Kate Franklin will go down as among the most inspirational athletes in Orange High history. She has competed with the Orange women’s cross country team despite the fact she’s legally blind. Kate was born with a visual impairment disability and is legally blind. The disability is called optic nerve hypoplasia, an underdeveloped nerve. The optic nerve in her right eye is one-third of the size of a normal optic nerve. Sadly, the condition can’t be corrected by medication, surgery, glasses or contact lenses. Despite dealing with shin splits and a rolled ankle this fall, Franklin continued to run. Most recently, she participated in the Turkey Trot 5K held at Riverwalk Trail and Gold Park on Thanksgiving morning. Though others offered to run alongside her for guidance, Franklin completed the race by herself at her own behest.