Our Stories


Julie’s Story: Finding joy in everyday moments

Julie’s Story: Finding joy in everyday moments

July 19, 2021

YOU helped Julie keep moving!

Meet Julie. She has a keen sense of humour and loves to tease and play tricks on the people she cares about. Her wonderful spirit demonstrates the power of embracing life’s challenges with grace and could teach us all a lesson in perseverance and resilience.

Julie’s mother, Verna, speaks of the admiration she has for her daughter with awe in her voice as she recaps Julie’s journey the last 39 years.

Julie’s Story: Finding joy in everyday moments

“It hasn’t been an easy one for her, that is for sure,” explained Verna. Despite all the obstacles Julie has had placed in front of her, she has never lost her ability to joke around and to find the joy in everyday moments. “I wish I had that kind of attitude,” Verna says wistfully.

Unfortunately, Julie has experienced a decline in her mobility over the last several years and she has been less willing to use her limbs actively. This could lead to further health complications, therefore Macara, St.Amant Physiotherapist, suggested that Julie try an adapted bike to see if that would improve her physical health. 

The results of the trial were very positive. Despite her not actively pedalling (her care team pushes the bike from behind), the motion of the pedals provides stretching and passive movement for her joints. This is essential to maintaining range of motion and preventing the stiffening and shortening of muscles and tendons which can be very painful. Riding a bike will also assist with maintaining bone density, which decreases the likelihood of fractures, of which Julie is at elevated risk.

Julie’s Story: Finding joy in everyday moments

Thanks to your generosity, Julie has now received her own adapted bike customized to suit her needs perfectly!

Macara also explains, “Biking has numerous other benefits on body systems, such as respiratory, circulatory, gastro-intestinal and psychological.”

Verna is excited to get Julie out on her new bike this summer so that they can explore the neighborhood, after such a long challenging winter.

Thank you for getting Julie moving! She continues to find ways to enjoy life each and every day and she will be healthier because of your support!