Finding Freedom on Two Wheels: Cordelia Wright’s Journey with Face of America
“Face of America has given me the confidence and perseverance to know that I can do hard things despite my diagnosis.” — Cordelia Wright, Stockbridge, GA
A Ride That Redefines Possibility
Each year Face of America: Gettysburg brings together adaptive and able-bodied cyclists to ride 110 miles from Arlington, Virginia to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. For many participants, this ride is far more than a cycling event — it’s a milestone in their personal journey.
For Cordelia Wright, a veteran from Stockbridge, Georgia, the ride has become a symbol of freedom, strength, and perseverance.
A Diagnosis That Changed Everything
“In 2005, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). From the little I knew about MS, I thought my life was over, given that my initial thought was being wheelchair bound.”
MS brought significant challenges to Cordelia’s life — including weakness in her legs, chronic pain, and fatigue. But years later, after moving to Atlanta, a new chapter began.
Cordelia was introduced to BlazeSports, an organization that provides adaptive sports opportunities for disabled veterans. That’s where she discovered her identity as an adaptive athlete.
She tried sled hockey, rock climbing, and other sports, but cycling quickly captured her heart.
“With cycling, thoughts of stumbling or falling are never at the forefront of my mind. I’m able to push myself in this sport. I feel free on my bike.”
Discovering Face of America
A close veteran friend she met through BlazeSports found information online about a World TEAM Sports cycling event. Together with other veterans, they decided to take on the challenge: a 110 mile ride to Gettysburg.
“We went to Virginia as a group, not knowing what to expect, but leaving on a high. Of course, being an adaptive group, the recovery was enough to make us rethink ever being on a bike again. Here we are, five years into Face of America, and we are excited each and every year.”
Since that first ride, Cordelia has participated in Face of America: Gettysburg five times and Liberty once — and most recently joined the World TEAM Challenge: Valley of the Sun in Arizona.
An Uphill Battle and a Triumph
“I’m going to be very transparent here. This has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever attempted. I didn’t expect it to be such an uphill battle, both figuratively and literally. While 2025 was the first year that I completed the ride, each year I’ve worked hard to get to that accomplishment.”
For Cordelia, finishing the ride in 2025 held a powerful meaning: it marked 20 years since her MS diagnosis. That milestone wasn’t just about crossing the finish line — it was about rewriting the story she once believed about her future.
A Community That Inspires
From the way the event is organized to the support along the route, Cordelia credits Face of America with helping her find strength she didn’t know she had.
“The camaraderie between the riders, the support from the staff, the excitement from the communities lining the streets, and the inspiration of seeing so many different disabilities participate — it has given me the confidence and perseverance to know that I can do hard things despite my diagnosis.“
Why This Ride Matters
Cordelia’s journey embodies the spirit of World TEAM — bringing people of all abilities together to push boundaries, build community, and celebrate strength.
Her story is a reminder that what may seem impossible alone becomes achievable together.
Join Us
Visit our Programs Page to register as a rider, volunteer, or supporter for our annual events. Together, we can empower more athletes like Cordelia to find freedom on the road.
