Helping to Build a Community for People of All Abilities

It is with a heavy heart that Abilities Movement posthumously honors David Schaertel, who passed away this month. Dave and his family have been involved with Abilities Movement for several years. More recently, Abilities Movement’s Fitness trainer, Ursula, supported Dave as he valiantly fought Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). No matter what challenge came up, Dave never backed down. He pushed through every workout. His strength and perseverance were and continue to be inspirational.

“Dave, I hope that you know you left quite a mark on me, and this world. Thank you for the honor of working with you. You will be missed.” – Coach Ursula

David Schaertel is Abilities Movement’s September 2022 Person of the Month.

Abilities Movement’s August 2022 Person of the Month is Anna Rosa! Anna is a stroke survivor who uses her strength and will to regain abilities she has lost.  She is a very hard worker who has overcome a great amount of obstacles since her stroke.  With the support of her team and family she continues to make gains and is always looking to conquer the next challenge. Some of our favorite times with Anna is when we are belting out 80 Ballads, dancing as a part of our balance training, and hearing her kindly say, “I love you.”  The Abilities Movement Team looks forward to helping reach her goal of becoming independent and living on her own again. Congratulations Anna!

Let’s Celebrate Natalie R!

Abilities Movement’s July 2022 Person of the Month is Natalie R! Natalie has been working with Abilities Movement since March of 2022. She is very energetic and enjoys being active! Since starting fitness with Abilities Movement, Natalie has discovered new passions in staying active: pickleball, walking on the canal, and lifting weights! She loves trying new gym equipment to achieve her goals of becoming stronger and achieving healthy weight loss. She has since tried and enjoys using the battle ropes, heavy boxing bags, push sleds, and TRX! We always try something new to keep our gym sessions fun and to best achieve her goals! Congratulations Natalie!

Abilities Movement’s April 2022 Person of the Month is  Anita Landy! Anita is an amazing Mom, person, advocate and professional in our community.  We are blessed to work with her daughters and see what an amazing mom she is in action.  Anita is also  a very strong advocate for people who require nursing services.  She helps nurses learn, support, and work in home healthcare positions.  She helps to support families in finding nurses and is a huge advocate for local, state, and national issues that impact disabled individuals and their caregivers. We are thankful for Anita!

Abilities Movement would like to celebrate Jack C., as Abilities Movment’s February 2022 Person of the Month! Jack started with Abilities Movement during COVID, when sessions were held on Zoom. Jack worked hard during th Zoom sessions and made great progress. Recently, Jack moved into his own apartment in a building that has a fitness center and has started in-person fitness sessions. Jack’s motivation and flexibility during unusual times has been amazing! He has tried new equipment and transitioned the Zoom home workout to the fitness center. He is a wonderful young man and a joy to engage in fitness activities with. Abilities Movement looks forward to having more fun with Jack!

Wegmans, a valued partner in our quest to promote healthy lifestyles, is giving Jack C., Abilities Movement’s February 2022 Person of the Month, a $30 gift card.  Thank you to Wegmans! Congratulations, Jack!

Let’s celebrate Kurtis Arvay!

Kurtis Arvay, Abilities Movement’s January 2022 Person of the Month, has been participating in the Abilities Movement Mighty Dunks Basketball Program and the 5k Run Club. He is a driven young man who works hard at everything he does.  Kurtis is a great basketball player, teammate, and friend to all of the players in the Mighty Dunks Basketball Program.   Kurtis’ hard work on his running skills in the 5k Run Club program prepared him and his family to complete the Karknocker 5k Race in East Rochester.  We are thankful to have Kurtis and his family as a part of Abilities Movement!  

Wegmans, a valued partner in our quest to promote healthy lifestyles, is giving Kurtis Arvay, Abilities Movement’s January 2022 Person of the Month, a $30 gift card.  Thank you to Wegmans! Congratulations, Kurtis!

Congratulations Jonathan J!

Please congratulate Jonathan J., Abilities Movement’s November 2021 Person of the Month.  We celebrate what a hard worker Jon strives to be.   He has been working hard in the fitness program by improving his arm control, head control and sitting posture.  He has reached over one minute of sitting independently with good head control and with kneeling over a ball for 20 seconds. Jonathan is one of Might Dunks Basketball’s stars, who is a great teammate and friend to all.  He is working on his passing and shooting skills.  Jonathan has participated in two 5K races with the Abilities Movement Run Club. In the last race, Jonathan placed first place in his age bracket with the support of Abilities Movement’s Fitness Trainer, Elizabeth Elkins.  Abilities Movement is so lucky to have Jonathan, his friends, and his staff as a part of our programming.  They bring such joy to our organization. Abilities Movement looks forward to many more fitness adventures with Jonathan.