New Voices Fellow Minda Dentler featured in the New York Times: Tiny Love Stories

Minda Dentler | February 20, 2024

“After connecting online, Shawn suggested we meet at a boxing class. Nervously, I told him I walk with braces and crutches, expecting hesitation. “Let’s meet anyway,” he said. When I committed to the New York City triathlon without knowing how to swim, he gave me swim gear for my birthday. Five years after meeting, we married; that same year, his support propelled me to become an Ironman World Champion triathlete. Shawn transported my gear, biked alongside me for safety and drove hours for me to do open-water swims and training. His unwavering belief in me defines our extraordinary journey.”

Minda Dentler, our 2017 New Voices Fellow, recently shared in a New York Times feature the story of her husband’s unwavering belief and support during her journey to become an Ironman World Champion triathlete. After contacting Polio as an infant left her legs paralyzed, Minda was the first female wheelchair athlete to complete the competition. Today, Minda is an advocate in the global fight against polio.

 

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