At just 12 years old, Jessica Ensing has participated in more than a dozen long-distance races — and has the medals to show for it — but she isn’t a runner.
Ensing, who suffers from a number of challenges, including juvenile arthritis, Stickler syndrome, and joint problems, is an “angel athlete-rider” for an organization called Ainsley’s Angels.
The organization promotes “inclusion racing,” which focuses on sharing the fun of endurance activities with individuals who would normally be unable to participate. “Angel riders” complete races by riding in race chairs called chariots, which are pushed for miles at a time by “angel runners”.
The nonprofit organization was recently awarded $5,000 through Southside Daily’s “If I Could” campaign.
The campaign, which kicked off this past December, aimed to assist a charitable cause or group as they started off the new year.
Ainsley’s Angels was nominated by Patricia Ensing, who has served as a “guardian angel” or dedicated volunteer for the organization since Jessica, her granddaughter, began participating in races last year.
According to Patricia Ensing, the organization has made a huge difference in Jessica’s life.
“All you have to do is watch one race, and see the smiles on these kids’ faces,” she said. “People are hollering to them when they come across that finish line. These kids wouldn’t be able to do that otherwise.”
Ainsley Rossiter, the original “angel rider,” was diagnosed with infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy at age four, and began suffering from gradual paralysis, according to the organization, which was established in her honor.
Her family began taking her on runs in 2008 as a therapeutic way to bring normalcy to her experience and escape the effects of her disease. Before passing away in February 2016, Ainsley completed more than 100 races.
“There were a lot of things she couldn’t do, but they realized she really enjoyed the wind in her hair,” Ainsley’s Angels ambassador Leanne Orth said. “When her dad saw how she would smile during those runs he was hooked and decided he wanted to bring the experience to other families.”
Orth has helped with a variety of races, including three marathons and a 50-mile run.
“Having the honor of lending my legs to these riders is huge. You can get kind of bogged down with your own problems, but then you meet the rider who is going through a lot more and you pull the strength from them,” she said. “You find yourself being able to do things you never thought you could.”
Anyone can participate with the organization in one of three roles: rider, runner, or guardian angels, who provide extra support on race days, Orth said.
“There’s a big misconception that it costs money for riders to participate, but it is free. We provide all the equipment; they just have to show up,” she said. “Another misconception is that “angel runners” have to be fast, but that’s not true. You just have to have a big heart.”
Orth said the organization plans to use the $5,000 “If I Could” contribution towards purchasing specialty equipment for triathlon races, which involve swimming, cycling, and running.
Ainsley’s Angels will participate in their next race, Polar Plunge, on Feb. 4. The four-mile run will benefit the Special Olympics.
Learn more about getting involved with Ainsley’s Angels at www.ainsleysangels.org.
Pohl may be reached at [email protected]
