyful about.”
Akeem’s journey to that finish line was inspired by watching the Paralympics on TV while he was recovering from his accident. The event gave him hope when he needed it most and motivated him to get out there and cycle with a goal in mind.
But his ambitions don’t stop at sports. Before his accident, Akeem was studying to become a special education teacher. Now, his experiences have shifted his path—he plans to become a social worker, where he can use his story to inspire and support others. He’s starting his studies next year.
“You might lose a limb or something important, but that doesn’t mean you’re down and out,” Akeem said. “There’s always a new outlet—whether it’s cycling, finding a community, or discovering something creative. You can find something that gives you confidence again. For me, I feel 10 times more confident in my life now than I did before. Everyone has the ability to find that.”
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