Pilates for Simon: A Journey of Hope and Strength

** Any extra raised funds will go directly to the Allard Family**

Dear Friends, Family, and Sun Prairie Community Members,

I hope this message finds you in good health and spirits. My name is Mackenzie Smith, and I'm reaching out to share a chapter of Simon’s, a member of Club Pilates Sun Prairie, life that has taken an unexpected turn. Originally from London, he came to the United States in 2002 to work at the University of Wisconsin Madison, with plans to return home after two years. However, fate had a different plan, leading him to meet the love of his life, Keri, in 2004. They married in 2005 and were blessed with twins, Henry and Victoria, in 2008.

Life, as we all know, can throw unexpected curveballs. On October 7, 2021, Simon received the devastating diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. ALS is a relentless adversary, robbing individuals of muscle control and, ultimately, life. Simon states that the diagnosis was a gut-wrenching moment, forcing him and his wife Keri to confront unimaginable decisions about their future. The progression of ALS has been relentless, affecting Simon’s limbs, hands, and voice. Tasks we often take for granted, like bathing or even lifting a finger, have become monumental challenges. The disease has forced him to confront the fragility of life and the importance of the support systems that surround him.

One of the unexpected rays of light in this journey has been Club Pilates. He started his Pilates journey five years ago at the Sun Prairie studio, and it quickly became a crucial part of his life. As ALS made group classes increasingly risky, the dedicated instructors at Club Pilates crafted a personalized program to help Simon maintain mobility and range of motion. “This has been a lifeline”, Simon claims, “allowing me to navigate the physical challenges posed by ALS with greater resilience.”

However, ALS is not only physically demanding but also financially draining. Medical expenses, home modifications, and the day-to-day challenges have taken a toll on their family’s resources. That's why we are reaching out to you, our cherished community, to ask for your support.

I am launching this GoFundMe campaign to ensure Simon can continue my Pilates classes for all of 2024, with it being a vital aspect of my physical and mental well-being. “The support from Club Pilates has been invaluable, providing not just exercise but also a therapeutic space and a sense of community. These classes have become a source of hope, joy, and something to look forward to amidst the challenges.” -Simon

Your contribution will not only help fund his ongoing Pilates classes but also assist with the financial burdens that come with battling ALS. Your generosity will enable Simon to maintain a semblance of normalcy, continue his fight against this relentless disease, and cherish the moments with his family. Together, let's make sure the light of Pilates continues to shine in Simon’s life, providing strength, joy, and a sense of normalcy in the face of ALS.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for considering and supporting Simon’s journey.

With gratitude,

Mackenzie, Simon, and our Pilates Family