The Power of Community: A Conversation with Cotie Williams and PossAbilities

The Power of Community: My Conversation with Cotie Williams and PossAbilities

On a recent episode of my KneeToKnee podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Cotie Williams, the Director of Community Development and Outreach for PossAbilities, a program under Loma Linda University Health. Cotie’s passion for supporting individuals with permanent physical or intellectual disabilities, as well as military veterans, really inspired me. Since 2008, she and her team have grown their membership from just 280 to over 9,000. This episode was a deep dive into how tiny acts of kindness can create huge waves, and why compassion isn’t just nice—it’s essential.

Meeting Cotie and Our Early Racing Days

I first met Cotie when I raced in the Redlands Bicycle Classic around 2010. She was already involved with PossAbilities, organizing handcycle races for folks with disabilities. Those riders came from all over—even from Utah like me. I still remember a time trial race in Redlands that was the toughest course ever—it started with a shallow downhill but then transitioned into a series of steep, brutal hills that seemed never-ending. During one of those hills, my brand-new bike chain broke. Cotie pulled up alongside me, and together with the help of a professional mechanic in a team car, we got me going again. But the pin the mechanic put into my chain wasn’t the right size, so as I climbed the last hill, the chain locked repeatedly, forcing me to ratchet my way up the hill—it was so hard I kept wondering, “This is supposed to be fun?”

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What This Moment Meant for Cotie

From Cotie’s perspective, that moment was powerful. She saw me pushing through what seemed impossible—dealing with challenges she could barely imagine. That fulfilled her purpose to serve others and give them hope. She said this work isn’t just a career—it’s her passion. Seeing examples of tenacity, courage, and strength to conquer those hardships fuels her heart and continually renews her commitment to supporting people living with disabilities. That moment wasn’t just a race to her; it was deeply emotional, reinforcing why she does what she does.

A Story That Changed My Perspective

There was a time during Utah Handcycle Omnium when a California racer whined a lot about the altitude challenges and nit-picked most everything about the race. I remember thinking how frustrating it was, so much that I wondered if we should “uninvite” him next year. But on race day in Park City, I saw something remarkable. This racer didn’t just go around a slower competitor; he pushed him up the hill, helping him finish strong. That competitor, Allan Walton, is a quad athlete who never gives up and is one of the most inspiring athletes I’ve met. Seeing that selfless act humbled me and changed how I view community support.

The Transformative Power of PossAbilities

Cotie shared a story about a young man she met back in 2010 at Loma Linda’s rehab hospital. He was 27, owned a plumbing company, and after a rollover truck accident, he had a complete spinal cord injury. His life flipped on a dime, and he came to Cotie hoping to figure out what was next. Initially skeptical about sports, he tried a handcycle and found a new sense of freedom, speed, and hope. With ongoing support for coaching, equipment, and travel, he went on to become a world champion and Team USA athlete training for the Paralympics. Beyond personal success, he became an ambassador, visiting patients and families to offer hope. Watching that journey was incredible and reminded me how community and connection can move people from despair to purpose.

Beyond the Individual: Impact on Families and Communities

It’s not just about the individual. That young man’s family became part of the community; his son even advocated for disabled kids at school. PossAbilities fosters a supportive village that empowers members and their families, creating a ripple effect of awareness, inclusion, and advocacy. These stories showed me how powerful love and connection are in bringing value and hope to people’s lives.

One Thing You Can Do Today

At the end of the podcast, I asked Cotie what one thing our listeners could do to make a difference today. Her answer was simple but profound: “You’re only one diagnosis away from disability.” She urged all of us to keep open hearts and eyes, showing grace and kindness to people around us, because we never know what others are going through. She quoted a line from Cinderella’s mother: “Have courage and be kind.” That message stuck with me deeply, reminding me that making a positive impact starts with small acts of genuine kindness and courage in everyday life.

Final Thoughts

Talking with Cotie reminded me that at its core, this podcast is about connections—how the people we meet and the support we give really shape our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. PossAbilities exemplifies the power of community fueled by compassion, serving as a beacon of hope and transformation. I’m grateful to share these stories with you and hope they inspire you as much as they inspired me.

This episode reaffirmed for me that when we come together to serve and support one another, we create a force that changes lives—often in ways we can barely imagine.

https://teampossabilities.org/