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LifeNets North Dakota First Official Act
LifeNets Story of the Month – March 2007
Posted March 8, 2007 The LifeNets International North Dakota Chapter purchased a pre-owned LifeFitness upright bicycle for Gracia, a young woman from New Delhi, in northern India, who immigrated to the United States four years ago. Gracia suffered from poliomyelitis when she was only four years old. The disease left Gracia weakened in her lower extremities and in need of leg braces so she would be able to ambulate.
Several months ago, Pam Redline, President of LifeNets North Dakota and Clinical Exercise Specialist, was put in contact with Gracia through a mutual friend who saw Gracia’s need for in-home rehabilitative care. As Pam worked with Gracia, it was decided that her need for lower extremity strengthening and increased muscle coordination could be best served if she had access to an upright cycle. Since it is difficult for her to ambulate any extra tasks often are a great challenge. Such activities as purchasing groceries, driving, or filling the car with gas, take much more energy and stamina that someone in Gracia’s condition could easily manage.
The Missouri Valley YMCA has been updating exercise equipment for several months. Equipment is being replaced and used items are then placed up for bid by any interested parties. The LifeFitness, upright cycle was available for minimum bid of $300.00, however the YMCA, upon hearing that the cycle would benefit someone in need and that the bike would be purchased by LifeNets, agreed to sell the bicycle for $200.00.
Gracia received her bicycle on February 13, 2007. This was LifeNets North Dakota’s first official act.
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