Going the extra mile: supporters of disabled veterans race to make a difference.

Somewhere around the 14-mile mark, Tom Ruggia's legs started to give way. He'd passed the halfway point for the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, and he wondered if he'd make it.

"As any serviceman or woman knows well, you think about giving up sometimes when faced with great adversity," Tom recalled. "Then I thought about looking the uniformed men and women in the eye at O'Hare (International Airport) the following week. My sacrifice was minimal compared to theirs."

Ruggia had enlisted his friends and family to support his efforts by pledging donations to support disabled veterans and their families. He'd run more than 1,000 miles to train for the event and ultimately generated over $2,000 in donations to the Disabled American Veterans. He said he'd compete in the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C., or the New York Marathon to help disabled veterans next year.

Ruggia is not alone. All over the country, athletes undertake extreme physical challenges to support disabled veterans. Many, like Ruggia, are not veterans themselves. Still, their patriotism and sense of philanthropic duty compel them to act. Their sweat and sore muscles ultimately raise awareness and generate grassroots support that often exceeds their financial contributions.

"As an athlete, it's easy to be inspired by disabled veterans," agrees Michael Weiss, a cyclist who supports the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, a rehabilitative sporting event co-sponsored by DAV and the Department of Veterans Affairs."I know that the physical challenges I face on the day of a race are just a small taste of the challenges these men and women fight through every day of their lives."

In 2005, Weiss participated in Northern California's famed Climb to Kaiser. In the event, he cycled 155 miles, starting at 300 feet above sea level and--after climbing 15 and 20 degree grades in the heat of summer-topped out at 12,000 feet elevation. The year before, he rode the Death Ride, climbing more than 15,000 feet over the course of a 129-mile tour of his home state's alps.

Every year, Weiss attends the winter sports clinic and meets the athletes he supports. "The level of gratitude the participants have for their sponsors is amazing. I know, beyond a shadow of doubt, the impact this event is making in their lives. That inspires me to push harder to help out. I can personally vouch for the event, and I think the people who donate can tell that their money is going to an incredible cause."

For the 2004 clinic, Weiss raised $2,375. For this year's event, he anticipates a donation topping $2,800. While soliciting friends and family members, he is in contact with major international corporations to garner a higher level support. "Whether the money comes through my name or through a corporate sponsorship, I don't care. I'm just going to do whatever I can to support the clinic and the participants," he says.

Able-bodied athletes are not alone. Disabled veterans and citizens around the country are taking the initiative to run, cycle, wheel and swim to recognize our wounded troops.

John Shelton, a volunteer for the Extended Care Unit, Oklahoma City VA hospital, says participating in triathlons, marathons and ironman competitions inspires the severely disabled veterans he serves. A below-the-knee left-leg amputee and former Marine, Shelton knows from experience how important inspiration is for veterans dealing with disabilities.

"I try to motivate them," Shelton said. "When I see them and tell them what I'm doing, they light up. There are a lot of ups and downs for these guys. I try to keep them up."

Achilles Track Club, a non-profit rehabilitative sports organization for the disabled, sponsors a Freedom Team comprised solely of disabled veterans. Again this year, on Nov. 6, the team will participate in the New York City Marathon. To recruit runners, Mary Bryant, director of the program, visits Walter Reed Army Medical Center and speaks with disabled veterans of all ages around the country.

"The year before last we had 16 veterans participating (in the marathon). Last year, we had 34. And most of these runners--even the severely disabled--push through and finish the race," Bryant said. "It's good for all disabled veterans to have people participating. It shows the public what heroes our veterans truly are."

The team is supported, in part, by the DAV Charitable Service Trust.

"Who else would be willing to stand up and say, 'We believe in you'? DAY has been a great help, and we hope this program continues to grow."

For more information on Achilles, visit www.achillestrackclub.com.