by Terry Moakley
Some 50 MS Society, New York City chapter members converged on Bulova Park in Jackson Heights, New York on a gorgeous September 7th morning to try wheelchair basketball, handcycling, and wheelchair tennis—and to practice getting on and off a wheelchair accessible New York City Transit bus if they desired—at the annual MS Field Day hosted by United Spinal Association. Staff members Paddy Donaghey, Victor Calise, Al Guarneri, and accomplished member/athlete Joe Mendez carried out the instruction for our friends with multiple sclerosis (MS), most of whom were attempting a wheelchair sport for the first time. A hearty lunch was also served and everyone present, experienced athletes and novices alike, enjoyed the fine day and the fun events.
Donna Fredericksen, Andrea Dimech, and Lisa Grippo of United Spinal’s Marketing group did a terrific job meeting and greeting at the registration table, passing out “goody” bags, and signing up new United Spinal members. While a good number of NYC chapter MS Society members already belong to our association, the ladies managed to recruit 22 new members at the Field Day.
It would be tough to pick the most popular sport of the day, but just about all of our guests wanted to try handcycling. We had three such chariots available on September 7th so folks had to wait patiently for their chance, and most did just that. The true appeal of handcycling is that it is a sport that a person with a disability can partake of with family members or friends. And if one is willing to crank that cycle as quickly as possible, this sport will also keep one physically fit.
Shooting hoops was also quite popular at Field Day. Our perennial Eastern Wheelchair Basketball Conference all-star Paddy D taught many of our guests the basics of passing and shooting the basketball, and he even managed to organize a short half-court game.
As much as this annual get-together is a day to try a sport or two, it is also a day of peer support and learning how others with a similar disability cope. Barbara Richie of Staten Island, a married mother of two teenagers, was one of the first to try a handcycle. She seemed very comfortable tooling around Bulova Park in it.
“I recently submitted an application for a grant to the society for a handcycle,” Barbara told us. “I swim a couple of times each week but I’m interested in doing more exercise for my arms and hands.” Despite a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis five years ago, Barbara maintains a positive, forward-looking attitude on life. “When my husband tries to push my wheelchair, I tell him, ‘Let me do it,’” she said.
By the way, with the help of her computer- savvy daughters, Barbara purchased the manual wheelchair she uses for less than $100 on Ebay. This lady knows how to get things done to stay on track.
Denise Perlak of Flushing, New York, by her own admission went to approximately 38 different physicians over 6 years before being correctly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2004. “A couple of those doctors suggested surgery on my spine,” stated Denise. “I am very glad that I persisted in my struggle to find out what was really wrong with me.”
Currently, Denise is undergoing a unique holistic treatment protocol for her MS which she described in detail to us, but she asked us to not identify it since it is not approved here in the United States. “My biggest problem,” Denise continued, “is my lack of energy. By mid afternoon I run out of gas.” But this circumstance has not stopped this dynamic woman, who enjoyed a successful career in real estate and who was very involved in her civic association before the onset of her MS. Denise has started devoting some of her time toward establishing more affordable and accessible housing opportunities for persons with disabilities here in Queens, New York. With her real estate connections, Denise will probably be successful.
We would be remiss if we failed to recognize our friends at New York City Transit, particularly Russell Schmid and Eunice Poku, for providing a newer low-floor, ramp- equipped bus for boarding and alighting practice sessions. The combination of adaptive sports and transit use skills unveils new horizons for many individuals with disabilities. And finally, United Spinal could not do this event each year without the staff and many volunteers at the MS Society New York City chapter. Thank you one and all.
Terry Moakley is associate executive director of Communications and Public Affairs.
