Our Favorite Neighbors: Ann Myres

The Our Favorite Neighbors series highlights special people and organizations we've come to know and love over the years. These folks go out of their way to share their enthusiasm, compassion, empathy, and support for their community in the spirit of Howdy, Neighbors.

We met Ann Myres for the first time through a race training program for individuals with special abilities hosted by Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services (HCDDS). It was a great match for Jason to be able to participate under his own power in a sport that he loves–instead of being pushed or cheering on the sidelines (which he also loves!). In her role as a Community Navigator for HCDDS, she started a race training program for participating in the PigAbilities 1 mile all-abilities event, which is an awe-inspiring part of the Flying Pig Marathon's race weekend (here is Jason's 2026 participation).

Besides getting local special athletes–whether they run, walk, or wheel forward–trained up, it serves as an inclusive social experience for the athletes and their families. As a result, the race itself feels like a neighborhood outing.

Ann's dedication, enthusiasm, and thoughtfulness about this training series has yielded meaningful participation from race host Ohio Valley Goodwill and sponsor Queen City Running Club, both of whom provide helpful volunteers for the program. Over the years, it has also led to an explosion of participation for the training itself, as well as for the popularity of the race. When Jason first raced in 2023, the HCDDS "family" was one of just a few organizations fielding a team. In 2026, there were over 100 organizations that participated! Jason and his HCDDS friends are now training for the Aruna Run 1 mile challenge on Labor Day, which raises funds to help free trafficked women.

But PigAbilities is just a tiny example of Ann's vast influence on the Cincinnati disability community. In her HCDDS role during the pandemic she started hosting a number of online shared interest communities, with topics ranging from WWE wrestling to Taylor Swifties. She also establishes oversees online skills training events and a number of other community-oriented programs designed to build meaningful, inclusive connection for anyone in the local community. Everyone in Cincy with a disability and their family members seems able to share a positive experience they had with Ann.

What drives Ann to be so giving? Part of it stems from her tender and fierce advocacy for her  brother Joe, a lovable spirit who brightens up race practices. But her kindness extends to everyone she meets, perhaps illustrated best in her own 2024 Instagram post:

This past weekend I ran Coast to Coaster, which is a 209 mile run. It started in Sandusky by Cedar Point and finished at Kings Island. It was fun, scary and challenging all at the same time. A year and a half ago I donated 68% of my liver. It’s amazing what our bodies can do and how strong we are. When I signed up for this race I randomly met another living donor (kidney donor) who was also completing this race and we became friends. We talked several times leading up to the race and we were able to share 50+ miles together! During this race I met so many great people! I also had a lot of support from my fam which made this all possible.

That chance encounter with another organ donor led Ann on a path to donate one of her own kidneys to a random recipient a year later. And what do kidney donors do next? Take a look at Ann's racing profile to find out. How inspiring is that?

So thank you Ann for being one of Our Favorite Neighbors!