Wounded Marine and Cigna CEO to Tackle 13.1 Together

Marine Corps Lance Corporal Matias Ferreira, age 22 and an Atlanta native, lost both of his legs 11 months ago while serving in Afghanistan. His recovery took place at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, just outside of Washington, D.C. Now LCpl Ferreira walks -- and runs -- on prosthetic legs. This year he ran the Army Ten-Miler and Navy Five-Miler on those legs, and today Ferreira is 18 days away from tackling yet another running feat -- the Walt Disney World© Half Marathon in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 

During the January 7th half marathon, LCpl Ferreira will run side by side with Cigna CEO David Cordani. Though the two men met for the first time just recently at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, together they are part of an important mission: to help wounded veterans and other athletes with disabilities reach "achievable accomplishment" that increases their physical strength, confidence, and supportive community. LCpl Ferreira is one of six runners from the Achilles International Freedom Team participating in the Walt Disney World© Half Marathon; Cordani is part of the team of Cigna employees who serve as race-day guides, running alongside the Freedom Team members to help them complete the course. The Cigna Foundation made it possible for the Achilles International Freedom Team to take part in the half marathon.

Best of luck on race day, Matias and David!