Chapter Milestones: Boston

In 1976, Achilles International’s late founder Dick Traum made history as the first person with a prosthetic leg to complete the New York City Marathon, helping spark a movement that continues to redefine what’s possible for athletes with disabilities around the world.

As we approach the 50th anniversary of that historic finish, we’re celebrating the people, moments and milestones that have shaped Achilles along the way. Today, that movement spans 62 chapters worldwide, each with its own story to tell.

We asked members of the Achilles International Boston community to reflect on the moments that have defined their chapter, the milestones they've celebrated, and what Achilles means to them. Read Chapter Leader Joe LeMar's reflection below.

Joe LeMar, Chapter Leader, Achilles International Boston

My Achilles journey began when Nicky Maxwell told me there was a job opportunity opening up in Boston that he thought would be perfect for me.

He was right.

I joined the Boston chapter in 2022, stepping into a community with a history that stretched back years before my arrival. In 2013, an Achilles athlete named MJ participated in Run to Home Base at Fenway Park using a handcycle. By 2017, Volunteer Chapter Lead Laura Buso was organizing monthly runs out of Tracksmith, helping establish a consistent presence for Achilles in Boston.

When I came on board, I had the opportunity to help build on that foundation.

One of the photos that means the most to me was taken on August 24, 2022, at my first workout alone with the team. That day, we had one athlete, Justin O’Connell, and three guides.

It was a small group, but it was the beginning of something much bigger.

Fast forward to June 30, 2026, and our workout looked very different. Fourteen athletes joined us alongside a large group of guides. Looking at those two moments side by side captures just how much the Achilles Boston community has grown.

But the impact of that growth goes far beyond the number of people at a workout.

We have athletes and guides who are passionate advocates for people with disabilities, carrying the values of Achilles into the wider Boston community. Every person who joins us brings their own experiences and perspective, creating opportunities to learn from one another and make a difference beyond our workouts and races.

What makes me proudest is the sense of family we've created.

Like any family, we don't always agree. There can be challenges, different personalities and moments when we have to work through an issue. What I've learned is that communication can solve a lot.

That's also where one of the most important lessons I've learned as a Chapter Leader comes in: always use the 24-hour rule.

Taking time before responding to a difficult situation gives everyone an opportunity to process what happened, communicate more thoughtfully and find a way forward. When you care about building a community that lasts, how you work through challenges matters just as much as how you celebrate the successes.

And we've had plenty of successes to celebrate.

When I look back at that first workout in August 2022, with Justin and three guides, and compare it to a workout four years later with 14 athletes and so many guides, I see more than chapter growth.

I see a family that has continued to welcome new people, athletes and guides who advocate for others, and a community that knows how to show up for one another.

Nicky told me Achilles Boston would be the perfect opportunity for me.

Four years later, I can confidently say he was right.