"As I crossed the finish line of the 2026 New York City Half Marathon, it was more than just another race completed; it was the first time artificial intelligence helped to guide me through 13.1 miles of crowded city streets."
"Accepting that reality was not easy. It's really hard and difficult for people to go through that."
"I like to tell the story that the very first day I received my guide dog, I was sort of out and about in the world, accepting the fact that I couldn't see, and with that a sort of confidence."
"This confidence reshaped my life. I went on to meet my wife, build a family, and establish a career rooted in service and advocacy."
Thomas Panek completed the 2026 New York City Half Marathon with the assistance of artificial intelligence, marking a significant milestone for the blind and low vision community. He experienced vision loss from a young age, leading to challenges in daily activities. At 26, he sought help from Lighthouse Guild, receiving a cane and guide dog that restored his mobility and confidence. This newfound confidence transformed his life, allowing him to build a family and a career focused on service and advocacy.
Read at www.amny.com
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