When someone is living with a debilitating chronic illness, one of the first things come to an end is any kind of recreational activity, for self and for the family. There are a number of adaptive recreation organizations across the US that can help people of all abilities – even ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia – enjoy many activities again. While this is not an option for all, and care must be made to pace appropriately, perhaps it is something worth exploring where you are.
Some organizations to look into are the United States Adaptive Recreation Center, Disabled Sports USA with chapters across the US, and a variety of local organizations that can be found in many cities. As always, please consult a physician, pace, and choose wisely within your own energy envelope.
Recreation, properly adapted and effectively managed, can rekindle hope and dispel a person’s feelings of being alone. Through the BHC Patient Voice, many patients have shared how their activities, though adapted and limited, bring tremendous joy. And in our most recent entry, Anne shared how just 10 minutes at her sewing machine brings her bliss. (Read it HERE)
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Here in Utah, the National Ability Center is sponsoring a special day at Jordanelle Reservoir designed for those with ME/CFS/FM. The event is planned for September 10, 2016 from 12 – 4 PM that includes lunch followed by paddle sports (kayak, canoe and/or stand-up paddle) and water sports (boat ride with option to tube, water ski or wake board). There will be NAC staff to help individuals with these activities. Families are invited as well. The cost is $55/person (includes lunch) plus a $2 parking fee.
To register please click HERE to fill out participant information and waivers online. Registration is due by September 3rd.
Click HERE to request a username. After submitting this info, the NAC Reservations Department will send a welcome email with instructions on how to set your password and log in.
- After setting your password, please edit and update all tabs in the profile and press submit.
- Finally, allow 24 hours for the Reservations Team to email two Docusign requests. These must be signed and submitted for the registration process to be complete.
If all three steps above are completed online, they do not require an offline participant packet; however, offline participant paperwork is still available upon request for individuals that require this option. All information is due by September 3rd.
If you are experiencing difficulty with the online process, please contact the reservations department at 435-649-3991 and they will more than happy to assist you.
If you need financial assistance, please contact Anneli at [email protected]. Scholarships are available for the $45 activity fee, but not the $10 lunch or $2 parking fee. If you have general questions about the event, please contact Anne Leppert at 801-910-9903.
The National Ability Center is excited for the upcoming experience and appreciates your cooperation with this process in order to make it fun and rewarding for all!
Lucinda Bateman, MD, is a renowned clinician, researcher, and educator. Her Johns Hopkins University Medical School training instilled an approach to care that she has employed throughout her career - the patient comes first and the unknown or unexplained does not equate to a lack of proper and compassionate care. Since starting her own practice in 2000, she has served on six boards or committees, been the principal investigator for 45 studies, authored/coauthored 40 journal articles, served as adjunct instructor and adjunct assistant professor in the University of Utah Departments of Preventative Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Anesthesiology, and lectured around the world.