In an inspiring tale of resilience and perseverance, U.S. Army veteran Shawn Cheshire’s journey from Oregon to Virginia on a bike is captured in the upcoming documentary titled *Blind AF*. Set to become available for streaming this October, the film highlights Cheshire’s remarkable determination following a life-altering traumatic brain injury that left her blind.
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The documentary showcases clips of Cheshire cycling across the United States, a venture she undertook in 2021, covering a staggering distance of approximately 3,800 miles. A recently released trailer is a poignant glimpse into her journey, revealing the challenges she faced along the way. This remarkable story first premiered at the Bentonville Film Festival in 2024 and subsequently won the Best of Fest award at the Sedona International Film Festival in 2025.
Cheshire’s life took a dramatic turn in 2009 when she sustained a traumatic brain injury while working as an emergency medical technician. At that time, she was a single mother raising two children and soon found herself grappling with severe depression. In the trailer, she candidly shares, “I don’t know if I’ll ever be at peace with being blind.” Her words encapsulate the struggles of coming to terms with her new reality while remaining resolute in her quest for self-improvement.
As she delved into understanding the trauma from her past, Cheshire came to realise the impact it had on her adult life. “I needed to learn this,” she reflects in the documentary, indicating her desire to confront the abuse and challenges she endured during her upbringing and marriage. The film provides a platform not only to document her monumental cycling journey but also to explore her strength in overcoming adversity.
Cheshire, a formidable athlete, has an impressive record as a 13-time U.S. National Champion in para-cycling and even competed in the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio. Her accomplishments are a testament to her commitment to pushing boundaries, which she cites as vital to overcoming feelings of loss and limitation. “If I don’t challenge myself, I become so overwhelmed,” she reveals, expressing her need to find focus and purpose in her life.
The trailer of *Blind AF* is replete with heart-pounding moments, illustrating Cheshire’s tenacity as she navigates through busy highways, where cars and trucks zoom past her. It’s a reminder that despite the challenges of blindness, she refuses to live a life constrained by her circumstances. “I am not okay living a life where I feel like I am limited because I am blind,” she asserts, embodying the spirit of determination that her story represents.
Beyond the cycling journey, *Blind AF* serves as a profound narrative of healing and self-discovery. Cheshire’s experiences reveal not just the physical trials of her cross-country ride but also the emotional and psychological battles she has fought. By sharing her story, she hopes to inspire others who may be struggling with their own challenges or who have faced trauma.
The film will be available for streaming on platforms such as Amazon Prime, AppleTV, Tubi, and Documentary+ beginning on October 28. As audiences prepare to witness Cheshire’s remarkable journey, her story stands as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the possibility of overcoming even the most daunting obstacles.
Through *Blind AF*, viewers are offered a chance to engage deeply with the complexities of triumph and hardship, illustrating that with determination, one can transcend limitations and redefine their narrative.