Athlete Profiles
Athletes Featured in the Documentary
Charles "Chuck" Stone
Kennesaw State University Basketball Player
Asthma
Charles Stone is a collegiate basketball player whose resilience and determination redefine what it means to be an athlete. Despite living with a chronic health condition, Charles continues to excel on and off the court, using his journey to challenge the stereotype that athletes must be perfectly healthy to succeed. Known for his leadership, grit, and positive attitude, Charles serves as a powerful advocate for visibility and inclusion within the world of sports. His story is a testament to strength through adversity and the unbreakable spirit of chronic warriors.
Kelly Mashburn
Piedmont University Swimmer
Asthma
Kelly Mashburn is a sophomore swimmer at Piedmont University in Demorest, Georgia, majoring in Elementary Education. Hailing from Dalton, Georgia, she graduated from Dalton High School, where she was an active member of the Carpet Capital Aquatics Club.
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In the 2023-2024 season, Kelly made significant contributions to the Piedmont women's swimming team. Notably, she secured third-place finishes in both the 100-yard and 200-yard freestyle events at the 2024 Independent South Swimming Conference Championship, aiding the Lions in clinching the championship title. Her performance earned her Independent South All-Conference honors that year. ​
Beyond her athletic achievements, Kelly is actively involved in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) at Piedmont University.
During the summer, she engages in various activities, including training and community service, reflecting her dedication both in and out of the pool.
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For more insights into Kelly's experiences and updates, you can follow her on Instagram at @kelly.mashburn.794, where she shares moments from her journey as a student-athlete.
And that is how I got the final prac
American Professional Cyclist
Tramatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Lauren De Crescenzo is an American professional cyclist renowned for her resilience and achievements in both road and gravel racing. Born on September 3, 1990, in New York and raised in Colorado, Lauren transitioned from competitive running to cycling after experiencing recurrent injuries.
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In 2016, during her first professional racing season, Lauren suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) from a severe crash, resulting in a medically induced coma and an extensive rehabilitation period where she relearned basic skills. ​
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Demonstrating remarkable determination, Lauren returned to cycling and achieved significant milestones:​
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May 2020: Set the women's Everesting world record by ascending Hogpen Gap in Georgia 24 times, totaling 111 miles with an average gradient of 9.83%, completed in under 10 hours.
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June 2021: Won the Unbound Gravel 200-mile race in 12 hours, 6 minutes, and 49 seconds. ​
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2022: Secured overall victory at the Tour of the Gila, marking a significant achievement in her road racing career. ​
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In 2024, Lauren transitioned to a privateer role, focusing on racing and advocating for traumatic brain injury awareness.She collaborates with organizations like the LoveYourBrain Foundation to promote brain health and support for TBI survivors. ​
Lauren's journey from a life-threatening injury to becoming a champion cyclist exemplifies resilience and dedication, inspiring many within and beyond the cycling community.​
Hayes Lightsey
Toccoa Falls Baseball Player
Epilepsy
Hayes Lightsey is a determined baseball player from Toccoa, Georgia, who refuses to let epilepsy define his game. Diagnosed at a young age, Hayes has navigated the challenges of living with a neurological condition while pursuing his passion on the field. With a deep love for sports and a relentless work ethic, he has become a symbol of resilience, proving that strength isn't just physical—it's mental, emotional, and personal. Hayes’s story shines a light on the reality many athletes face: thriving in their sport while managing invisible battles. He’s not just an athlete—he’s a Chronic Athlete.
Athletes Featured in the Podcast