Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Inspirational Ironworks Members
Carly Mihalakis and Robin Melvin are regular members at the spin classes at Ironworks. They have participated in organized rides through the Bay Area Recreation Program (BARP),the Revolution fund raising ride, as well as the Cycle for Sight, a fund raiser for soldiers recently blinded in the wars in Iraq and 'Afghanistan.
A student at Vista College, Carly needs to begin her day with a spin class- "if I am expected to function in any meaningful capacity during the day," she says.
The amazing thing about Carly and Robin are that they are both blind. At 18 months, Carly had her eyes removed due to a rare ocular cancer. Now, at age 26, she is completely blind and has prosthetic eyes. Robin lost his eyesight as an adult when both his corneas burst due to undiagnosed glaucoma.
Robin tore through 4 Nordic tracks at home, using the exercise as a distraction when his glaucoma headaches were at their worst. Now, Robin attacks the elliptical machines, and other cardio machines at Ironworks. Both he and Carly, take full advantage of the abs classes at the gym.
Carly notes, "I am convinced that a success in the spin class is, at least partly due to varying shades of enthusiasm of the instructors being open minded and accommodating to this admittedly off beat set of circumstances."
Thanks to Carly and Robin for inspiring the other members of the gym with their perseverance through physical difficulties.
A student at Vista College, Carly needs to begin her day with a spin class- "if I am expected to function in any meaningful capacity during the day," she says.
The amazing thing about Carly and Robin are that they are both blind. At 18 months, Carly had her eyes removed due to a rare ocular cancer. Now, at age 26, she is completely blind and has prosthetic eyes. Robin lost his eyesight as an adult when both his corneas burst due to undiagnosed glaucoma.
Robin tore through 4 Nordic tracks at home, using the exercise as a distraction when his glaucoma headaches were at their worst. Now, Robin attacks the elliptical machines, and other cardio machines at Ironworks. Both he and Carly, take full advantage of the abs classes at the gym.
Carly notes, "I am convinced that a success in the spin class is, at least partly due to varying shades of enthusiasm of the instructors being open minded and accommodating to this admittedly off beat set of circumstances."
Thanks to Carly and Robin for inspiring the other members of the gym with their perseverance through physical difficulties.
Labels: BARP, Carly Mihalakis, Robin Melvin
¶ Wednesday, January 13, 2010
