Terrell’s 5 Boro Bike Tour Journey: A Full Lifecycle

Posted by AbleNews, written by Jeremy Morak, Marketing Manager, Lighthouse Guild

For the first time in 30 years, Terrell Dobbins will ride a bike again, participating in the upcoming TD 5 Boro Bike Tour in New York City this May. However, this time will be very different than his last ride—he’ll be on the back of a tandem bike as a visually impaired cyclist, also known as a stoker. As a rider on Lighthouse Guild’s Team #SeeNoLimits bike tour fundraising initiative, Terrell’s journey is one of resilience, determination, and transformation.

A Bronx native, Terrell’s life took a challenging turn at 19 when he was diagnosed with uncontrolled Type II Diabetes. The condition led to a series of life-altering complications, including diabetic retinopathy, which resulted in detached retinas in both eyes and nearly a decade of surgeries. By 2021, his kidneys failed due to diabetes, and his best friend became his organ donor, offering him a second chance at life.

Despite the setbacks, Terrell, now 42, never lost his fighting spirit. A graduate of Monroe College with a degree in Information Technology (IT), he describes himself as an outgoing, fun-loving go-getter who was faced with circumstances that required time and effort to overcome. However, the progressive loss of his vision took an emotional toll, leading to a period of depression and self-doubt. It was his wife who, recognizing his struggles, introduced him to Lighthouse Guild—a turning point that would reignite his drive for independence and adventure.

Initially hesitant, Terrell eventually embraced his vision impairment and took proactive steps to regain control of his life. Through Lighthouse Guild, he enrolled in Braille classes, which enhanced his literacy and connected him with a supportive community. He received orientation and mobility training, vision rehabilitation, and crucial lessons on navigating daily life—from cooking and cleaning to using public transportation and crossing streets safely. With newfound confidence, he relearned essential digital skills, enabling him to send emails and texts, and to operate a computer again.

In 2019, Terrell made another life-altering decision when he realized it was time to prioritize his health. He adopted a fitness-focused lifestyle, incorporating regular exercise, healthier eating habits, and adaptive sports into his routine. He found a renewed sense of purpose and energy now that he was no longer hindered by lethargy or injuries. Adaptive sports, in particular, became a game-changer. Terrell was voted co-captain of the Blind Baseball team that represented the United States in the 2024 International Blind Baseball Cup and discovered firsthand the camaraderie and competitive spirit of athletes overcoming their own challenges. “The experience was one of a kind and unforgettable,” he recalls, describing it as the first of many incredible opportunities ahead.

Now, Terrell is taking on his next big challenge: the TD 5 Boro Bike Tour. Training rigorously, he is learning to balance and ride in sync with his tandem bike pilot, ensuring he stays steady and secure throughout the ride. Participating in the tour not only pushes his physical limits but also allows him to raise funds for Lighthouse Guild, an organization that has played a pivotal role in his transformation.

For Terrell, this ride is more than just a cycling event—it’s a symbol of resilience, adaptability, and the power of community. By embracing the challenges ahead, he redefines what’s possible, proving that vision loss is not a barrier to his goals. Terrell reflects on his new life, “Going full circle from two, three, or four years ago, I felt alone in the world, and I spent all of my days asking God ‘why is this happening to me?’ Now, I’m gearing up to ride 40 miles. I can’t help but feel proud of myself, how far my journey has taken me without an end in sight, and how many other opportunities are possible for me in the future.” With Team #SeeNoLimits, he is ready to conquer the Five Boro Bike Tour, one pedal at a time.

If you would like to join team #SeeNoLimits, click here. If you would like to donate to the team, click here.