News  Ayer District Probation Officer Stacy Deveau Assists Disabled Athletes Participating in the Boston Marathon

As a volunteer for Achilles International, Ms. Deveau serves as a personal guide for blind athletes, those with limited sight, traumatic brain injuries, amputees, non-verbal autism, and others with challenges during events such as the Boston Marathon, New York Marathon, triathlons, and other races and competitions. A long-time athlete, she has volunteered with Achilles for the last two years.

Approximately 50 Achilles athletes from across the world are scheduled to participate in this year’s Boston Marathon. This weekend, Ms. Deveau will help get athletes, many of whom are in wheelchairs, situated in their hotel rooms, and transport hand-cycle bicycles, used for racing, into a large storage room. She is one of ten volunteers who will be working with the Achilles athletes this Marathon weekend and on race day, Monday, April 17th. Achilles was established by Dick Traum in 1983 to encourage people with disabilities to participate in mainstream athletics.

Ms. Deveau will assist Domenic Romano, an athlete and Achilles employee, in performing bike maintenance, rebuilding bikes, and performing safety checks.

“I like to see success in other people and see the smiles on their faces and the confidence they are building. I try to give them the tools for success,” she said.

Ms. Deveau also assists Simon Isakov, a 27-year-old music teacher who lives in New York City. She kicked off 2023 with Mr. Isakov in a New Year’s Eve race in New York City. She assists athletes in running, cycling, and swimming events throughout the Northeast.

“You really have to be big on communication. When riding a bike, it is done in tandem. Staying coordinated as we stop and start is key. We always stop on the right side,” Ms. Deveau said. “When we do a swim race and are in the water, we use a bungee cord to stay connected as I guide the racer.”

In May, she and Simon will participate in a 40-mile, five-borough bike race in New York City. Ms. Deveau and Simon will ride a tandem bicycle during which she will direct him through the race as they coordinate pedaling and turns as well as navigate the twists, dips, and bumps of the city’s streets.

“It is very empowering to do some of the things I thought I would never be able to do,” said Mr. Isakov.

Ms. Deveau, a six-year probation officer, said she was inspired to work with disabled athletes and Achilles by a childhood friend who was burned over 30 percent of his body.

“Growing up, I had a friend who was burned in a fire at three months old, from head to toe. He has had over 300 surgeries in his lifetime. From an early age, my mom always instilled in me that it doesn’t matter what a person looks like. You should treat everyone equally and fairly and the way you want to be treated,” she said. “Achilles is near and dear to my heart. Giving these athletes the opportunities and ability to conquer all of these diversities is what it is all about. It’s not about the miles. It’s about the smiles.”

For more information on Achilles International, please visit their website.