Inspired Living with Ability 360 Sports + Fitness Center

August 8, 2017

This month I am thrilled to Guest Host Arizona Living, and connect with amazing members of our community. Afterall, everyone has a story. Whether we’ve faced challenges in our home or work life, we thrive when we utilize our journey to inspire others.

This is just one reason I loved visiting Ability 360 Sports and Fitness Center; it’s filled with inspiring stories that make you want to live your best life. Plus, this first time visit touched me personally, but, I’ll share more about that later.

DEDICATION AND SUCCESS

During my visit to the Ability 360 Sports and Fitness Center, I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Jesse Cejudo. Cejudo is a 25 year old go-getter who suffered a spinal cord injury at the tender age of 2. However, a disability has not stopped Cejudo from accomplishing his dreams. An avid table tennis player for 5 years, Cejudo made several attempts to make the Team USA Para National Table Tennis Team. With his hard work and determination, Cejudo achieved his dream in 2017. Cejudo says his most successful competition was in Romania, when he and his partner won first place in the team event. In November, he hopes to travel to Brazil and compete in The America’s Championship for table tennis and continue on to make the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo.

But the gold medal isn’t the only goal Jesse has in mind. He is currently enrolled in college and has his sight set on becoming a Paralegal. I wasn’t surprised when he told me that although his schedule is full, Jesse still finds time to stay fit and healthy. Ability 360 Sports and Fitness Center provides a place for this dedicated young man to do just that. The 45,000 square foot sports and fitness center has helped Jesse, and countless others, achieve their short and long term health and fitness goals. Equipped with an aquatic center, therapy facility, jogging track, basketball courts, and even a rock climbing wall, Jesse says there is something for everyone.

A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

While chatting with Jesse, I couldn’t help but think about the benefits that this sports and fitness center offers to so many people, including my own sister. Last summer, my younger and only sister, Amanda, underwent an Omental Bilateral Bypass, at Standford University. This was her 4th brain surgery, and by far the most complicated. When the surgery concluded, my sister encountered a serious medical complication. Amanda suffered a stroke, which resulted in life support measures accompanied by a medically induced in the Intensive Care Unit. After tremendous up’s and down’s, Amanda made a stunning recovery. She was released to fly home to Phoenix, where she was treated inpatient at St. Joseph’s Hospital Rehabilitation Center. Amanda learned how to eat independently, dress herself, walk, type on a computer, and write again. However, stroke recovery for many individuals can be a lifelong process, and it’s centers like Ability 360, that provide ongoing care and support to families, like mine.

My first visit to the Ability 360 Sports and Fitness will certainly not be my last. This community funded facility offers people like Jesse Cejudo and my sister Amanda, a chance to become better and stronger. If you’re looking for a community whose lives have been touched by disability, I encourage you to check out Ability 360 Sports and Fitness Center. Personally, I look forward to learning about their weekly classes, in home services and more, which can be used for the betterment of my sister’s everyday life and ongoing recovery.