Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at just two years old, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield employee Chad Williams has spent a lifetime pushing past boundaries many take for granted. On July 13, he will once again take on the Boilermaker 15K Road Race in Utica, this time with his 17-year-old son Chad Michael running beside him for the very first time.
Cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder that affects movement, muscle tone, and posture, has shaped much of Chad’s life. It meant years of physical therapy, a childhood surgery, and countless moments of quiet determination just to manage everyday tasks. But in 2022, he laced up his running shoes for something new—a 5K with 20 obstacles—and something clicked.
“Once I got running, I realized that I was in the middle of the pack,” Chad said. “The community was supportive, it really changed things for me and that really propelled me to continue running and I ran a race every month that year.”
That first 5K led to many more, including his debut Boilermaker race. For Chad, every race is a challenge and a triumph. But this year’s Boilermaker carries special meaning, as he shares the course—and the finish line—with his son.
Together, they’ll mark not just a race completed, but a legacy in motion. A legacy of perseverance, pride, and the unbreakable bond between a father and his son.
To hear more of Chad’s story, visit: Journey to the Boilermaker 15K Road Race on YouTube.
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