Words from Blaine – Sharon’s Trainer:
I have been working with Sharon for about 3-4 years now. During this time I have seen her face some very challenging and serious medical issues. However, when times got tough for her, she got tougher. Being a medical oncologist she was very aware of the hard road ahead of her to recovery. She worked very hard leading up to her surgery to be as strong as possible going into it. Afterward, she took it step by step and day by focussing on the process of rehab. I’m sure Sharon had some tough days during this time but I never heard her complain the slightest bit. She kept her sights set on recovery and stuck to the plan. It has been amazing to see her progress from surgery until now. I am honored to have played a small part in her regaining her strength, endurance, balance and function.
Sharon, you are truly an inspiration to me and I’m so happy to have you as a friend and client.
Words from Sharon:
I am an 18 year, two-time survivor of head and neck cancer, also a retired medical oncologist. I started coming to Empower 5 or 6 years ago because I wanted to be more fit, deter osteoporosis, and take better care of myself. Two years ago I learned I would need a series of surgeries to reconstruct my upper jaw and roof of mouth with a bone, vessels, and flesh from my right leg. The first surgery is huge and I asked Blaine Warren for help getting physically ready for it. By the time of surgery, Blaine had me climbing and descending 36 flights of stairs at a time and rising from a seated position on just one leg among other feats. The latter turned out to be a most useful skill. (I also used acupuncture, Pilates, nutritional advice, massage, prayer, and hypnosis to prepare for surgery.) Three months after the first surgery and after completing physical therapy, I was back at Empower walking, but unable to rise from the floor without assistance yet. Blaine worked with me again on improving my balance, strength, stamina, and endurance, and he even told me some jokes. Two years after the initial surgery, I won’t be running any marathons, but I’m healthy again. I remain grateful to Blaine and everyone at Empower for helping me recover in such a warm and supportive atmosphere.
