Tuesday and Thursdays are big days for me because I teach three water classes in the morning.  The third session at 10:45 AM is the one that especially grips my heart.  In this class, I teach people with Parkinson’s disease, Post Polio, Arthritis, Lou Gehrig’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis (MS).  There are people both pre and post-op with hip and knee replacements and shoulder surgery.  This class is scheduled late in the morning because it is a major challenge for these people to get up and go through their morning routine of eating and dressing.  Navigating to the fitness center is yet another hurdle to overcome.  Most of us take all of these things for granted.

As class begins, Cheri, one of my favorite students comes rolling in on her scooter.  Her scooter takes her everyplace and it has given her an amazing degree of independence.  Throughout the class, Cheri will be near the wall, often hanging on.  She concentrates on every move and tries everything including aqua bells and noodles.  If she gets off balance, she does not panic and knows how to regain control in the water.  She is a joy to watch.

For twenty-five years, Cheri has valiantly lived with Multiple Sclerosis.  She had a successful career teaching school and then managing a computer store.  She and he husband raised two daughters.  The youngest was eleven when Cheri was diagnosed.  Her mother also had MS.

Cheri’s upper body strength is amazing, but her lower extremities are not as strong.  One leg functions much better than the other.  During class, we do exercises and stretches for the entire body.  Cheri adapts each one to her abilities.

The availability of my water classes was the primary reason that Cheri and her husband moved to Sun City.  She had called me when they came to look at the model homes.  She travels far to another city to see her MS doctor and has participated in studies concerning Multiple Sclerosis.

Her work ethic and dedication are basic to her success.  She actually feels her body is more flexible and stronger than it was.  “The exercise has helped immeasurably, especially with flexibility and stamina,” says Cheri.    Her new-found quality of life is a true reward.  She is even playing in a neighborhood Bocce Ball League every Monday afternoon.  Cheri says the fun and socialization of the water class is a big plus in her life.

Her life is a challenge every minute of every day.  Her determination and courage are an inspiration to all of us.  I see every possible category of care giver in working with this population every day.  Cheri’s husband, Doug, is the best of the best.

We are fortunate to have Cheri in our water walking Class.