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 recently received financial assistance from Sheltering Arms’ Partner for L.I.F.E. Program, so that she can go to Neurofit three times a week. Thanks to Polly’s positive attitude and dedication to fitness, she enjoys adventurous experiences such as Life Rolls On, an adaptive surfing program, and Stroke Camp.

During her recovery she has participated in outpatient physical rehabilitation and Neurofit at our Hanover Outpatient Clinic. Polly credits her Sheltering Arms 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.”

It takes a motivated individual to deal with functional deficits. Some days, Polly still has pain, and her body may not listen. Joy points out that Polly is very proactive in her recovery. She does research and finds new ideas and tools to help her. Joy adds, “Therapy fatigue causes many people to stop or take breaks from therapy. Polly just keeps working hard. Polly’s continual persistence is remarkable. Seeing concrete way to help people. Alexander says, “My first impression of Polly was that she was goal oriented. I enjoyed her enthusiasm, persistence, and dedication. It makes the time more valuable.”

“I’m always a playful person,” says Alexander, “and we started to do fist pumps together.” Their sessions consisted of exercises to improve her flexibility and strengthen her left side. “I admired her. It’s so important when the individual is personally invested in their recovery.” Alexander recalls that Polly played soccer at UVA, so he incorporated a soccer ball against the wall into her workout regime. Currently, Polly also works closely with Exercise Physiologists

- Joy Bradshaw, Occupational Therapist

(EP’s) Veronika Williams and Taylor Speicher who provide her with a well-rounded program that is helping her stay strong and make consistent progress.

The Neurofit program, is an integral part of Polly’s recovery. It is an exercise-based program developed around scientific principles to help individuals experiencing the effects of a neurological illness or injury improve strength, endurance, range of motion, central nervous system stimulation, balance, and functional movement.

Polly is especially grateful to her three children: Katie (34), John (30) and Stephen (28) for helping her recover. Her youngest son, Stephen, was only 21 when she had the stroke. “He stepped up and has been so generous with his time and effort to help me. Stephen makes it possible for me to do things; he comes with me to activities.”

Polly continues to embrace new experiences, including volunteering at the visitors desk at Sheltering Arms Institute hospital on Saturday and Sunday mornings. She is an inspiration to others, creating a life beyond limits.

Neurofit is part of Sheltering Arms Partner for L.I.F.E. (Leisure, Interaction, Fitness, Enjoyment). NeuroFit incorporates innovative programming and state-of-thescience technology to empower our clients to achieve their fitness and recovery goals. We achieve this by implementing evidencebased practices and an individualized approach for each client. The program focuses on improving function in the upper and lower extremities, weight management, strength, conditioning, balance and overall quality of life. Exercise, no matter physical capability, is for everyone at NeuroFit.

Sheltering Arms recently began offering financial assistance to all of our Partner for L.I.F.E. programs, including Neurofit. This helps make programming more accessible for all in our community.

To learn more about Neurofit and other Partner for L.I.F.E. programs please contact, Tricia Ambler, (804) 342-4321 or tambler@shelteringarms.com