About Halli

Halli has always been a leader in life and has committed 100% to whatever she does.  Among her many roles, she led the Women’s Victoria Squash League for many years, was President of ACTO (Association of Coach Training Organizations) and turned their focus to the important Equity and Inclusion work that is now in the mainstream.  At Accomplishment Coaching (AC) she served as Leader and Trainer, was a tireless participant in enrolling new students, and was COO (Chief Operations Officer) at AC as well.  She single-handedly opened the first Canadian AC Coaches training program and took responsibility for filling it to capacity several years in a row.  Whatever she sets her mind to, Halli does not stop until it’s done, and done exceptionally well.

This loyalty ethic is also evidenced in her commitment to friends and others who need her help.  Without hesitation, Halli has contributed substantial amounts of money to many friends who needed help for education, home-buying, starting businesses, etc.  She is a big YES to helping others accomplish their dreams.

 
What’s happened

First diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2000, Halli was quite lucky for many years.  While she experienced sensory symptoms (numbness in hands and feet, and the “MS hug” which feels like a tight band around your chest) she felt fortunate to retain her coordination, balance, and walking ability.  Halli substantially modified her diet 8 years ago and continued with exercise which helped her to manage her symptoms.  She and her doctors were pleased and hopeful that sensory issues would be the extent of it.  Until it wasn’t.

Halli experienced 2 major “MS flare ups” – one in 2017 and another in 2020.

Over the course of a few days she went from being able to walk to lunch in her training program to needing to have a ride, to using a cane or someone’s arm for balance.  Despite this, she continued to carry on all her duties and work, often dealing with debilitating fatigue.  Her students and co-leaders did their best to accommodate her, and she was struggling.

These flare ups compromised her balance, energy, and motor coordination. She struggles with walking, driving, writing, typing, and carrying things.  Her speech has been affected as she has difficulty pronouncing certain words.  It affects her ability to work and of course, severely limits her independence.  She now uses a walker to get around and is not stable without one.

Over the past 3 years, Halli has diligently searched for ways to heal her body.  She now works with a Naturopath and a Functional Medicine doctor whose treatments include lengthy detox protocols and expensive supplements.  Halli’s parents lovingly contributed to the Sooke DNRS (Dynamic Neural Retraining) program where she learned how to calm and redirect her limbic system response. She has done physical therapy, bought a PEMF Mat for cellular regeneration, Liz takes her to an adapted gym three days per week and she uses a stationary elliptical trainer for exercise.  She has continued to seek ways to restore her health.  All of these have been costly.  

 
Meet PoNS

Halli recently discovered a new treatment program specifically designed to address the nerve pathways in the brain and spinal column.  It’s called PoNS (Portable Neuro-Stimulation) and is based on the theory of neuroplasticity. It is approved by Health Canada for gait and balance for MS and traumatic brain injuries.  To check it out:  Click HERE     

This cutting-edge technology is not a cure for MS.  However, it provides a powerful remedy for Halli (and others) because it directly addresses her mobility and dexterity problems.  MS is a nerve communication issue: the signal from her brain to her limbs gets interrupted because the sheath around the nerves in her spinal column and brain are compromised. Although it is difficult and takes time, the PoNS protocol directly addresses balance and walking because the technology bypasses damaged nerves and the patient learns to literally re-wire the brain!   

There are many people who have experienced miraculous results using PoNS and Halli has spoken with several who have shared their positive results.  We have seen before-and-after videos and are convinced of the program’s effectiveness.  As one doctor put it “the results are astounding”.

There’s one catch.   The program is expensive. The initial 14-week program costs $20,000 for the equipment, practitioners, and doctors.  The ongoing treatment for the first year will require replacement equipment and a practitioner as well.  To fund the initial program and the first year we anticipate needing $33,000.

 
Your Support

Liz (Halli’s wife) and April (Halli’s good friend) started this GoFundMe page to raise the funds for the program so they can support Halli to make a difference in her quality of life NOW.  We have high hopes of her regaining her balance, energy, and ability to walk independently.  Our ask is that you contribute whatever you feel called to and to share this Go Fund Me campaign with others you know who might help. 

All donations, big or small are appreciated.  We are excited about the possibilities! 

 

Tracking Halli’s progress and updates for you

You get to come along for the journey!  We will be providing before-and-after videos and updates from Halli on her progress and success at Caring Bridge (subscribe to get updates)  HERE . You will be able to see her miraculous recovery, step by step.  You will be a BIG part of her support team; you can cheer her on.  Please know we are grateful to have your love and support.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Liz, Halli, and our friend April