Reflecting on My Journey

Intro

This blog explores the testament of hard work and resilience of one of Cindy Miles’s patients, Aaron Heydt. Aaron was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy when he was about two and a half years old and was a dedicated patient of Cindy for almost 30 years. From toddler to adult, Aaron reflects on his experiences working with Cindy, the lessons he learned and the friends he made along the way.

PT with Cindy

When we asked Aaron about his experience with Cindy, he emphasized the point that PT with her was more than developing functional movements; rather, a focused goal to improve quality of life: mind and body. Cindy was able to portray her love and enthusiasm for fitness by making it as fun as possible. Whether this included Cindy playing the “clown” for extra motivation, as Aaron reminisced, or getting into moments of Q&A as quick distractions. Cindy enforced a positive correlation of physical activity in every session. Aaron discusses the progression through the years, where Cindy would tell him to do a specific number of repetitions and encourage him to complete the set by whatever form of encouragement Aaron needed. As time went on, Cindy was able to empower Aaron in his ability to the point he proved to her and himself that he could do more than they had originally set out to do. For example, Aaron recounted in our interview, “She’d say, ‘Do 15 reps.’ Then, at or near 15, she’d say, “I bet you can’t do five more.” In turn, he exceeded both their expectations. Aaron got to a place where he was the one creating his goals, which were attainable and challenging. Aaron learned that for him, goal setting starts by attempting to do better than the previous time “and let the results be what they may.”

Becoming Family

One of the most impactful aspects of Aaron’s story is the relationship that stemmed from his many years of therapy with Cindy. Aaron defined family for us as “anyone who cares about you and operates with your best interests at heart.” Aaron immediately was able to see Cindy for who she was: caring, dependable, and devoted while showing enthusiasm, encouragement and support during every milestone or roadblock he faced. Aaron and Cindy’s relationship recognizes the opportunity to invest in one another and the impact of a relationship based on caring for one another. Cindy developed a practice where people felt comfortable and encouraged to ask for help in any field, such as related care or peer support.

We appreciate Aaron for sharing his memories of his time with Cindy, and we’re moved by the influence Cindy had on his life. Aaron reflects, “Fast forward: as of today, April 2024, I’m closing in on my 40th birthday. My wife and I have a son who is about two and a half years old, and in that two and a half years, nearly every single time I have walked with my son, around the block or around the backyard, I think of Cindy.”

If you would like to donate to the Cindy Miles Adaptive Fund, head to our donate page.

Resources

https://www.cindymilesfund.org/

https://www.kit.org/inclusion-in-playgrounds/