Issue link: https://tmcpulse.uberflip.com/i/759603
t m c » p u l s e | d e c e m b e r 2 0 1 6 13 family to camps to learn how to use his new prosthetics. "It was great seeing the commu- nity come together like that for him," McClendon said. "It's why we do what we do." Beyond the track Twenty-six-year-old Patrick Pressgrove, who lost his legs when he was 13, said the organization's support has opened up an entirely new world for him. "About a year ago, CATAPULT sponsored me to run in a 5K, and I wouldn't have been able to afford it myself," he said. "That really meant a lot to me, and that was my first race ever. Now they tell me anything I want to compete in, they'll try their best to help me out." Like Callahan, Pressgrove is train- ing for the half marathon in January. Twice a week, he and other runners gather at Memorial Park with a group of CATAPULT athletes and coaches to practice. Invariably, the sessions evolve into more than running. "What we're doing goes beyond the track," said Hubert, CEO of the organi- zation. "It's providing a social network and an outlet." Recently, McClendon celebrated his birthday at Mo's… A Place for Steaks before it closed its doors in late October. Callahan, a musician and vocalist who began a recording career when she was just 13, spent her evenings there at the piano. The night ended with the CATAPULT team standing around her as she played, all of them singing together in unison. "It had nothing to do with running, nothing to do with working out. It just had to do with friendships and being there for each other," McClendon said. "We're really starting to become like a family." Mark Barr's drive and determination as a triathlete and CATAPULT coach have also had a profound effect on the Having access to the right equipment is obviously pretty crucial for these individuals, so we made that a priority. — MARK BARR Paralympian and CATAPULT coach group. For some, life has grown richer after losing a limb. "Mark really showed me more of what's possible as an amputee," Pressgrove said. "So far in my life, I've done more as an amputee than I'd ever done before. Between his help and their sponsorship, my life's going uphill now." Barr occupies a unique role. As an elite athlete, he carries a wealth of knowledge about physical health and nutrition, some of it specific to individuals who have lost limbs. As a trauma nurse, he provides care to new amputees, often serving as a source of inspiration. A new dream In February, a well-known Houston-area triathlete, Adessa Ellis Blankenship, was struck by a car while riding her Thanks to CATAPULT's fundraising and outreach, athlete Calder Hodge got new prosthetics with knees, which will help him run and compete. The Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon WHEN: 7 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017 WHERE: Starts at Congress and San Jacinto Sts.; ends at Lamar and Crawford Sts., one block from the George R. Brown Convention Center DETAILS: Rain or shine; the event has never been canceled in its 44 years. Races are sold out, but spectators are welcome. INFO: chevronhoustonmarathon.com