Elissa's Physical Therapy Fund!!!

On June 25th,  2016, my world changed...let me expound...

Hi, my name is Elissa Hyman and for the past 33 years I've devoted myself to fitness, my passion. I've been blessed with a career that spanned from teaching in the 80's at the Jeff Martin Studio, the Molly Fox Studio, Steps and the Infamous Vertical Club as well as the Karen Voight Center in Los Angeles. 

In the 90's, I not only obtained my Master's Degree from Columbia University in Exercise Physiology, but I opened Elissa's Personal Best Gym, where I taught small group classes and I trained my personal training clients. The mission statement - 'Be Fit, Be Happy, Be Healthy, because exercise is about feeling and looking good'. There is no greater feeling than to see the joy in the eyes of your clients as their body changes or when your students walk out of class with big smiles.

Until 2010, I only taught small group at my gym, then I was asked to teach on Sunday's, a signature class of mine, 'Abs, Thighs and Buns', at Sports Club LA/NY on 61st.  How much fun   I had at 50 years old to be back teaching group fitness. The class evolved to an upper body class and my new fabulous employer became Equinox.  Sunday mornings were the start of my week for years. The devotion and loyalty of my students left me speechless, joyful and filled with thankfulness. What a wonderful way to start Sunday and my week.

Equinox, provides amazing classes and I kept myself up to date and fit by taking classes from Jeff Martin, Dara Spitalny, Cathy Thompson, Ashley Pierson, Linda Farrell to name a few.

On June 25, 2016, my lovely world came to an abrupt stop when at 7 AM I woke up, walked with difficulty 20 feet and collapsed, my legs were paralyzed.  I pulled myself across the floor up the stairs where I called one of my best friends to come over. She then called 911 and I was rushed to Lenox  Hill Hospital.

Upon examining me, and various MRI's an Orthopedic Spinal Surgeon told me that I had a herniated disc in my lumbar that was affecting the nerves that control bilateral movement and may crush my nerves if he did not  operate.  The doctor also felt there was something else going on and he was correct. Days after the surgery, the paralysis traveled upwards leaving me paralyzed from the chest down.  I spent 5 1/2 weeks at Lenox Hill, numerous tests were done, and the chair of Neurology was assigned to my case.  The diagnosis - Catastrophic Longitudinal Transverse Myelitis (Asymptomatic). Yes, I never knew I had a herniated disc, never experienced any back pain in my life, nor did I experience any back pain the week prior to waking up paralyzed.  I felt terrific. I even enjoyed a noon Pilates as well as a Barre Class.

I've been at Phelp's Acute Rehabilitation were I received Occupational and Physical Therapy from my Dream Team and I'm currently at the Stern Family Center for Extended Care  and Rehabilitation  where I am only receiving Occupational Therapy.  Physical Therapy was stopped because I reached all my goals according to insurance.  I really miss it. My next stop is the Terrance Cardinal Cooke Nursing Facility Manhatten.  I love my Physical and Occupational Therapy.  I've been blessed with amazing therapists.

Going forward there is not a guarantee I'll receive Physical Therapy  through Institutional Medicaid. Exercise is my passion and I've lived my dream for the past 33 years.  I'd love the opportunity with your help to continue to live my dream even in another format - therapy. Who knows what the future may bring with continued therapy - The NY Marathon :) .
Hugs and Kisses.....Elissa.....and many thanks.

P.S. - Please know that asking for help is not easy for me...with the persistence of my dear friends I am asking for help.  Just know that my gratitude is boundless.