DIANNE: "When I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2013, I took about a day to feel sorry for myself and then made a promise to not let the disease define me. I continued to work, ride horses and run, but I wanted to do more. It’s known that exercise is the only thing that slows down the progression of Parkinson’s, so I set out to find someone who could help me achieve that goal.
That’s when I met Kate. When I first started working with her, I thought I might never be able to do some of the things we were working on, but now I can do things I never did before I had Parkinson’s - lift weights, push-ups, TRX work and the list goes on. I’m actually in the best shape of my life. My symptoms have improved and I will continue to work with Kate even after they find a cure. Kate is not only an exceptional trainer, but a wonderful person who I consider a good friend. She pushes me to do my best and more and I will be forever grateful for her coaching and friendship. I love how her workouts make me feel!
With my workouts has come a renewed self-confidence which has translated into the creation of a new role at work that I developed, and my first book. Since my diagnosis, there have been many ups and downs, but meeting and working with Kate has definitely been one of the best experiences of my life."
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KATE: "I'll start by saying that Dianne is an inspiration to every single human being. Now I'll tell you why.
I have been working with her (in person and via Skype) for almost 6 years now. She resides in Carp, Ontario and I used to train her in her home every Friday. Since I moved to Victoria, BC we have continued to work together via Skype twice a week. Dianne was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's in 2013 at the age of 45. No stranger to the condition, as it presented in another family member, she made the decision to not let this disease define her, nor control her. She actively sought out coaching to ultimately slow the progression of Parkinson's and increase her strength, flexibility, conditioning and quality of life.
Parkinson's can be unforgiving but symptoms are managed and lessened by regular physical activity. This was already of importance for Dianne and her family as she has 2 kids in high school who play many sports and are very involved in the community. Her kids get to witness their mom take her health into her own hands on a weekly basis as she puts forth her best efforts in every one of our sessions. She inspires and encourages her kids to workout so they can enjoy all the benefits training brings to sport.
In the beginning, our focuses in training were to increase mobility and restore joint integrity as her body was quite stiff. Since then, we've learned many movements and skills including but not limited to squatting, deadlifts, pull ups, bench press, kettlebell work, hang cleans. We always include single leg stability and balance drills, body awareness and postural exercises and we ensure she's always working in all planes of motion. She is stronger and more mobile than ever, and the sky is the limit at this point.
It's rare that we actually talk about the disease, and sometimes I forget she has it, which is a testament to my earlier comment about how fearless she is in face of it. Every year Dianne and her family fundraise for Parkinson's Canada, but this year she's doing something unique and creative. She's written a book about a female superhero who has Parkinson's. It is entitled 'Genes: The Story of an Accidental Superhero'. All of the proceeds go towards finding a cure. Here is a link to buy the book: __
As far as I'm concerned, Dianne is the superhero.
Thank you Dianne for your endless inspiration by just being you.