About this episode
From childhood trauma to military service, from a career-ending brain injury as a paramedic to Paralympic glory — Shawn Cheshire's story is one of extraordinary resilience. In this powerful episode, the former US Army helicopter mechanic and 13-time US para-cycling national champion shares how she rebuilt her life after losing her sight at age 36. The Army veteran opens up about her journey from contemplating suicide to becoming a Paralympian, crossing the Grand Canyon solo as the first blind woman to complete Rim to Rim to Rim, and cycling across America on a single bike. Her new documentary "Blind AF" captures her incredible endurance challenges and the trauma she's overcome. This is a conversation about refusing to be defined by your circumstances and choosing to see possibility even in darkness. Also in this episode: the BEACON Act, the magic of audio books and more.SHOW LINKSMilitary memoir audiobook recommendationsAURA Special OfferLearn more about Shawn CheshireChoosing to SeeJoin the USA250 ChallengeAmerican Legion Advocacy ToolkitAmerican Legion Grassroots Action CenterVisit LegiontownReddit Rabbit Hole: Tall tales and fish stories in the military community
