How a blind Army veteran went from trauma to triumph - Tango Alpha Lima

About this episode

Shawn Cheshire shares her inspiring journey from trauma to triumph as a blind Army veteran and Paralympian.

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 LINKS Military memoir audiobook recommendations AURA Special Offer Learn more about Shawn Cheshire Choosing to See Join the USA250 Challenge American Legion Advocacy Toolkit American Legion Grassroots Action Center Visit Legiontown Reddit Rabbit Hole: Tall tales and fish stories in the military…

People in this episode

Guest: Shawn Cheshire

Topics covered

• resilience
• military service
• Paralympics
• trauma
• endurance challenges

Keywords

• blindness
• brain injury
• suicide prevention
• Grand Canyon
• cycling

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Blind AF, Military memoir audiobook

Books & works: Rim to Rim to Rim, Blind AF

Places: US, the Grand Canyon, America

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