Michelle Gerrits
2017 Grant recipient Michelle Gerrits, with her grandsons.
“Now that I have the Alinker Bike, not only can I do more with my family and grandchildren, but I can join them in doing so much more”
Michelle was awarded one of the 2017 Mastering Mountains Grants, which has been used to obtain an Alinker Bike. Her aim is to complete a nine-km section of the Great River Ride, from Ngaruawahia to Horotiu, with her family and grandchildren.
The Alinker bike is a “non-motorised, walking bike with no pedals”, designed specifically to support the user and enable him or her to stay balanced and comfortable while exercising. In addition to the Alinker Bike, Michelle was also given MitoQ Serum and Suppliements to help rebuild and support her system, as well as specialised clothing from Macpac to help keep her keep cool and comfortable when training.
When talking with Michelle, you immediately sense a warm bubbly personality; someone who is determined not to let her MS stop her from doing things that she values the most. Her greatest motivation comes from her family, wanting to make memories with them — her grandchildren in particular.
Since being diagnosed five years ago, Michelle has suffered from severe numbness, tingling, balance and mobility issues. She finds work and social occasions hard: “I have to sit down as I can’t stand for long periods of time. Sometimes it is hard to mix and mingle.” However, one of the hardest things she has to deal with was not being able to keep up with her grandchildren or work on her lifestyle block.
Michelle believes that one of the best things she can do is to be proactive. “Don’t give up,” she says, “try and try again.” That’s why she’s focusing on building the strength and stamina she needs to go the distance and achieve her goal.
We asked her why she wanted to do this section of the Great River Ride. Her family has already done part of the track and her grandchildren constantly ask, “Nanny do you want to come with us?” She has to explain, “sorry, Nanny’s legs don’t work properly.” While this makes her feel bad, it also provides her with the motivation she needs: “Now that I have the Alinker Bike, not only can I do the track with my family and grandchildren, but I can join them in doing so much more”.
Equipped with an Alinker bike, Michelle is no longer confined by distance and disability. The possibility of doing more and getting active has not only improved her physical wellbeing, but her outlook on life has brightened as well.
Michelle described how “disheartened”, she felt when she was first diagnosed, especially when thinking about the future, but now, she has a firm belief: “Don’t let the bad times get you down!” She is excited about the future and determined to complete the Ngaruawahia to Horotiu trail in the coming months. We look forward to watching her progress and hearing about all the new adventures she will be having thanks to the Mastering Mountains Grant, Macpac and MitoQ.
