Documentary Showcasing the Inspiring Journey of Blind Champion Cyclist and Army Veteran Shawn Cheshire’s solo bike ride across America
December 3, 2024 – Miami, FL – Blind AF, a powerful documentary chronicling blind Paralympian and multiple world-record holder Shawn Cheshire’s unprecedented solo bike ride across the United States, will be screened at Miami Lighthouse in Little Havana, 601 SW 8th Ave., on Thursday, December 12, at 9:30 AM.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Gina LeVay, Blind AF uses Shawn’s remarkable and historic 3,600-mile, 60-day feat of riding a single bike, non-tandem, across America, completely blind, as a backdrop for the inspiring – if at times harrowing – account of one woman’s fight for independence, self-reliance and transcendence.
Drawing on her own personal reflections, as well those of her friends, doctors, trainers and family, Shawn’s resilient journey is brought vividly to life through LeVay’s intimate storytelling techniques, which blend reportage with breathtaking cinematography, animation and immersive audio that provides viewers a visceral sense of Shawn’s hypervigilance navigating the world as a blind woman and the restless determination to overcome the self-doubt brought on by her trauma, both past and present.
“From the beginning, Shawn and I worked together to create an authentic narrative true to her life and experiences,” said director Gina LeVay. “This film goes beyond the epic athletic achievement; it’s a story about healing, transformation, and the power of vulnerability.”
Shawn was featured on Miami Lighthouse’s Vision Insights Podcast Episode 6: A Discussion with Two Truly Daring Adventurers which can be listened to here https://www.miamilighthouse.org/Podcast.asp.
VIEW BLIND AF SIZZLE HERE!
About Shawn Cheshire:
While working as a paramedic in 2009, Shawn Cheshire, a 36-year-old Army veteran and single mother of two, suffered a brain injury that left her without sight. Spiraling into a debilitating suicidal depression, Shawn sought treatment at a VA hospital where, through a combination of adaptive sports and treatment for Complex PTSD, she chose to rebuild her life while facing painful memories of the past for the first time. Within three years Shawn was competing at the 2016 Paralympic games in Rio and went on to become a 13-time paracycling US National Champion, as well as world-record holder of the Grand Canyon crossing by a blind person.
Despite concern from loved ones for her safety, Shawn embarked on her cross-country ride as a defiant, life-affirming step toward independence and self-acceptance, becoming the first blind male or female to complete the journey on a solo bike. “FEAR is a bitch,” said Shawn. “She can either be greater than you or YOU greater than her.”
About Miami Lighthouse:
Our mission statement is: “Through education, training, research and vision enhancement, Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired provides hope, confidence, and independence to people of all ages.” To carry out our mission, we will continue to innovate, to work to meet the needs of people of all ages affected by a visual impairment and to provide exemplary education and vision rehabilitation for our program participants and transparency and accountability to our donors. For more information visit https://www.miamilighthouse.org/default.asp.
Media Availability:
Shawn Cheshire and Gina LeVay are available for interviews with local and national media to discuss this historic journey across America and the making of Blind AF. For more information on Cheshire’s ongoing work, visit her website at https://www.choosingtosee.org/.
Screening Information:
- Event: Screening of Blind AF
- Date: Thursday, December 12, 2024
- Time: 9:30 AM
- Talkback with Shawn Cheshire and Gina LeVay, immediately after screening
- Location: Miami Lighthouse for the Blind, 601 SW 8th Ave., Miami FL 33130
