Friends,   

I’m still amazed each week how each of us share.  We share our love, ideas, feelings and journey of living with our challenges. 

Last week, Tina Stoeckmann from Marquette University stopped in to see what we’re all doing.  We always love it when people like Tina stop in.  She’s very excited about e-stim therapy for people with MS as they have a unit they use while people are on a bike and are seeing promising results.  Tina’s very knowledgeable in this technology.  I’m excited to learn more.

Tina is also making rock climbing and scuba diving for people with physical challenges available.  Jim and Cee Cee went to Adventure Rock on Sunday and Jim was able to climb with their assistance.  Who would have thought Jim would be rock climbing?  That’s amazing!!

Thanks for being a great sport Jim and showing others that this is possible.  You’re an inspiration to me and so many more. 

There’s more information about the scuba diving and rock-climbing opportunities on our website.  Hopefully more of you will take advantage of these opportunities.  Thanks, Tina, for making this possible! 

Paulette is in a re-hab center and would love some visitors.  Let’s keep Paulette in our prayers.  We all know Paulette would rather be here with us.  If you’re able to visit her, please do.  We miss you Paulette!

Anytime I see Donna standing, it brings me joy.  It’s awesome to see Ginger and Donna going for a walk with Donna on the standing machine with the help of Larry.  You’re all awesome!!

Jerry and Laura have information about the indoor triathlon at Westwood Health and Fitness hanging on the wall in the gym.  I’d highly recommend you put that event and the training sessions leading up to it on your calendar and do it.  This is the event that started all of this.  Who would have thought that first indoor triathlon we did would grow into so many friendships and accomplishments?  Let’s make the 2020 Indoor triathlon another amazing experience.

Here are two PDF files about the indoor triathlon.  There’s a sign-up sheet at the gym.  Let’s get signed up!  Thanks Jerry and all the volunteers that make this event possible!

Triathalon Notice.PDF
Tri MS Info.PDF

I’d also highly recommend you sign up the MS Bike ride August 1^st and 2^nd.  You can do that by clicking here.  Once you sign up, there’s a motivational factor that kicks in and helps us get prepared for it.  We want you on our team…we have fun!

We’ll be getting together again Wednesday @ 11:30 for our prayer group.  We’ll be giving thanks to God for our blessings and praying however God leads us.  Wow!  I’m hearing some powerful comments about this time together.  Prayers are being answered weekly…thank you God!  Feel free to join us.  If you need to come in a little early to get your exercise in before this starts, feel free to do so.

Let’s “Just Keep Moving” again in 2020.  It doesn’t matter where we start.  We can all start with laughing which is great exercise in itself.  Other than that, we start with the body parts that will move and keep moving them as much as we can.  Let them rest and then move them again.

I know there are still many of us going through other life challenges in addition to our challenges with MS.  Let’s stick together, keep our chins up and keep sharing our journey.  Better days are ahead.  For those of you who haven’t been able to make it by us on Wednesdays and Fridays lately, please know you are missed and in my thoughts and prayers.  I hope you’re able to make it back soon!

I hope you’ll join us both Wednesday and Friday again this week.   Remember…consistency is key.  With MS, it takes a lot of consistent effort every day to make small improvements.  Yes, it’s frustrating so be patient and consistent and you’ll be amazed how your quality of life will continue to improve.  It’s been about 17 years of exercising just about every day for me and I’m still making improvements (encouragement, love, support, nutrition and proper rest help immensely too).  It takes time so please be patient.  It sure is better than MS getting worse.  I really don’t know what my life would be like if I didn’t do this (nor do I want to find out).  I’m so thankful you are all joining me on this journey of making progress with our MS and quality of life…THANK YOU!  We’ll continue to learn together…there’s so much power in the love and support we all share with each other.

In the past, I’ve been telling you to bring a friend.  Unfortunately, we’re going to need to start a waiting list for new people.  Please feel free to continue to share your experience and what we’re doing together.  Let me know of anyone who would like to join us.  I’ll communicate with these people through e-mail or phone and help them any way I can.  When we have room for them to join us, I’ll encourage them to do that.  If you’ve joined us in the past, please continue to join us.

We are here to help you and anyone with MS…no strings attached (well maybe an occasional story about the progress you’re making, smile, high five or a hug).  I remember how challenging life used to be when my MS was bad.  I get great joy sharing what I’ve learned and feel blessed with the progress I’ve made.  I hope you make progress in some way too!

Place:  W228N791 Westmound Dr.
Waukesha, WI

When:  Wednesday morning from 9:30am – 12:30pm (open gym concept, come for all or part of it)
Friday morning from 9:30am – 12:30pm  (open gym concept, come for all or part of it)

Dan Erschen