Western Springs Woman Competes In Independence Cup For Sailors With Disabilities

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL — Last month, Western Springs resident Deborah Smith competed in the Independence Cup for sailors with disabilities. According to a release, 19 boats competed in the Independence Cup on Burnham Harbor in Chicago. The cup was founded by the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation, and is a premier regatta for sailors with disabilities.

When Smith was 19, she survived a motorcycle accident that cost her the use of her leg. She decided to have an elective amputation two years ago after several dozen limb salvage surgeries.

“My father, Judd, was 17 years old when he suffered a disabling bone disease,” foundation president, Peter Goldman, said in a release. “After realizing that there were few sports that he could participate in, he discovered sailing. During the next 58 years he competed successfully in many races throughout the world.”
For 27 years, the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation has celebrated his legacy by helping people achieve self-esteem and independence through sailing.

Smith first sailed last year with a friend she met at her prosthetist's office.

"The 2016 Chicago race was a wonderful event, and to top it off we won our class," Smith said. "I was able to go to St. Petersburg in December thanks to the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing program and compete in the America's Regatta."

This year, Smith and her team placed second in the Independence Cup.

"It was great fun," she said. Smith added that without Judd Goldman, she wouldn't have the means or access to sail. "Their volunteers are so great," she said.

The Western Springs resident currently works for LIM Innovations, a prosthetic innovator. She coordinates support, training and outreach in the Midwest for LIM.

"My amputation surgeon, Dr. Janos Ertl, encouraged me to pursue working for a prosthetic company a couple of years ago when I had my amputation," she said, adding that she loves her job.

In her free time, Smith volunteers with Dare2tri and Imerman Angels. She has lived in Western Springs for the past 25 years. She has four children and four grandchildren.

Photos provided.