Living and Lifting

Don't go where the path may lead. Make your own path and leave a trail.

Walking into her hospital room, one would expect to see the usual: IV medicine, nurses coming and going, and physical therapists visiting like clockwork. The sound of the TV would be heard in the background--many hospital patient's cure for boredom. Although these things are present, one's attention goes immediately to the window sill where body building magazines and a pair of free weights are stacked. Decorating the plain room is a collage of motivational sayings such as, "Great bodies are made, not born-"

There is little evidence that the young-woman sitting up in bed is fighting for her life. Dottie Lessard is battling Cystic Fibrosis and desperately needs a double lung transplant. Dottie has amazed doctors, nurses, and friends with her incredible strength and will to live.

"She doesn't give up," remarks Betty Harrington, a double lung transplant recipient. "She keeps going. She pushes herself beyond, knowing that in the end, it will be a new life. It is like trading one circumstance for another. But through it all you can breathe ... She's my shining star."

Dottie has turned from the old, beaten path and has courageously embarked on her own path, leaving a clear set of footprints behind her. She believes we all have some control over our lives, even those who have a chronic illness. "You have the ability to make yourself better," she points out. "Granted, there are days that (we) can't do anything. But I believe even those with end stage lung disease can do something to help."

In 1985, as a senior in high school, Dottie became ill with a virus. It caused her weight to drop from 97 to 83 pounds. It was at this point when her doctor suggested a feeding tube. But Dottie wanted to attempt to gain the weight back herself. "When I was discharged I felt really weak. I was so unhappy with myself-- really depressed ... At that time I had a boyfriend who was into lifting weights. I always liked sports. I decided to start lifting. I started slow. And from the minute I picked up a weight, I fell in love with lifting-"

Lifting has given Dottie the physical strength to battle a chronic illness, but it has also affected her emotionally. "I think lifting is the only thing that CF hasn't taken away from me," Dottie comments. 11 Because I'm still allowed to do it even though I get short of breath." She has modified her lifting, taking frequent breaks. She tries to work out three or four times a week.

Dottie admits that there are some days she will stay in bed when she's really sick. "I don't exercise 24 hours a day. I'm not perfect. But I see the results and I know what it will do to me if I don't exercise. I have conditioned my muscles to adapt to what little oxygen I can offer them," she explains.

As a result of her lifting Dottie was able to gain 20 pounds in only three months after her virus in 1985. "From that point on I've kept up with it. I really think it's kept me alive. It's kept me strong. Where my lungs have gotten a lot worse and my cardiovascular system has dropped to a point where I can't do too much, my weight training-has stayed consistent even though it takes longer to lift-"

Dottie believes exercise has helped her mentally. "After a workout, I feel a lot better about myself," she says. "It helps with my confidence. Dottie offers caution about over expectations. "You can't just start exercising and expect to be a marathon runner or an Olympic weight lifter," she states. "But if you start slow, you can build yourself up. Even though you are in an end stage lung disease, you can improve if you put the time and effort into it."

Dottie remembers a phrase her father has spoken to her ever since she can remember. "Dottie, those who thrive survive-" Dottie comments, "I don't believe in giving up.. Not only for myself, but for my family and friends who have supported me through the years. I believe there is always a reason for everything and that God doesn't give you more than you can handle. I have faith that I'll be OK. If it's meant that it's my time to go, I'll go out fighting.”

For those who are interested in beginning an exercise program, Dottie suggests talking to Larry Cahalin, a physical therapist, a cardiopulmonary physical therapist. "I would suggest that people talk to Larry to see what their limitations are ... It's really important to do something you like so you can get enjoyment out of it. Definitely do cardiovascular exercise," Dottie remarks. "But I think some form of resistance training is also important."

Dottie stresses the importance of exercise compliance. "Weight training has been a great outlet for me to keep a part of me feeling that I can still accomplish things," she comments. "Great doctors like Dr. Wainn may put in the lungs, granted, but it's job to make sure we take care of them and take them to their full potential."

Dottie has recently passed the certification for "Personal Trainer-" This was a goal she had hoped to accomplish before her transplant. "Now I'm really ready for the transplant, she states. "I'm ready to get on with the rest of my life-" Dottie Lessard has plans to pursue personal training after her transplant. "I'd like to work with people one on one. I'd also like to work with people who have illnesses and help them see the results of exercise," she states. Dottie also has a dream to compete in future fitness pagents. "We'll see," she states. "I have a bright future-"

Carmen Sholl

9-1-94