2018 NPAA Magazine 2018 NPAA Magazine - This is Our Sport | Page 67

2018 BC
CHAMPIONSHIPS
Stacy Francis
transformation award Winner
I was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy in the
early years of my life. Cerebral Palsy is a
complex disability that affects everyone
differently in terms of severity. For me it
affects mainly my balance and my muscles.
It was my Cerebral Palsy that pushed me to
want to be as active as possible. I knew that
it would benefit me in the long run. I am also
very competitive but never really too to sports
so body building gives me that fulfillment.
You need to work hard to win.
Growing up I was always independent and
I never wanted to be seen as different. I
faced the same challenges that any child
and youth faces with insecurities and so
on. I remember being told that I was never
going to walk. I always carry that memory
with me. But from a very early age I learned
that when someone tells me I can’t do
something I will find a way to do it and I did.
In elementary school and high school I used
a walker. I walked everywhere. I even went
horseback riding.
When I moved to the city that’s when
everything changed. I was persuaded to
get a wheelchair because of the longer
distances. I did not want to but I did. And in
some ways I am thankful for it and in some
ways not so much. My wheelchair makes my
life easier because I can get places faster,
and actually keep up with my friends and, go
on long outings without tiring. But I developed
a dependency and that wasn’t good. I started
using it all of the time and as a result my
muscles became weak and I gained weight.
I couldn’t walk as much as I used to. As
disappointed as I was I convinced myself
maybe this is just the way it is from now on.
I’m getting older after all.
Eventually I realized no my mobility is
important to me I have to get it back. So I
bought a gym membership. I would only go
a few times a week and I wasn’t feeling any
different and I was really wanting a trainer. I
needed someone to give me that motivation
and really push me beyond my limits. That’s
when I met Yelena and started my journey
at team fitness. Since I started working with
Yelena I am stronger and I have my mobility
back. I am eating better and I feel amazing.
I would have never thought that I could or
would be where I am today only four months
ago but here I am.
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