Her injuries left her barely able to walk. Unable to get to work anymore, she lost her job as a hospital technician. Within the year, she became homeless, and spent the next 16 months between two different shelters. She dwindled to just 72 pounds. "I went from feeling accepted in the world to feeling like dirt," she remembers.
Then she connected with Community Access, and things changed. She found a home; and through our Pet Access program, she adopted Elvira, a four-year old shih-tzu who soon became her best friend. "She gave my life so much meaning," Rochelle says.
Fast forward to 2018. With her home as her foundation, and her beloved Elvira by her side, she finally pursued her dream. On a warm fall day this past November, along with more than 50,000 fellow runners, Rochelle participated in – and finished! – the NYC marathon. "I’ll never forget all the people lining the streets, cheering us all on," Rochelle says. "It was the best experience of my life. I’m going to do it again next year!"