Polly Hutchinson
is Living Her Best Life “I just completed workout #600! I have been going to Neurofit since May 2017,” says Polly Hutchinson, a mother of three, who had a stroke in August 2016. Polly wanted to live independently and take back control of her life; she did her research and found Sheltering Arms. She
her work so hard over the years motivated me to work hard to keep pushing her towards her goals. It’s been an incredible experience these past five years.”
recently received financial assistance from Sheltering
Alexander Lavallis, Neurofit Coordinator (ACSM EP
Arms’ Partner for L.I.F.E. Program, so that she can
– C) was a student at VCU, studying to become a
go to Neurofit three times a week. Thanks to Polly’s
physical therapist, but his path changed following
positive attitude and dedication to fitness, she enjoys
an internship in Sheltering Arms Neurofit program.
adventurous experiences such as Life Rolls On, an
He discovered a whole new world along with a
adaptive surfing program, and Stroke Camp.
concrete way to help people. Alexander says, “My first
During her recovery she has participated in outpatient physical rehabilitation and Neurofit at our Hanover Outpatient Clinic. Polly credits her Sheltering Arms
impression of Polly was that she was goal oriented. I enjoyed her enthusiasm, persistence, and dedication. It makes the time more valuable.”
Occupational Therapist, Joy Bradshaw, with helping her be the best version of herself. “In the beginning, there was doubt and depression,” Joy explains. “It takes time to create a new normal. In Polly’s case, her self-motivation has been inspiring.” After the stroke, she was in a wheelchair, and had to relearn to put on her shoes and dress herself. “Joy helped me find other ways of doing things; she very gently told me that I may not regain fine motor control to write again. But she gave me the greatest gift when she told me that my goal is full functional return of my dominant left arm and hand; Joy believes in me so strongly.”
Alexander and Polly
“I’m always a playful person,” says Alexander, “and
4
It takes a motivated individual to deal with functional
we started to do fist pumps together.” Their sessions
deficits. Some days, Polly still has pain, and her
consisted of exercises to improve her flexibility
body may not listen. Joy points out that Polly is very
and strengthen her left side. “I admired her. It’s so
proactive in her recovery. She does research and finds
important when the individual is personally invested
new ideas and tools to help her. Joy adds, “Therapy
in their recovery.” Alexander recalls that Polly played
fatigue causes many people to stop or take breaks
soccer at UVA, so he incorporated a soccer ball
from therapy. Polly just keeps working hard. Polly’s
against the wall into her workout regime. Currently,
continual persistence is remarkable. Seeing
Polly also works closely with Exercise Physiologists
