Triumph Over Adversity
By Rochelle Maruch Miller
Dodi Blumstein doesn’t have time for the pain. Personifying the triumph of the human spirit, the indefatigable Far Rockaway resident is persevering against all odds and emerging a champion. Back in 1997, Dodi was 14 and had just completed ninth grade at Bais Yakov of Baltimore. A sports enthusiast blessed with an infectious zest for life, she approached each new day with a sense of optimism rare in someone of her age. Eagerly anticipating a summer filled with friendships, adventures and myriad athletic challenges and events, Dodi embarked upon what she hoped would be the summer of much content.
But on August 14 of that summer, Dodi fell while hiking. The accident impacted greatly on the lives of Dodi and her family. Without any warning, the lively teenager who had been at the peak of athletic endurance, mastering every challenge with agility and facile was now disabled and suffering excruciating, undetermined pain.
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It was through her involvement with Achilles that Dodi became interested in riding a hand-cycled wheelchair bike. She is vigorously training in Central Park twice a week, riding approximately six miles and lifting weights, building her strength and endurance as she prepares to “give back” for the greater good, specifically, competing in the Team Lifeline marathon to benefit Camp Simcha Special.
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Dodi is very excited about the opportunity to give back to Chai Lifeline for all the support and succor they have given her and her family over the past nine years. “Riding this hand-cycle bike gives me a sense of freedom I haven’t known since I was 14, before I got injured twelve years ago. Reaching this point is a milestone for me—I’m literally moving forward with my life.”
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