Community Corner

Tim Beighley Inspiring Marietta One Race At A Time

Born 3 months premature and diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Tim was bound to a wheelchair, but has never let his disability define him.

Tim Beighley competing in a recent event.
Tim Beighley competing in a recent event. (Image Kyle Pease Foundation)

MARIETTA, GA -- Twenty-five year-old life-long Marietta resident, Tim Beighley, is one of the community’s most inspiring residents. Born three months premature and diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Tim was bound to a wheelchair, but has never let his disability define him or stunt his dreams.

After graduating high school, he attended Aidan University in Jacksonville, Florida and received his Chaplain certification. While in school, he caught the teaching bug and now works at Georgia State University participating in its LEND Program, an interdisciplinary training program for future professionals, disability advocates and family members. Tim loves teaching others about Cerebral Palsy and how to best take care of those with disabilities.

Four years ago, a chance encounter at Cannon Cyclery Bike Shop in Roswell allowed for Tim to meet Kyle and BrentPease, two brothers from Atlanta who are on a quest for inclusion. Through their work with the Kyle Pease Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of the disabled through sports, Kyle and Brent have worked over the past eight years to break down barriers for athletes with disabilities.

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Since its inception, the foundation has championed more than 100 athletes across 60 events and raised more than $1.7 million. In addition to races, the foundation offers support through programs such as scholarship opportunities, purchasing adaptive sports equipment and participating in educational campaigns around Cerebral Palsy and other disabilities.

As an avid sports fan, Tim’s introduction to Brent and Kyle sparked his competitive drive, and he immediately started working with the Kyle Pease Foundation to compete in endurance sports. Coming up in March, Tim will participate in his fourth Publix Half Marathon. He loves the exhilarating feeling of finishing the race with his three person team as his parents cheer him on from the sidelines.

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Tim’s determination and attitude rival that of a professional athlete, and his infectious smile and personality light up Georgia State’s campus as well as everywhere he travels. After completing the Publix Half Marathon this year, Tim has his heart set on the Rock N’ Roll Marathon series in Washington D.C.

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