Train Accident and Cancer Won't Stop this Sailor From Competing in Chicago Regatta

Gary Pierce will compete in Chicago's Independence Cup for sailors with disabilities © JGASF

Last year wheelchair bound Gary Pierce was preparing to compete in Chicago's Independence Cup for sailors with disabilities for his eighth year when he received a call from his doctor.

"Turns out I had cancer in my tonsils," says Gary. "I pulled out of the race and scheduled surgery."

After months of radiation and chemotherapy, Gary is back in the boat this year ready again to compete in the annual regatta. He'll be sailing in a doublehanded boat with crewmate Charles McClure at Burnham Harbor from July 25 to 28.

No stranger to health challenges, in October of 2003, Gary was working in the switching yard at Chicago Rail and Link when he slipped while stepping onto a slow moving train and became trapped underneath a fuel tank. The next thing he remembers is waking up in the hospital two weeks later and the doctor telling him he was paralyzed from his bottom rib down.

Prior to his accident, Gary had led an active life travelling, riding his motorcycle and scuba diving. After months of rehab at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Gary learned about the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation (JGASF) program for sailors with disabilities. He considered that sailing might be a way to stay active.

"I want to be out on the water," he says. "There's nothing like the freedom of sailing. It's just you against the wind."

The Independence Cup/US Sailing race takes place this year from July 25 to 28 at Burnham Harbor. A premier regatta for sailors with disabilities, the race is sponsored by the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation (JGASF), a Chicago-based non-profit organization that enables adults with disabilities as well as at-risk youth to learn the sport of sailing.

The JGASF-owned fleet of 20 boats offer singlehanded, doublehanded and triplehanded racing at no cost to competitors. All boats used in the Independence Cup are specially designed for disabled sailors. In addition, out-of-town race participants are offered complimentary stays at the Palmer House Hilton, a major sponsor of JGASF. Transportation is provided by Illinois-Cook Corporation. Shirley Ryan AbilityLab volunteers are on hand for medical advice and attention during the race.

"The organizers at Judd Goldman pull out all of the stops each year for the Independence Cup," says Gary "This para sailing regatta provides everything from the shirt on your back to your hotel room to your boat. They have a well organized army of volunteers who could not be more helpful."