Maccabee of the month: Susan Hall

By Beth Milograno Berry, Jewish Community Alliance

To achieve personal wellness at 74, Susan Hall explains her goals are simple, “manage stress, maintain a healthy weight, have a strong cardiovascular system and continue to be able to function well to enjoy my life.”

As with every Maccabee of the Month at the Jewish Community Alliance, having to overcome adversity due to continuous health issues, Susan epitomizes the defi nition of a Jewish rebel warrior. Like a Maccabee, her physical might, spiritual strength and mental resilience, have helped Susan beat all odds.

“I was born with Spina Bifi da Occulta, meaning my backbone did not fully develop. I had a tethered spinal cord deformity, my spine could not move freely inside my spinal cord,” explains Susan. “I had spinal surgery at three to remove part of the deformity. I have had foot surgeries, a lumbar fusion and three fusions in my neck. As a child, accepting my disabilities was challenging. I wanted to wear pretty shoes that never fi t.”

Despite a lifetime of obstacles, Susan says she decided to accept the limitations of her disability. “My disabilities will never prevent me from living a full life. I have learned to overcome and make the best of what I can.” As Susan continues to navigate challenges associated with her health, our Maccabee says she won’t let anything stop her.

“I shouldn’t be able to stand up straight or have bladder or bowel control. I have two children and should not have been able to give birth,” says Susan. “I am grateful every single day that I can get up and put my sneakers on to hit the gym.”

Susan’s story of physical resilience continued in July with a total left hip replacement surgery. Thanks to the continuous support of her physical therapists and the wonderful personal trainers at the JCA, Susan says, “it’s been an easy recovery.”