The following is a copy of a letter sent to the daughter of a
long time LIfeway Fitness client. Her name is Rose, and
in 2006 she founded 'Club Isis' at her school to help raise
money for Isis Gardens Inc., a non-profit organization
commited to improving the health and fitness of children
in need. The money raised by Rose last year was used to
help pay for Andy's Personal Fitness Coaching. The cane
was donated by Health Rehabilitative Pharmacy (305-408-8951).
Hi Rose,
"Here are some photos of Andy during yesterday’s coaching session.
I have included a brief “bio” to tell you a little bit about him and his
experiences at the fitness studio.
"Thank you so much for your help. When you read on, you will see
that your gift was far more valuable than it’s monetary worth, and
much greater than any words can express.
"Andy is eleven years old and an honor student at Howard A. Doolin
Middle School. He has Cerebral Palsy, and he has previously under-
gone corrective surgery on his back and legs. He also faces at least
one more surgery on his hips in the near future. Andy has not
received physical or occupational therapy for over a year due
to lack of facilities, and currently uses the assistive walking
devise (walker) shown in the photos.
"A few weeks ago his family came into our fitness studio looking for
a place for Andy to exercise, and I knew that we could help. In the
first week, I watched Andy coming to the studio everyday and
working hard, and I knew that he was our candidate! I explained
to his family that Isis Club had raised funds to pay for a package
of ten ‘Personal Fitness Coaching’ sessions, and all they had
to do was accept it!
"Yesterday was my second official session with Andy; and when
he came into the studio, I had a little surprise waiting for him…
a small walking cane. He knew that walking with only the aid of
a cane to support him would be a challenge, but Andy doesn’t
ever focus on what he can’t do…only on what he can. During
the session I made a casual comment to Andy, “You are walking
so well with the cane that I think you can leave your walker here!”
He continued practicing, until his mother arrived. When Andy
caught site of her across the room he yelled, “Mom, look what
I can do!” and proceeded to walk all the way over to her using
only the cane. To see the joy on both of their faces as they
embraced is a moment I will not forget. Later I turned to say
good bye as he was walking out the front door and noticed
that he did not have the walker with him. “I’m leaving it here,”
he said.
"So thank you Rose…on behalf of Andy, and his mother and
father, and for allowing me to experience that indescribable
swell of emotion that comes with the knowledge that we
have made a difference in the life of another human being."
Best in Health,
Amanda Sheldon
  
Amanda supervises Andy executing Mountain Climbers on Slideboard. |
