by Sarai Morgan, AmeriCorps Member at the National Ability Center
Nicole VonRuden, a producer from the Dr. Phil show, came to the National Ability Center last week to enjoy a couple days of skiing. Although she works with the television show, she did not come to film but to participate with our adaptive ski program. This was not Nicole's first time visiting the National Ability Center; however, it was her first time in a bi-ski.
Nicole was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2001 and has since defied the odds of many doctors. As a result of the tumor, she has undergone several treatments of chemotherapy and has become almost completely paralyzed on her right side. In 2001 the doctors gave Nicole a mere seven months to live. Six years later, Nicole is still not giving up.
As a volunteer in the ski program, I had the pleasure of skiing with Nicole. Her bubbly personality, contagious laugh, and amazing stories made this a beneficial and therapeutic experience for me, as well. The lesson was taught by Ability Center Ski Instructor, Don Armstrong, who has been with the National Ability Center's ski program for eight years. His goal for Nicole was to let her be as independent as possible and, of course, to have fun!
Accompanied by several friends and family members, Nicole was able to rip it up on the slopes of Park City Mountain Resort. She quickly moved from the green runs, to the blue runs, to the black runs! This experience, though intimidating at times, gave Nicole to opportunity to ski again, which she thought would never happen. Thanks, Nicole for trusting us on the hill and showing us how to face adversity with such great courage!
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