Meet my amazing blind spin instructor friend Kathy

[Funhog]

I have an amazing friend Kathy Strahan who has been blind almost all her life and absolutely LOVES to help people. She took up teaching IDC a few years ago and loves the impact she has on people. My next goal is to get her to come to WSSC!

She's embarked on another big goal, creating her own wellness business. She's joined a type of reality show to be the Top Affiliate Marketer (online marketing) and you can see her video - watch as a she rides her bike for the first time since she was a child (totally blind)! She can win this contest if enough people vote for her. Can you watch this short video and vote her a '10'? (you'll be amazed at her determination, too). http://www.topaffiliatechallenge.com/users/leanbodyworks

I was scheduled to present at the Challenged Athletes Foundation Tour de Cove in California last fall but it was canceled due to the San Diego wildfires - and Kathy was going to be there with me. I have just accepted to do it this coming October, so I'll bring her along. She truly is a "challenged" athlete who doesn't let anything get in her way...

[Julibird]

What a vivacious, strong woman! Obviously very fit. I gave her a 10 and noticed she's trending upward - so keep it rolling friends.

I only wish she'd worn her helmet!

[monical1]

What a great lady. She's got gumption!

[kszspin]

She got my vote!
I loved to be in class with her leading, her voice is so very soothing.:)

[SpinBob]

I agree with Julie about the helmet, but otherwise a 10 in my book.

[Cheeze]

Thanks for sharing Jennifer.

You used the term "challenged athlete". Sometimes I wonder if all of us who have all or organs; limbs and senses aren't the ones who are challenged. With all this stuff working for us we have a tendency to get distracted and complacent and bypass the truly neat things this world and life have to offer us.

The other day as I was driving through downtown Fond du Lac Wis I observed a blind gent walking by himself on the sidewalk following his cane. He stopped; knelt down; turned to his right; picked a flower; and after holding it to his nose for a moment - stood up and continued his walk.

A small sample of Cheeze

[cfoam4me]

Thanks for sharing Jennifer.

You used the term "challenged athlete". Sometimes I wonder if all of us who have all or organs; limbs and senses aren't the ones who are challenged. With all this stuff working for us we have a tendency to get distracted and complacent and bypass the truly neat things this world and life have to offer us.

The other day as I was driving through downtown Fond du Lac Wis I observed a blind gent walking by himself on the sidewalk following his cane. He stopped; knelt down; turned to his right; picked a flower; and after holding it to his nose for a moment - stood up and continued his walk.

A small sample of Cheeze
I so agree with you Cheese, thanks for sharing that touching moment with us. By the way, are brats and beer on the grill this week-end at the Cheese house!?

[Funhog]

Thanks for sharing Jennifer.

You used the term "challenged athlete". Sometimes I wonder if all of us who have all or organs; limbs and senses aren't the ones who are challenged. With all this stuff working for us we have a tendency to get distracted and complacent and bypass the truly neat things this world and life have to offer us.

The other day as I was driving through downtown Fond du Lac Wis I observed a blind gent walking by himself on the sidewalk following his cane. He stopped; knelt down; turned to his right; picked a flower; and after holding it to his nose for a moment - stood up and continued his walk.

A small sample of Cheeze

You're so right! I guess they are "challenged" only from the point of view of those who can't imagine being without.... (insert ability here - seeing, hearing, walking, running, use of an arm, etc). But as kathy says in this video, she won't let anything get in her way. She's not challenged in her world! I love your story - that blnd man perhaps "sees" so much more than we do with our eyes! Did you all see the story on tv about the blind boy who got around by clucking, and used the sound that bounced off nearby objects (like dolphins do). Absolutely unbelievable.

Whether they refer to themselves or not as "challenged", the Challenged Athletes Foundation is an amazing organization.

[Funhog]

Oh, I forgot to mention, if you are so inclined, you can vote every day! Limited to once per day per computer. The contest ends at the end of June. Let's help a fellow IDC instructor reach her goals and ambitions (you know I'm all about that!!)