You Fall Off a Treadmill… NOT turned on?
You too have MS? A decade ago I thought this to be ‘impossible’. Today I fully understand the seriousness of this situation for one afflicted by the chronic illness Multiple Sclerosis [MS].
Impaired speech, mobility, vision, hearing, and sensory perception are ALL potential manifestations of an illness for which a cause has yet to be defined and a more important cure still does NOT exist [at least known to the general population]. To avoid an imposition of medical jargon, I suffer from a condition I liken to a short-circuited electrical system. Outward appearance, I look “normal” [whatever this is considered]. Yes, I’ve graced over 15 Figure competition stages…including the national level stage en route to IFBB Pro Status. Yes, ‘Dawn Melanie’ is the unlikely competitor. She has been suffering with a chronic illness for 10 years and counting. She’s been deaf (Fall 2004)… even blind (Jan. 2008), but continued to train for the next show.The humility often delivered in the month of September has arrived again. 10 years ago, Sept, 10, 1998, I could not participate in my 3rd MS-150 Bike Tour, a benefit bicycle ride to raise funds for a seeming deserving organization. 6 months later, after misdiagnoses, multiple MRIs and spinal taps, I was diagnosed with the same illness that I had worked to eradicate. Sept. 2004, I was without hearing with my right ear. SINCE Sept. 2005, I have not felt “SOFT” – my sensory signals register even the supplest of materials as rough, sandpaper like. I CAN definitely report a room’s temperature when it drops below 71-degrees F. How? When contacted by cool air, my hands Hurt!!! Sept. 2008 I am still dealing with a poor balance and walking issue. I can NOT detect which plane I am on. Walking is difficult and standing still is even more cumbersome.So, today, September 10, 2008, I count my blessings. I may never compete in a Figure Competition – especially as long as WALKING & quarter turns are mandatory. But, I know that I have been and continue to be the best “Dawn Melanie”/ ‘DM’ that I could and can be. Why? I’ve fallen off a NON-operating treadmill. “Funnier” (subjective point of view) – I’ve fallen off a treadmill because I’ve fallen asleep whilst walking. Go on – you can laugh. I certainly did. *smile* ~DM
September 10, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Dawn Melanie…you INSPIRE me. Thank you.
September 10, 2008 at 3:10 pm
You are SO inspirational! My daughter and I just read this blog together! You really do amaze and inspire me!!
September 10, 2008 at 9:59 pm
You are truly one of my hero’s!
September 11, 2008 at 7:10 am
dawn
you are now as you have always be a true winner, competitor and fighter.
i / we are honoured to know you (virually speaking)
j and b
September 11, 2008 at 7:35 am
Dawn,
Thanks for being an inspiriation to us all!
September 11, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Wow! Yet, I am complaining about my shoulder. You’re truly an inspiration. I wish we all were like you.
September 12, 2008 at 2:54 am
For gawd sakes WRITE A INSPIRING TOP 10 NEW YORK SELLING BOOK; I’m certain every book club in the land, inluding Oprah, will promote it…i’ll make a reservation for me and my beloved auntie please, x
September 12, 2008 at 3:39 am
There have been 2 people in my life, one with MS and the other ALS, and they never gave up. They gave me tremendous inspitration. After reading your blog about staying strong and positive, I am inspired again. Thank you and stay beautiful.
September 13, 2008 at 3:33 pm
OH baby~ You will get to you’re goal of being an IFBB pro. I know it! Love Ya and will call you soon~
brandy~
September 13, 2008 at 5:55 pm
to be this hot looking and such a pure sweet angel..and to have to fight this thing is amazin….makes me really stop bitching about this torn nerve in my upper forrarme.. its really nothing… keep fighting the good fight… D Animal as u named me is always here for ya
September 13, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Thank you for sharing your story and being an example of how to face challenges with positivity and grace.
September 14, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Dawn, all I can say is I love you and your courage and your determination. Man, whenever I’m having a "pity party" I know exactly where to come for an attitude adjustment. You’ll accomplish any goal that you set - I truly believe that. Stay blessed!
September 15, 2008 at 3:41 pm
You are truly inspiring! One of my personnal heroes!
Keep being the best you can be, that is all that matters!
September 19, 2008 at 12:28 pm
I wish everyone, espicially ones without any disabilities, could have an outlook on life as you! Your presence inspires countless people and I am proud to call you my friend. My father struggled with RA for 20 years or better and in the end it wound up taking both of his legs due to infections that they couldn’t get under control. I pray that you will find relief and comfort each and everyday. I will close this with one of my favorite sayings:
"God didn’t promise you a day without pain, laughter without sorrow or sun without rain. But He did promise you strength for the day, comfort for your tears and a light for your way".
Have a fantastic weekend…Jay
September 21, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Hey DM,
It’s crazy that I’m just now reading ur newest blog. It’s wild 4 me 2 read ur writings because I’m right here with U. Actually seeing U go through these tough times. It doesn’t seem like 10 years 2 me but it does seem long. I watch U push + push, + do things that I often think U shouldn’t but through ur blogs I get a little more understanding. U have always amazed me. From the first time we went 2 the Riely 2 work out. U R my WonderWoman, my Beauty of the Week, my Fitness Babies. Although times often get very hard 4 us, I still + will always Love U. Even if U do fall off treadmills or recumbant bikes or whatever.
September 21, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Nothing but respect. I have run into many people with MS in my lifte time. Some very close and some in passing the constant unkown has two polar opposite effects on people. Lucky for me the type of people I try to surrond myself with blaze a similar trail to your own. I have nothing but respect for you and what/who you are for yourself, your family, and your BodySpace friends.
As the father of a 3 yr old with sickle cell disease I hold your example in my arsenal for many conversations to come
Thank you!!
September 23, 2008 at 10:59 am
WOW… You are an inspiration. Keep fighting and you will reach all of your goals!!
September 26, 2008 at 10:25 am
Stay strong, my prayers are with you. I have had MS in my family and know personally the obstacles you face on a daily basis physically and mentally. Just know that you are cared for tremendously and your efforts to stay physically fit are to be commended! You are in my prayers! Maybe you can help me shed some pounds…
October 6, 2008 at 8:52 pm
God Bless. Keep up the fight. Thanks for the blog.
todd
October 8, 2008 at 10:41 pm
I am always humbled by your strength and inner fire. Thank you, Dawn Melanie, Thank you for being you!!!
October 10, 2008 at 7:50 am
GOD’S ANGEL!
October 21, 2008 at 9:34 am
i love this - my mom has ms and has a shirt she wears on very stiff days that says "im not drunk - i have ms".
October 24, 2008 at 7:29 am
WOW! Thank you so much for sharing your story. There is so much i want to say and ask, but to sum it all up… THANK YOU. I see that NOTHING has stopped you from doin’ YOU!
October 26, 2008 at 5:38 pm
keep charging foward, this won’t keep you off the podium
November 5, 2008 at 12:43 am
Hey girl, I’ve been ‘absent’ from here for a while..again sidelined by injury, hip again..so at doctors orders of..take an off season..I did…I’m finally back..sort of..still can’t train for the obstacle course..but I’m hanging in..and yes..I think I’ve come really close to falling asleep on a treadmill..close..but not yet.
November 13, 2008 at 10:28 am
There is so much strength in that write. This is among many secrets, both freedoms and restraints, that went to well unnoticed as they often do for most of us. I can’t begin to say how I feel. I have a new light in life behind this and the passage before fo I am BLESSED and so are you. You’ve endured much and still STAND strong. I commend you and wish you all the best. Here you have many who care for you and here you have a support system.
November 6, 2009 at 11:14 am
I wondered the same thing : could i go on stage with crutches??? :]