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KIRKSVILLE, MO -- One Missouri man is living proof that you can’t let the downside of life get to you.

55 year old successful businessman Dennis Atkins of St. Charles has been partially blind since he was diagnosed with a rare eye disease at age 23.

Understandably, it was hard for him to accept it at first. But he decided to make something positive of the situation and know he needed help to get there.

“I had to make the final choice to where I am now. That is ‘I'm not going to let anything slow me down. I'm not going to give up.’ I learned to grab an elbow because I can't see to get where I want to go if I'm not familiar. Actually, that is a great thing for everyone to learn, that you can't do everything on your own. Don't be afraid to ask for help or assistance. Grab an elbow.”  Atkins said.

From that moment on he became a runner. Now more than 30 years, 14 marathons, and about 67,000 miles later, Atkins is still running strong and is a huge advocate for people with disabilities. He wants to demonstrate that those with disabilities can still make a difference within their communities.

“There are so many amazing individuals out there that have disabilities and things that they have to overcome. They are making a difference with their lives. We want more and more individuals to step up and do that, to find a way. We can do things. We just have to do it a different way.”

Atkins’ personal message to the world is to be an inspiration, even if you are disabled.

“Everyone has difficult times in their lives. So it's to inspire them to never give up. It's to inspire individuals with disabilities, to find a way to continue to be successful. It's to demonstrate all the community and employers that not to be afraid to hire someone like me.”

Atkins will be running his 15th marathon this upcoming weekend at The Independent Living Summit where he will be running 35.2 miles from Jefferson City to Columbia. He’s running to help raise awareness for disabilities and services like R.A.I.L. or Rural Advocates for Independent Living in Kirksville.

To learn more about Atkins’ journey go to http://www.dennisatkins.com/