An idea for Fundraising

[helen1941]

Who will join me?! On August 1st I walked the Chicago Rock n'Roll Half Marathon and thought that I would celebrate by signing up for the Goodlife Half Marathon in Toronto in the Spring of 2011. However this time I would use the walk to generate funds for OT research. I would have to ask for Jeff's help in setting things up online. But I wondered if I would have any supporters in our OT group or better still will other people sign up for events in their home areas and generate more funds for OT? The race was a fantastic event and my daughter walked with me for the last stretch. She had already run the Half Marathon and was of course ahead of me. I was delighted to finish feeling strong and without one ache or pain in my body. Not even a blister to show for my efforts. My speed was respectable, 3hours 8 minutes to complete 13 miles/21 kilometres, that is about 9 minutes a k. This result forms my base line and I am prepared to improve the time in the Spring race. So all you walkers/ runners out there, lets raise some money for OT and have fun while we keep strong and healthy!!
Just to let people know that I was diagnosed with OT 11 years ago and have tried a number of drugs, including Mirapex, Beta -blockers and of course clonazepam. None of the drugs impacted on the tremor but Clonazepam allowed me to feel more relaxed and improve my sleeping. However after a number of years the .5 dose became less effective.
My options seemed to be to either to increase the dose or deal with my sleeping as a separate issue. I decided to embark on a Cognitive Behavioural Program for my insomnia and continue with my walking, stretching , core strengthing program to increase my stability in relation to the tremor. I have not taken Clonazepam since the beginning of January. I completed the insomnia program through the Canadian Association for Mental Health (CAMH Toronto) and most nights am now able to enjoy a drug free night's sleep!
Regarding the tremor, without the Clonazepam it is no worse and I am convinced that my exercise program allows me to maximise on my abilities and somewhat minimises my disabilities. For sure the disability is strongly present, my legs can feel like lead and I am exhausted by everyday demands. I dread those transition moments as I move in a doddering way from sitting to standing. I come out of water like a beached whale. I scan the room looking for a chair and get there fast!
However developing my walking skills has been a saviour both in terms of maintaining mobility and my self confidence. I talk with Peggy(Lake of the Woods) and she is into bike riding and loving it. She and Gary are off on a cycling 'Marathon' holiday in the Fall. We have so many activities to choose from. I have really enjoyed a 'sitting down' course of Chair Yoga and loved my warm water pool exercise program at a rehab centre in Toronto! Keep up the exercise and see you in Atlantic City.
Helen

[Lake of the Woods]

Dear Helen,
This is a wonderful idea for fundraising and I will of course support you with a donation. I also would like to commend you on sharing this idea of "walking" with our fellow OT friends out there.

Hopefully some of us will consider walking in a local marathon to raise money for our research fund - I suspect that your family and friends would get behind you in this endeavour. We may not be able to do the distances that you are achieving but that is really not the important thing. I know Helen joined a walking group initially to help get her started and I think that is also something to think about.

Good for you Helen - you are a real inspiration to all of us!

Sincerely
Peggy