Diane’s Determination: A Rehabilitation of the Body, Mind, & Spirit
As a respected chef at a prominent restaurant in Baltimore, Ms. Diane was a busy woman in the 90’s. She worked long hours in a physically and mentally demanding environment with little relief from the constant wear and tear on her joints and stress of balancing inconsistent schedules. When she was able to take a break from the chaos of the kitchen, she would visit the local convenience store for a coffee and cigarettes. Given the gift of hindsight, she admittedly was not living a healthy, sustainable lifestyle.
In 2002, Ms. Diane started to have difficulty standing and walking due to the arthritis that was developing in her knees. At that time, her doctor actually recommended that she quit her job. In 2009, Ms. Diane was diagnosed with diabetes. Without her career, she was experiencing the dread and isolation of her failing health and an uncertain identity. One year later, she attended a funeral that quickly shaped her resolve to live better and not waste away into an early grave.
By 2010, Ms. Diane was taking action to rehabilitate herself in a facility that was just four blocks away from her home. At first, she came to The League’s Wellness Center two days a week to train with Oram Fields, The League’s Wellness Center Director. Together, they worked on Ms. Diane’s core strength and agility. She also began working with an instructor from the onsite Therafit team. Soon, Ms. Diane increased her frequency from two days a week to three days a week, and noticed a vast improvement in not only her physical fitness, but also in her mental and emotional wellbeing.
“The Wellness Center has become part of my family. My main focus is maintaining my relationships here. I am sad when I can’t come.”
A social butterfly since birth, Ms. Diane has built many friendships with employees, participants, and fellow members in the past 15 years. She has nicknamed herself as the ‘unofficial greeter’ of The Wellness Center, chatting with anyone in the building in the hopes of lifting their spirits. Ms. Diane’s curiosity for life has driven her to accomplish some amazing things, starting with regaining her health and independence.
Despite her disability, she has earned her Bachelors degree through the DORS Program, bounced back from knee surgery in record time, and begun her very own YouTube channel dedicated to the successful cultivation of her front porch garden. The Wellness Center has been a source of recovery, connection, and joy for Ms. Diane – and will continue to serve as inspiration for her when she goes on to write a one-hit-wonder on her recently acquired ukulele!
“It is a warm and welcoming place that has saved my life in many ways. Part of rehabilitating your body requires a rehabilitation of your mind and spirit. Just show up and stay active!”
Will you help preserve this critical community resource for the vibrant people of Baltimore, like Ms. Diane?
Your donation keeps the facility safe, accessible, and motivational to individuals of all ages and abilities who are looking to improve their physical, mental, and emotional health. The League’s Wellness Center is a huge investment, but the reward is happy, healthy neighbors! Check out our recent feature on WJZ!
